A Chick Who Reads: February 2020

Thursday, February 27, 2020

Book Spotlight: KC Enders Sweet On You

Sweet On You

KC Enders

Everything is absolutely perfect for Layla Dupree thanks to her successful patisserie and Raleigh Jacobs isn’t happy with his temporary assignment in NYC. Find out what happens for these two neighbors when you mix together bubbly and grumbly. Readers will want to turn up the heat with this return to hometown romance from KC Enders. The 425 Madison series is back with season two and SWEET ON YOU is now live!

Only on Amazon + Read for FREE on Kindle Unlimited

Amazon ➝ https://amzn.to/3bHhI5n

Goodreads ➝ http://bit.ly/SOYKCEGR

Lyla Dupree

She’s a bubbly, sugary sweet pastry chef. Living her best life in the Big Apple. Luxury apartment. Successful patisserie. Everything is great–better than great. It's absolutely perfect.

Raleigh Jacobs

He’s grumbly and growly–and so very out of his element–working on a temporary assignment in NYC. He wants to do his job and get out. Back to the clean air in the mountains near Denver.

Throw them together.

Mix things up.

Turn up the heat and what you get is, quite simply, alarming.

After all, 425 Madison is the perfect place to fall in love.

Excerpt

The door next to me swings open, and a giant of lean muscle, scruffy cheeks, and deep dark brown scowling eyes steps out into the hallway, startling me.

With a really unladylike gasp, I stumble backward until my back hits the doorjamb. “Oh, I’m so sorry,” I squeak. “You scared me. Welcome. Kent emailed me that he’d sublet his place for a couple of months, though he didn’t tell me anything about you. Not that he needed to, I mean, it’s none of my business, really. I’m Lyla Dupree, it’s lovely to meet you.” I thrust my hand out to shake, but he just stares, so I let it fall back to my side.

I’m rambling, and I can’t seem to stop. It’s my thing when I’m nervous, but my roommate Sasha tells me it comes off as bubbly and kind of sweet. From the look on this guy’s face, though, I wonder if she’s just been blowing sunshine up my butt because he looks pissed. And that just makes me even more nervous, so the bubbly word vomit continues.

“You picked an amazing place to live while you’re here in the city. Where are you from? Somewhere out west, maybe? I mean, not that I know. I already told you that, so it’s just a guess, but with the flannel and the beanie…” Dear Jesus, now would be a perfect time for me to shut up. “Anyway, I just finished testing a new recipe, I’m a chef. I don’t know if Kent mentioned that when you talked about the sublet, but he should have. I mean, I do pastries, and my roommate Sasha does more of the real food. Oh my God, she makes the best mac and cheese, truly she’s amazing. Kent said it was a good thing he had to leave for this temporary assignment in London. Something about gaining weight if he lived next to us for too much longer. I don’t know, though, I think something might have happened between him and Sasha, you know? They both kind of started acting funny and then the next thing I know he’s taking a job in England for a year. But, whatever. Do you like sweets? Cakes, cookies, pastries? Any food allergies I should know about?”

And, cue uncomfortable silence.

Only on Amazon + Read for FREE on Kindle Unlimited

Amazon ➝ https://amzn.to/3bHhI5n

Author Info

Karin is a New York Girl living in a Midwest world. A connoisseur of great words, fine bourbon, and strong coffee, she’s married to the love of her life and is mother to two grown men, she is

proud to say can cook and clean up after themselves, and always open doors for the ladies (you’re welcome, world).

And when life gets a little too calm, she tends to adopt big old rescue dogs: short on brains, large on personality.

0Facebook ➝ https://www.facebook.com/kcewrites/

Twitter ➝ https://twitter.com/KCEnderswrites

Goodreads ➝ https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17142440.K_C_Enders

Amazon ➝ http://amzn.to/2yinoie
Instagram ➝ https://www.instagram.com/authorkcenders/

Newsletter ➝ https://www.subscribepage.com/b7y2f9

BookBub ➝ http://bit.ly/bookbubkce

Pinterest ➝ https://www.pinterest.com/kcenders0417/

About the 425 Madison Series

Welcome to 425 Madison Ave the perfect place to fall in love. Nine delicious romances set in fast-paced & sexy NYC just waiting for you to read.

