HFV Book Tours Book Review: His Castilian Hawk

 

His Castilian Hawk by Anna Belfrage

Publication Date: September 28, 2020

Troubador Publishing

Genre: Historical Fiction

For bastard-born Robert FitzStephan, being given Eleanor d’Outremer in marriage is an honour. For Eleanor, this forced wedding is anything but a fairy tale.

Robert FitzStephan has served Edward Longshanks loyally since the age of twelve. Now he is riding with his king to once and for all bring Wales under English control.

Eleanor d’Outremer—Noor to family—lost her Castilian mother as a child and is left entirely alone when her father and brother are killed. When ordered to wed the unknown Robert FitzStephan, she has no choice but to comply.

Two strangers in a marriage bed is not easy. Things are further complicated by Noor’s blood-ties to the Welsh princes and by covetous Edith who has warmed Robert’s bed for years.

Robert’s new wife may be young and innocent, but he is soon to discover that not only is she spirited and proud, she is also brave. Because when Wales lies gasping and Edward I exacts terrible justice on the last prince and his children, Noor is determined to save at least one member of the House of Aberffraw from the English king.

Will years of ingrained service have Robert standing with his king or will he follow his heart and protect his wife, his beautiful and fierce Castilian hawk?

Available on Amazon

Review:  Anna Belfrage is one of those authors that I always go to when I want a book that I know I'll enjoy. I also usually need quite a bit of time to read them, because Anna Belfrage is the Queen of chonky books. I think I say this every time I read one of her books too

She always weaves perfect stories of history and fiction. In this one we go back to the time of Edward Longshanks with one of his loyal subjects and an arranged marriage that grows into so much more.

Robert and Noor have a wonderful love story, and it really becomes that. I loved the two of them, and their marriage faced so many struggles to become what it was, a true love match.

Robert had a mistress, Edith who is evil personified. I don't think I've ever read a book where I've hated a character so much.  Even if you aren't prone to having emotions towards characters, YOU WILL HATE HER and all those that surround her. Let me tell you you will spend a lot of time in this book hating her, because she's not dealt with until close to the end.

Then there's Noor. I love her. She's strong. She's driven by her heart which often gets her in trouble and she fights for what is hers.

I love the dynamics of this story. Its so much a family saga in some ways, with Robert's family and even with the things we learn about Noor's family, especially in relation to the Queen.

I loved so much about this book, because you get political aspect of the time, but you also get the court aspects and dramas surrounding King Edward and Queen Eleanor.

Its amazing reading really.

My only gripe was what happened to Noor's dog. I will say in most books...what happened would have been a deal breaker. I would have set the book down and never moved on, but I had to keep pressing on.

As always Anna leaves you wanting more and thankfully this is the start of a new series, so we can be guaranteed just that.

Rating: 5 flowers

About the Author

Had Anna been allowed to choose, she’d have become a time-traveller. As this was impossible, she became a financial professional with two absorbing interests: history and writing. Anna has authored the acclaimed time travelling series The Graham Saga, set in 17th century Scotland and Maryland, as well as the equally acclaimed medieval series The King’s Greatest Enemy which is set in 14th century England.

More recently, Anna has published The Wanderer, a fast-paced contemporary romantic suspense trilogy with paranormal and time-slip ingredients. While she loved stepping out of her comfort zone (and will likely do so again ) she is delighted to be back in medieval times in her September 2020 release, His Castilian Hawk. Set against the complications of Edward I’s invasion of Wales, His Castilian Hawk is a story of loyalty, integrity—and love.

Find out more about Anna on her website or on her Amazon page. You can also follow her on Facebook or Twitter.

Blog Tour Schedule

Saturday, October 24
Review at Pursuing Stacie

Monday, October 26
Excerpt at Coffee and Ink

Tuesday, October 27
Review at Rajiv's Reviews

Wednesday, October 28
Guest Post at Novels Alive

Friday, October 30
Excerpt at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Sunday, November 1
Interview at Reader_ceygo

Tuesday, November 3
Review at YA, It's Lit

Wednesday, November 4
Excerpt at What Is That Book About

Friday, November 6
Review at Passages to the Past

Monday, November 9
Excerpt at I'm Into Books

Tuesday, November 10
Review at A Chick Who Reads

Thursday, November 12
Excerpt at Chicks, Rogues, and Scandals

Monday, November 16
Review at Reader_ceygo
Review at Just One More Chapter

Tuesday, November 17
Review at Books and Zebras

Wednesday, November 18
Review at Novels Alive

Thursday, November 19
Review at Books, Cooks, Looks

Friday, November 20
Feature at The Lit Bitch
Review at Bookramblings
Interview at Books & Benches

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away two paperback copies of His Castilian Hawk! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

The giveaway is open internationally and ends on November 20th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