This season will feature some new authors as well as some of season one's favs. Back for season two is Allie York, Leigh Lennon, MK Moore, Aubree Valentine, Lauren Helms, and Katy Ames. Plus a warm welcome to KC Enders, and Marcie Shumway!

Not only do we have a sexy mix of new and returning authors, prepare for pages packed with new romances, characters, and tropes all from the same well-loved high-rise apartment building in NYC.

Make sure to follow the 425 Madison Avenue Facebook page for more on release dates, cover reveals and author spotlights. For exclusive excerpts, giveaways, and news subscribe to our 425 Madison newsletter!

Facebook | Newsletter

Facebook ➝ https://www.facebook.com/425MadisonSeries

Newsletter ➝ http://eepurl.com/gaz8fL

Check out the Season One and get caught up today! You can read all nine books for FREE with Kindle Unlimited ➝ https://rebrand.ly/425MadisonAmz

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

425 Madison Book Review: Sweet On You

Sweet On You

KC Enders

Only on Amazon + Read for FREE on Kindle Unlimited

Amazon ➝ https://amzn.to/3bHhI5n

Goodreads ➝ http://bit.ly/SOYKCEGR

Lyla Dupree

She’s a bubbly, sugary sweet pastry chef. Living her best life in the Big Apple. Luxury apartment. Successful patisserie. Everything is great–better than great. It's absolutely perfect.

Raleigh Jacobs

He’s grumbly and growly–and so very out of his element–working on a temporary assignment in NYC. He wants to do his job and get out. Back to the clean air in the mountains near Denver.

Throw them together.

Mix things up.

Turn up the heat and what you get is, quite simply, alarming.

After all, 425 Madison is the perfect place to fall in love.

Excerpt

The door next to me swings open, and a giant of lean muscle, scruffy cheeks, and deep dark brown scowling eyes steps out into the hallway, startling me.

And, cue uncomfortable silence.

Only on Amazon + Read for FREE on Kindle Unlimited

Amazon ➝ https://amzn.to/3bHhI5n

Review: I discovered K C Enders last year so I was super excited to see her join in on the 425 Madison series. This book definitely was a winner for me. I love when food is involved in my fiction. So Lyla is definitely a winner in my book for favorite heroines, especially as her apartment smoke alarm doesn't seem to like her even though her treats are spectacular.

That's how she meets Raleigh. Raleigh is a single dad. I kinda love this trope all of a sudden. He's a grump. Both are bad at relationships but both seem to click together. About the only thing that always seems to accompany a single dad story is a bad mom. Bad mom's in stories make my heart hurt. I really wish there would be a story where the relationship just couldn't work out and mom wasn't a slut, who didn't give a crap about her child.

I'll stop griping about that though. These two had a strange coming together. They both had sparks, but a real relationship wasn't really looking to be in the cards. Raleigh was only in NYC temporarily

It was really when his crazy ex drops his son off at 425 Madison that he really gets close to Lyla. I love the scenes with her and his son.

The big city didn't mix well with Raleigh though and he makes a bad choice.

Here's where the story annoyed me a because a failed relationship sends Lyla back to Colorado, where Raleigh lives btw. I couldn't fathom having two bakeries one in Colorado and another in NYC, also I couldn't figure out how she just opened a new business right away. AKA running away from her problems when she had a great life and a wonderful place to live.

It seemed to happen way too quickly for me, but it did allow for Lyla and Raleigh to find each other again.

This was a sweet slow burn read and a good addition to my favorite series.

Rating: 5 flowers

Author Info

Karin is a New York Girl living in a Midwest world. A connoisseur of great words, fine bourbon, and strong coffee, she’s married to the love of her life and is mother to two grown men, she is proud to say can cook and clean up after themselves, and always open doors for the ladies (you’re welcome, world).

And when life gets a little too calm, she tends to adopt big old rescue dogs: short on brains, large on personality.

Facebook ➝ https://www.facebook.com/kcewrites/

Twitter ➝ https://twitter.com/KCEnderswrites

Goodreads ➝ https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17142440.K_C_Enders

Amazon ➝ http://amzn.to/2yinoie
Instagram ➝ https://www.instagram.com/authorkcenders/

Newsletter ➝ https://www.subscribepage.com/b7y2f9

BookBub ➝ http://bit.ly/bookbubkce

Pinterest ➝ https://www.pinterest.com/kcenders0417/

About the 425 Madison Series

Welcome to 425 Madison Ave the perfect place to fall in love. Nine delicious romances set in fast-paced & sexy NYC just waiting for you to read.

Not only do we have a sexy mix of new and returning authors, prepare for pages packed with new romances, characters, and tropes all from the same well-loved high-rise apartment building in NYC.

Facebook | Newsletter

Facebook ➝ https://www.facebook.com/425MadisonSeries

Newsletter ➝ http://eepurl.com/gaz8fL

Check out the Season One and get caught up today! You can read all nine books for FREE with Kindle Unlimited ➝ https://rebrand.ly/425MadisonAmz

This series and all promotional events are brought to you by Forever Write PR - Forever your source for all your writing needs. https://www.facebook.com/ForeverWritePR/

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Cover Reveal: Flawless Foundations

Flawless Foundations

Lauren Helms

We are super excited to share the cover for FLAWLESS FOUNDATIONS by Lauren Helms, the next book in the second season of 425 Madison Avenue. Check out this awesome cover for this must-read best friend’s sibling romance!

Title: Flawless Foundations

Author: Lauren Helms

Release Date: 3/9/20

Series: 425 Madison Ave, #15

Genres: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

Levi

It's no secret I was born from money. And I'm destined to take over the family business, King Cosmetics when my father retires.

At least that was the plan.

Until my father decided to impose some stupid rule about being married before I take the reigns. Everything I've worked for hangs in the balance and the future of the company is in jeopardy without a King behind the controls.

I never considered Becca part of the plan for taking over, but when one kiss leads to so much more, I can't help but wonder if she's the answer to my problem.

Becca

There are two things I love - my beauty blog and Levi King.

Coming from the same social circle has given me ample opportunity to crush on the next generation of King Cosmetics, but he made it clear a long time ago that I would never be anything more than "like family" to him.

Feeling the need for some serious changes in my life, I start shaking things up.

It wasn't part of my plan to kiss Levi, but one kiss could never be enough. When that kiss turns into a relationship and I find out that Levi's been keeping a secret, I begin to question if our love affair was too good to be true.

Looks like we're about to find out if we can truly build flawless foundations for the rest of our lives. After all 425 Madison is the perfect place to fall in love.

Add to Goodreads!

Goodreads → http://bit.ly/FFLHGR

About Lauren

Lauren Helms has forever been an avid reader from the beginning. After starting a book review website, that catapulted her fully into the book world, she knew that something was missing. Lauren decided to take the plunge and write her first novel. While working for a video game strategy guide publisher, she decided to mix what she knew best--video games and romance. She decided to take the plunge and joined NaNoWrimo and a month later, she had her first draft.

Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

Facebook: http://bit.ly/Facebook_LH

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/GoodR_LH

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2IqJ68N

BookBub: http://bit.ly/BookBub_LH

About the 425 Madison Series

Welcome to 425 Madison Ave the perfect place to fall in love. Nine delicious romances set in fast-paced & sexy NYC just waiting for you to read.

Not only do we have a sexy mix of new and returning authors, prepare for pages packed with new romances, characters, and tropes all from the same well-loved high-rise apartment building in NYC.