Castilian Hawk

Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours Book Review: Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey

Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey by Abigail Wilson

Publication Date: May 26, 2020

Thomas Nelson

Paperback & eBook; 336 Pages

Genre: Historical/Regency/Christian

In this new Regency romance, Elizabeth knows she must protect her heart from the charm of her new husband, Lord Torrington. She is not, however, prepared to protect her life. When the widowed Lord Torrington agreed to spy for the crown, he never planned to impersonate a highwayman, let alone rob the wrong carriage. Stranded on the road with an unconscious young woman, he is forced to propose marriage to protect his identity and her reputation, as well as his dangerous mission. Trapped not only by her duty to her country but also by her limited options as an unwed mother, Miss Elizabeth Cantrell and her infant son are whisked away to Middlecrest Abbey by none other than the elder brother of her son’s absent father. There she is met by Torrington’s beautiful grown daughters, a vicious murderer, and an urgent hunt for the missing intelligence that could turn the war with France. Meanwhile she must convince everyone that her marriage is a genuine love match if her new husband has any hope of uncovering the enemy. Determined to keep her son’s true identity a secret, Elizabeth will need to remain one step ahead of her fragile heart, her uncertain future, and the relentless fiend bent on her new family’s ruin.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

Review: I want to take a few minutes so just gush about that gorgeous cover, just because it is so flipping beautiful!!!

I have to also add, I love the Regency period. The first adult romances I read were Candlelight Regencies, that I stole off my mama.

This is a wonderful book to escape away from the troubles of the modern world, which is just what I needed, especially as reading as been a challenge for me lately. Adrian and Elizabeth are two wonderful characters. I love that Elizabeth is an unwed mother. It gives a different spin on this genre. Both are keeping secrets from the other as they enter into a marriage of convenience. Elizabeth's secret is a bit more tricky, though not at all dastardly.

If you are expecting a hearts and flowers romance, this is not the book for you. This is really a wonderful regency mystery. The affection that grows between Adrain and Elizabeth as a result of their quicky marriage is more an after thought.

Upon arriving at Middlecrest, Adrian's eldest daughter suffers the loss of her fiance, which turns out to be more than a simple accident.

The story takes off from there as Elizabeth's relationship with Adrian and his two grown daughters, changes and grows. The dynamic of this story was perfect, as Adrain's daughters treat her as you would expect them to treat a step mama.

The ending was a bit of a shocker for me, though I think I saw it coming at some point.

It definitely was a very satisfying read for lovers of regency era fiction and mysteries.

Rating: 5 flowers

About the Author

Abigail Wilson combines her passion for Regency England with intrigue and adventure to pen historical mysteries with a heart. A registered nurse, chai tea addict, and mother of two crazy kids, Abigail fills her spare time hiking the national parks, attending her daughter’s gymnastic meets, and curling up with a great book. In 2017, Abigail won WisRWA’s Fab Five contest and in 2016, ACFW’s First Impressions contest as well as placing as a 2017 finalist in the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. She is a cum laude graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and currently lives in Dripping Springs, Texas, with her husband and children.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, May 26 Review at Bitch Bookshelf Review at The Green Mockingbird Wednesday, May 27 Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit Thursday, May 28 Review at Gwendalyn's Books Friday, May 29 Review at Heidi Reads Review at Amy's Booket List Saturday, May 30 Feature at Journey in Bookland Feature at What Is That Book About Sunday, May 31 Review & Excerpt at Robin Loves Reading Monday, June 1 Review at Probably at the Library Interview at Jorie Loves A Story Tuesday, June 2 Feature at I'm All About Books Feature at Just One More Chapter Wednesday, June 3 Review at Rhodie Girl Reads Review at Rejoice in Reading Thursday, June 4 Review at Jessica Belmont Review at A Chick Who Reads Friday, June 5 Review at View from the Birdhouse Review at Foals, Fiction and Filigree

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away 5 paperback copies of Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey! To enter, please use the Gleam form below. Giveaway Rules – Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on June 5th. You must be 18 or older to enter. – Paperback 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. Middlecrest Abbey

Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours: Tales of Ming Courtesans

Tales of Ming Courtesans by Alice Poon

Publication Date: June 1, 2020

Earnshaw Books

Paperback; 354 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction
Synopsis:

From the author of The Green Phoenix comes a riveting tale of female friendship, honor, and sacrifice for love, set in 17th Century China and featuring the intertwined stories of three of the era's most renowned courtesans, escorts skilled in music, poetry and painting who could decide themselves whether or not to offer patrons bed favors.

Inspired by literary works and folklore, Tales of Ming Courtesans traces the destinies of the three girls from the seamy world of human trafficking and slavery to the cultured scene of the famously decadent pleasure district of the city of Nanjing, evoking episodes in Memoirs of a Geisha.