Facebook | Newsletter

Facebook ➝ https://www.facebook.com/425MadisonSeries

Newsletter ➝ http://eepurl.com/gaz8fL

Check out the Season One and get caught up today! You can read all nine books for FREE with Kindle Unlimited ➝ https://rebrand.ly/425MadisonAmz

This series and all promotional events are brought to you by Forever Write PR - Forever your source for all your writing needs. https://www.facebook.com/ForeverWritePR/

Tuesday, February 18, 2020

Historical Fiction Virtual Fiction Book Tours Book Review: A Rational Attachment

A Rational Attachment by Lauren Gilbert

Publication Date: December 26, 2019

AuthorHouse

Hardcover, Paperback, and eBook

Genre: Historical Fiction

The daughter of a wealthy business man in York, Anne Emmons knows her father wants her to marry well. Anne, however, has always dreamed of marrying for love. Set in the Regency period, Anne’s introduction to London Society is made difficult by her personal ambitions as well as her family’s lack of aristocratic connections. In time, Anne finds her way aided by family and friends and the surprising support of one of the Ton’s leading figures. Will she succeed in finding the love she desires, or will she settle for a marriage transaction?

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

Review: I love regency romance. This was the genre that I started reading when I graduated from middle grade books to adult books. (Yeah I did skip past YA..but the 80s weren't all that full of fabulous YA)

Anne is a daughter of a wealthy man, who unfortunately doesn't have any connections. This is a time when high born ladies don't marry for love. Marriages of Convenience are the norm, but Anne wants to marry for love.

This book really doesn't fit my idea of a romance though. There is no grand passion between Anne and Charles. This book is more a snapshot of regency life for a woman not to of the TON.

Anne is a bluestocking and the daughter of a wealthy man in trade. That sets her up for a lot issues with some members of society. She gets jabs here and there throughout the book, but she always manages to rise above.

That's probably the one flaw I found with this book. Although Anne certainly did have her insecurities, there was no real conflict. It was just a lovely day to day portrait of a young woman in regency England who was obviously ahead of her time in many of her thoughts.

I expected at times to find her debating of who to marry, but that wasn't the case, or her father arranging her to be wed. Again, not forthcoming. There were small dramas, just like most people's lives.

All in all, it was a lovely little read.

Rating: 5 flowers

About the Author

An avid reader, Lauren Gilbert has always dreamed of writing books, and has written all her life. She enjoys non-fiction (especially history) and fiction alike. Favorite authors include James Thomas Flexner, Alison Weir, Diana Gabaldon, Sharon Kay Penman, Agatha Christie, Dorothy Sayers, and, of course, Jane Austen. Lauren is a member of the Jane Austen Society of North America, and has delivered presentations for chapter meetings, as well as a break-out session at the 2011 JASNA Annual General Meeting. Now semi-retired after a career spanning almost 30 years, HEYERWOOD: A Novel is her first published novel. Another novel, A RATIONAL ATTACHMENT, has just been released and a non-fiction work is in process. Lauren is a contributor to the English Historical Fiction Authors blog, and has several articles in CASTLES, CUSTOMS, AND KINGS True Tales by English Historical Fiction Authors volumes 1 and 2. Lauren Gilbert lives in Florida with her husband.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Blog Tour Schedule
Monday, February 17
Review at Books and Zebras
Interview at Passages to the Past

Tuesday, February 18
Review at A Chick Who Reads

Wednesday, February 19
Review at YA, It's Lit

Thursday, February 20
Feature at I'm Into Books
Interview at Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen

Friday, February 21
Review at Gwendalyn's Books

Monday, February 24
Review at Passages to the Past

Giveaway
During the Blog Tour, we are giving away one eBook and one paperback copy of A Rational Attachment! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on February 24th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Paperback giveaway is to the US only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.

Monday, February 17, 2020

Forever Write PR Book Review: All Geek To Me

Title: All Geek To Me

Author: Allie York

Release Date: February 13, 2020

Publisher: self-published

Series: Words for Nerds #1

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Comedy

Synopsis:

I, Noralee Reynolds, lead the ultimate nerd life. I own a comic shop, have a great group of geeky friends to work with and wear a different cosplay every day. Since inheriting the family business I’ve had no time for a personal life of my own. Even if hosting a speed dating event makes me wish otherwise.

I, Wyatt Collins, lead a hectic life. As a single dad, I've only got time for two things - raising my son and being a cop. I wasn't looking to cuff myself to anyone. Then I crossed paths with a nerdy comic shop owner who made me think twice.

Things are great until a little self-doubt has Noralee wanting to run away.

Can Wyatt convince her that he can be her real-life superhero?

Buy Now or Read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited! Amazon → https://amzn.to/2TMFnuF Add to Goodreads Here! Goodreads → http://bit.ly/38yXLLX

Excerpt Copyright @ Allie York 2020

“I’ll speed date if you need me, but I’d rather not. You three are the ones who need to find men. Aren’t you lonely?” Greer hasn’t heard from Neal in four days and we all know it, but none of us have the heart to be mean to her about it. It’s not worth her heartbreak.

“Me? Lonely?” I look at all three of them. “I can’t get rid of any of you long enough to be lonely.”

“Oh whatever. I saw you fall all over that cop. Literally.” Tuesday tosses her hair over her shoulder.

“She isn’t wrong.” Greer gives me a look that says she’s on to me.

“No lies detected.” Rae pushes her glasses up on her nose with her forearm so her fingers can be used for whatever she’s playing on her phone.

“Oh! What if he comes to speed dating?” Tuesday straightens and grins like the Cheshire Cat.

“I can guarantee that he isn’t coming to speed dating at a comic shop.” I roll my eyes and lean to shut off the computer for the night. It’s almost closing time and everyone has cleared out except for a few lingering kids in the comic club. “There is no way he’s single,” I add stupidly. I should have just denied the fact that I think he is the hottest man I’ve seen outside a Marvel movie… or Aquaman.

“So, you admit that you want to check out what’s under that uniform?” Rae stops looking at her phone and blows another bubble.

Review: OK, this book took me to my happy place in romanceland. First of all its nice to see girls that are geeks in books. I'm so happy that this is a thing here. I love that Noralee loves Doctor Who too, because well..that's my think.

This book was super cute to infinity and beyond, for all the right reasons.

I love geeky girls.

And Wyatt was precious. I love that he is a good dad, son and cop...and oh is his little boy super precious!

Oh and Words For Nerds is just a place I want to go and hang out.

Allie created friends that you want to get to know better and I hope we do, with each book.

There were a few plot twists that didn't really go anywhere including the break ins that brought the two of them together, plus I would have loved to have really learned more about Wyatt and how the mother of his son is no longer part of his life, but the story was so cute and laugh out loud funny that these things were forgivable. Seriously, there were so many times I busted out laughing reading this book that it could have been embarrassing if I were in public!

This is a wonderful start to a new series! I can't wait for the next book!

Rating: 5 flowers

About the author

Allie is a mom, wife, and dog groomer by day. At night she is posted at her laptop writing or reading in a cozy corner. She has a soft spot for gooey romance, coffee, and anything cute and furry

Author Links:

Website: https://www.ayorkwrites.com/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/authorallieyork/
Twtter: https://twitter.com/AllieYorkWrites
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15726793.
Allie_York BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/allie-york
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ayorkwrites/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/AllieYorkAuthor/

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

425 Madison Book Review: His Last Ride

Release Tour for HIS LAST RIDE by Marcie Shumway
Powered by Forever Write PR

Title:His Last Ride
Author: Marcie Shumway
Buy: Amazon
Book Blurb:
Cody

She was my childhood friend. The one person outside of my family that I could always count on. Fate drew us apart, but when my life was turned upside down, it brought us back together.

And, much like when we were kids, she made it right again.