The girls all existed - Rushi was a famous poet, Yuanyuan became the concubine of a general who changed the course of Chinese history by supporting the Manchu invasion in 1644 and Xiangjun challenged the corruption of court officials to try to save her lover. Rushi's daughter, Jingjing, gradually pieces together the stories of the three from a memoir left to her by her mother.

Betrayal, tenacity and hope all come together in a novel that brings to life an important era in China's history, and particularly highlights the challenges faced by independent-minded women.

Amazon |Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

Praise for Tales of Ming Courtesans
"In Tales of Ming Courtesans, Alice Poon masterfully brings to life three fascinating women who had a lasting impact on China's culture and history. This beautiful telling of their turbulent lives and devoted friendship is a reverential testament to their memories." - Kelli Estes, bestselling author of The Girl Who Wrote in Silk

"Tales of Ming Courtesans is a poignant and captivating exploration of the lives of three extraordinary women.... Ultimately an enduring tale of the power of sisterhood and the bonds between women." - Jeannie Lin, USA Today bestselling author of The Lotus Palace

"Tales of Ming Courtesans is a brilliant, 'own voices' alternative to Memoirs of a Geisha....An exquisite reading experience. Highly, highly recommended." - M. H. Boroson, author of The Girl With Ghost Eyes

"Alice Poon's excellent Tales of Ming Courtesans follows the intertwined lives of three seventeenth-century courtesans..... Poon's real achievement is to create believable depth to her characters' known histories....She has clearly written Tales from the heart." - David Leffman, author of The Mercenary

About the Author
Born and raised in Hong Kong, Alice Poon steeped herself in Chinese poetry and history, Jin Yong’s martial arts novels and English Literature in her school days. This early immersion has inspired her creative writing.

Always fascinated with iconic but unsung women in Chinese history and legends, she cherishes a dream of bringing them to the page.

Her new historical novel Tales of Ming Courtesans will be released by Earnshaw Books on June 1, 2020.

She is the author of The Green Phoenix and the bestselling and award-winning non-fiction title Land and the Ruling Class in Hong Kong. She now lives in Vancouver, Canada and devotes her time to writing historical Chinese fiction.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

Review:  Years ago I read Snow Flower and the Secret Fan with a friend who was reading it for her book club. I loved it.

Tales of the Ming Courtesans ranks right up there was that book for me. Like that book, I was instantly pulled into the story and the trials and triumphs of the characters and they do have both and like Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, the lives of the characters are filled with much heartache. In fact, I'd say most of these women spent more time down than up. Such was the case of women in China during that time period.

The things that happened to Rushi, Yuanyuan and Xiangjun will hurt your heart. Yet their friendship is what helps them rise up.

The ending was not as I thought when it came to Liu Rushi's daughter and her paternity.

Its a story to be read at a leisurely pace. Each word should be savored though you will want to devour them.

This was a perfect change of pace read for me as I had been reading more than my share of new adult fiction lately. It was great to go back in time for a "meatier" story, one that made me think.



Rating: 5 flowers

Blog Tour Schedule
Monday, May 25
Excerpt at Journey in Bookland
Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Tuesday, May 26
Review at Gwendalyn's Books

Wednesday, May 27
Review at 100 Pages a Day

Friday, May 29
Review at Reader then Blogger

Monday, June 1
Review at A Chick Who Reads

Wednesday, June 3
Guest Post at Chicks, Rogues and Scandals

Friday, June 5
Review at YA, it's Lit

Monday, June 8
Interview at Passages to the Past

Wednesday, June 10
Feature at What Is That Book About

Friday, June 12
Review at Passages to the Past

Giveaway
During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a copy of Tales from Ming Courtesans! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on June 12th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Paperback 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.

Tales of Ming Courtesans

Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours Book Review: The Ruin of Evangaline Jones

The Ruin of Evangaline Jones by Julia Bennet

Publication Date: April 27, 2020

Entangled Publishing/Amara

Series: Harcastle Inheritance, Book 2

Genre: Historical Romance/Victorian

Alex Stanton just inherited a dukedom but his true passion is uncovering charlatans and frauds wherever he finds them. Spiritualist and medium Evangeline “Evie” Jones is the biggest fake of all and he’s determined to expose her lies for all of London to see. Her prim manner and ladylike airs don’t fool him. He sees the hunger beneath and recognizes a worthy opponent. He can’t deny the dark undercurrents of lust between them.

Evie worked her way up from the gutter and she’s not about to abandon the life she’s built for fear of this aristocratic dilettante. She knows his type. She sees the attraction simmering beneath his animosity, and she knows how to use it to keep him off balance. They strike a bargain. He has one week to prove she’s a fake. If he fails, he has to abandon all further attempts. If he succeeds, she’ll not only retire but make a public statement explaining all her tricks.