Payton had a way of soothing more than just the wounds that were skin deep.

There’s one small problem, I’m not sure that I want to be just her friend anymore.

Payton

He was my childhood friend. The one who always accepted me for me. For years, I didn’t realize my life was missing anything and, then Cody came back into it. Just like when we were kids, he brought all the pieces back together. He made me feel things I didn’t know I could feel. How can I be his friend when I want so much more?

I won’t be his buckle bunny. Adjusting to very different lives, Cody and Payton need to decide if what is between them is worth fighting for. From small towns to the big city, they’re not the same people they once were. Can a childhood friendship become so much more? Only time will tell. After all, 425 Madison is the perfect place to fall in love!

Review: I really love the 425 Madison series. Its introduced me to so many great authors, that I may never have given a chance to otherwise. This book is my introduction to Marcie Shumway.

His Last Ride is a childhood friends romance. This isn't a trope I usually read, but it worked out really well here. Its a quick, engaging read and the characters are so likable. I felt so bad for Cody as we see his career end at the start of the story. He was a rodeo star and injuries have forced him out of the circuit.

Oddly, I'm becoming a fan of cowboys these days. (Just a random observation) Oh and he's a cowboy from Maine. I love that even more, because most cowboys in romance come from Texas, so yay for something different.

Payton is a vet tech, who knew Cody from her summers at her grandmother's farm in Maine.

Awww

They are both in NYC now and well..things start happening for them. Squee! I really loved this book, with the exception of one part which really really spoiled an otherwise good read.

The death of a puppy. Yeah...Seriously, any book that uses an animal death to move a story along gets a thumbs down from me. That knocked a flower off my review, because I just couldn't wrap my head around the need for that. Also...having sex after the death of said puppy.

GAH! That made me angry. I'm giving it 4 flowers because I loved the characters and they were a sweet couple, truthfully though its more like 3.5, because of the puppy.

Rating: 4 flowers

Friday, February 7, 2020

Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours Book Review: Metropolis

Metropolis by Ellie Midwood

Publication Date: January 31, 2020

Paperback & eBook; 238 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

Weimar Berlin, 1924

Unemployed actors, profiteers, cabaret girls, and impoverished aristocracy – out of this wild set of characters populating Weimar Berlin, Margarete Gräfin von Steinhoff belongs to the latter category. Having lost everything due to hyper-inflation, she considers jumping into the freezing waters of the Spree rather than facing the humiliating existence shared by millions of her fellow Germans. However, a chance meeting makes her change her mind at the last moment and offers her a chance to rely on the help of the metropolis itself, where anything can be sold and bought for money and where connections are everything. The bustling nightlife of cosmopolitan Berlin, with its casinos and dance halls, brings good income for the ones who don’t burden themselves too heavily with morals.

After a New Year’s Eve party, Margot finally meets her ever-absent and mysterious neighbor, Paul Schneider, who makes a living by producing a certain type of film for his rich clientele. Under his guidance, Margot discovers a new passion of hers – photography and soon, her talents are noticed by the prominent newspaper, Berliner Tageblatt itself. But being an official photographer of the most celebrated events of the La Scala and most famous Berlin theaters no longer satisfies Margot’s ambitions. As soon as the chance presents itself for her to get involved with the cinematography on the set of "Metropolis" - the film with the highest budget ever produced by the UFA – Margot jumps at it, without thinking twice. At the same time, Paul becomes involved with a rival project, "The Holy Mountain," which stars an as yet unknown actress and an emerging director in, Leni Riefenstahl. As the two women meet, professional rivalry soon turns into a true friendship, fueled by their passion for cinematography. However, due to the economic woes facing Germany, both projects soon run out of money and now, both film crews must go to extreme lengths to save their respective productions.

Set against the backdrop of a decadent, vibrant, and fascinatingly liberal Weimar Berlin, "Metropolis" is a novel of survival, self-discovery, and self-sacrifice, in the name of art, love, and friendship.

Available on Amazon

Review: This was another amazing book for 2020. I love the time period that this book is set in. It is certainly not the best period of time especially for Germany.

Our two characters start out at the lowest point in their lives only to rise to some pretty heights. This book interested me because I read Marlene several years back and this period in film making, especially in Germany was very enthralling.

My only disappointment was Ernst. I wanted so badly for there to be a real relationship between him and Margot, but that was not to be, and he disappeared into Communist Russia. I'm always a champion for the underdog and he was the perfect sweet guy, who did so much for Margot, and I'm not sure how much she appreciated it.

It was the photographer, Paul who was for Margot. There relationship was a quiet one, that you didn't quite seem like it was there, until the end of the book, but I liked that it was almost unrequited love, because neither of them wanted to declare themselves, it let Margot develop as a woman and she was really remarkable.

I loved how she was anti-Nazi, and though the book had ended, I was left wondering if Margot and Paul would leave Germany for America and Hollywood to continue their film making. Also, this boo left me longing to see Metropolis!

This book was amazing and it is a book you can devour quite quickly.

This was an absolutely stunning book that is a must read for anyone that loves historical fiction, especially if you've read books by C.W. Gortner.

Rating: 5 flowers

About the Author

Ellie Midwood is a USA Today bestselling and award-winning historical fiction author. She owes her interest in the history of the Second World War to her grandfather, Junior Sergeant in the 2nd Guards Tank Army of the First Belorussian Front, who began telling her about his experiences on the frontline when she was a young girl. Growing up, her interest in history only deepened and transformed from reading about the war to writing about it. After obtaining her BA in Linguistics, Ellie decided to make writing her full-time career and began working on her first full-length historical novel, "The Girl from Berlin." Ellie is continuously enriching her library with new research material and feeds her passion for WWII and Holocaust history by collecting rare memorabilia and documents.

In her free time, Ellie is a health-obsessed yoga enthusiast, neat freak, adventurer, Nazi Germany history expert, polyglot, philosopher, a proud Jew, and a doggie mama. Ellie lives in New York with her fiancé and their Chihuahua named Shark Bait.

For more information on Ellie and her novels, please visit her website. You can also find her on Facebook, Amazon, and Goodreads.

Blog Tour Schedule
Friday, January 31
Review at Passages to the Past
Feature at View from the Birdhouse

Monday, February 3
Review at Broken Teepee
Review at Jorie Loves a Story

Tuesday, February 4
Feature at Comet Readings

Wednesday, February 5
Review at Gwendalyn's Books

Friday, February 7
Review at A Chick Who Reads

Saturday, February 8
Excerpt at Robin Loves Reading

Wednesday, February 12
Review at Books and Zebras
Excerpt at Chicks, Rogues and Scandals

Thursday, February 13
Review & Guest Post at Tales from the Book Dragon

Friday, February 14
Review at Clarissa Reads it All
Feature at I'm All About Books

Sunday, February 16
Review at Reading is My Remedy

Monday, February 17
Review at Nurse Bookie

Wednesday, February 19
Review at Historical Graffiti

Thursday, February 20
Review at Books In Their Natural Habitat

Friday, February 21
Review at YA, It's Lit
Review at CelticLady's Reviews

Giveaway
During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a paperback copy of Metropolis! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on February 21st. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Giveaway is open to the US only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.

Thursday, February 6, 2020

Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tour Book Review: About An Earl

About an Earl by Diana Lloyd

Publication Date: January 27, 2020

Entangled Publishing LLC (Amara)

ebook, 400 pages

Series: What Happens in the Ballroom, Book Two

Genre: Historical Romance

An outsider at her first English ball, Jewel is fascinated with the beautiful dresses and the lovely dancing, but she’s vowed to save the Earl of Winchcombe from her cousin’s marriage trap. When she first glimpses the handsome lord, her heart beats faster. As they plan to thwart her cousin’s machinations, she discovers a kindred spirit in Oliver—even if he’s a peer and she’s a lowly colonist. Caught kissing the earl, the ball ends in disaster and Jewel’s displeased uncle whisks her away to Scotland..

Lord Scar, as the ton calls Oliver, would rather be anywhere than at a godforsaken masquerade ball and when he learns from the free-spirited colonist about the nefarious marriage plan, he grudgingly accepts her help. Jewel intrigues him and sets his heart racing. Yet, when the ball is over and the mask is off--Oliver curses the scar that will send her screaming away.

When her uncle banishes her, Oliver comes to her rescue by offering Jewel his hand in marriage. She agrees, despite his disfigurement. But what’s a beastly lord like him to do with such a beautiful wife--especially when he discovers she’s delightfully saucy?

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Review: I've been reading more and more historical romance again. This book was set in 1775 which is a time period I don't usually visit,

I had mixed feelings about this book though. For one. historical romance always seem to be chunkers and find that it affects the story. This book could have been better had it been a little shorter. The story is really cute, with Jewel set on saving Oliver from her cousin's trap.

I warmed more to Oliver than Jewel, but I always lean toward the underdog, and Oliver had that whole Beast/Phantom thing going on with his scar. The scar is played up upon quite a bit, but no one seems to run from him when he is in public, so it makes me wonder a bit.

What bogs this story down is the mystery or mysteries that are going on. Someone wants to prevent Oliver from taking his place in the House of Lords. Then there's the matter of funds that are supposed to be Jewel's.

Are these things tied together? Well you have to read the book to learn that answer. That was the part that got complicated and the budding love between Jewel and Oliver makes things a little less exciting for me, mostly because the love seems to be...Oh she can gaze at my horrible face and she's so beautiful, I must love her kind of thing. I often wish writers would create characters that have a common ground besides sex or basic attraction. Having crappy parents isn't a reason to fall in love, either, but that's another part of the story.

Jewel's dad was a bit neglectful. I'm not sure that he was unloving, but just not present and not thinking clearly when he sent her across the pond without any knowledge of what was really going on.

For the most part, the story is an enjoyable one, but then it started coming apart for me.

I loved the author's writing style and her characters were good, though like I said I was more an Oliver fan because he got my sympathy early on.

This could have been a 5 flower book, but when the mystery wrapped up and the day was saved both for Oliver and Jewel, things went on.

ARGH!

If you are setting up a continuation of the story, I can understand going on, but that wasn't the case here. The HEA should have happened, story done.

Still if you enjoy a good historical romance that's just a little bit spicy. (This isn't a bodice ripper) This is really a good read.

Rating: 4 flowers

About the Author
Diana Lloyd, mother of gingers, lives in the state shaped like a mitten. Diana has loved books since she first ate one and appreciated them even more once she learned to read. Enjoying an occasional tumble down the rabbit hole of research, Diana writes historical romance by mixing equal parts History, Heart, and Humor. A 2017 RWA Golden Heart finalist with HOW TO TRAIN YOUR BARON, Diana is anxiously awaiting the publication of book two ABOUT AN EARL and book three LAST LORD STANDING in the "What Happens in the Ballroom" series.

To stay up to date on all of Diana's projects, visit her website. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, BookBub, and Goodreads.

Blog Tour Schedule
Monday, January 27
Review at Rose is Reading

Tuesday, January 28
Review at Historical Romance Lover

Wednesday, January 29
Interview at Passages to the Past

Thursday, January 30
Review at Gwendalyn's Books

Friday, January 31
Feature at I'm Into Books
Review at Historical Graffiti

Monday, February 3
Review at Unabridged Chick

Wednesday, February 5
Feature at Donna's Book Blog

Thursday, February 6
Review at A Chick Who Reads
Excerpt at Books In Their Natural Habitat

Friday, February 7
Review at Locks, Hooks and Books

Saturday, February 8
Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Sunday, February 9
Feature at YA, It's Lit

Monday, February 10
Review at Robin Loves Reading

Giveaway
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