Neither expects to find anything in common, not to mention anything to love, in the other. Both are blindsided by the affinity and blossoming tenderness between them. But even if it were possible for a lowly charlatan to live happily ever after with a duke, more is going on than either suspects. Someone else has brought them together for a sinister purpose of his own.

Available on Amazon

Review: Historical romance is one of my favorite genres and I love finding stories that are a little bit different. Granted this one had the main character being a duke. Lord, there just aren't that many dukes out there, but I understand in romance fantasy land all handsome main male characters are dukes, just as in contemporary romance they are all billionaires.

This story is great mixture of romance and suspense, at least for the first part. I found the last half dragged a bit. OK it dragged a lot.

The story is set in 1888 and our hero is a duke that enjoys exposing mediums and the like as frauds. So you can only guess what Evie is? I loved the seances and whatnot that Alex was out to expose.

However once you get to middle of the book where, a good portion of Evie's job isn't as important, well the book loses something. It switches focus to the man who shaped Evie into the charlatan that she is.

It makes the story interesting but it also takes so long to get to fruition, and in between its just a whole lot of sex with Alex and Evie and their romance isn't very exciting, because they are really a couple that shouldn't be.

The way the get their HEA was unique though. I won't give it away because it really is different for a historical romance.

This book is part of a series, but is definite able to be read as a stand alone.

Both main characters were interesting, though I almost wish they would have remain friends because their romance was the lackluster part. However I loved getting to know Alex's sister Helen, and I will definitely go back and read her book, which was the first in the series.

Definitely recommended!

Rating: 4 flowers

About the Author


Julia writes historical romance with passion, intrigue, dark humor and the occasional animal sidekick. A tea-sodden English woman, she’s the only girl in a house of boys and yearns for all things pink and fluffy. Before she began writing, she spent many years searching for something to do with her English Literature degree. Nothing satisfied her until she decided to commit the stories in her head to paper. These days, if she isn’t writing, she’s probably reading everything she can get her hands on, spending time with her boys or procrastinating on the internet.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

Blog Tour Schedule
Monday, April 27
Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Tuesday, April 28
Review at SplendeurCaisse
Excerpt at Books in their Natural Habitat

Wednesday, April 29
Feature at Let Them Read Books

Thursday, April 30
Review at Bitch Bookshelf

Friday, May 1
Excerpt at Probably at the Library

Saturday, May 2
Feature at Reading is My Remedy

Monday, May 4
Review at Gwendalyn's Books

Thursday, May 7
Review at Never Too Many To Read
Feature at Just One More Chapter

Friday, May 8
Review at A Chick Who Reads

Monday, May 11
Feature at I'm All About Books

Tuesday, May 12
Review at Books2lovenow

Giveaway
During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a $10 Amazon Gift Card! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on May 12th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Paperback 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.

Evangeline Jones

Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours Book Review: The Baroness of New York

The Baroness of New York by Anya Silverthorne

Publication Date: May 1, 2020

Platen Press

Genre: Historical Romance/Victorian

Book Blurb:

Baroness Adele von Mueller learns the sweetest love is forbidden....

Baroness Adele von Mueller

It's 1903 and free-spirited 18-year-old Baroness Adele von Mueller has just arrived to live with her spinster aunt in New York City. After a previous impropriety tarnishes her reputation with the German nobility, her father sends her overseas to give her one last chance to marry into money and save the family's name. Instead, Adele finds herself falling for charming and wickedly handsome Nick Mason, the foreman of a paper factory, who is as gorgeous as he is poor. As family secrets are revealed, Adele learns there's much more riding on her marrying wealthy than just keeping the family's name...

Nick Mason

Nick Mason has a habit of falling in love with every girl he sees. An orphan, former newspaper seller and now a foreman at a paper mill, he's nursing a bruised heart after being dumped by a laundry girl. But when he meets Baroness Adele disguised on a night out as a maid in her family's house, he knows right away there's something different about her. Once she reveals her true identity, he's even more intrigued. Nick has fallen for white women before, but never one so wealthy, and never one he knew he couldn't live without. With most people firmly against their love, he must visit her in secrecy to make their romance blossom.

Nick and Adele must stand up to a society and a family that won't accept their love for what it is: true and enduring. Can they withstand the storm, or will they be forced apart by a deck that's stacked against them in this steamy Victorian romance?

This historical interracial romance/Victorian romance novel marks Anya Silverthorne's debut.

Available on Amazon

Review:  The premise of The Baroness of New York really intrigued me. I'm always looking for something different when it comes to romance and definitely so with historical romance. The plots can be so similar.  This book caught my eye instantly and I'm so glad I read it.

Victorian period! Interracial romance! (Ok, I will point out this is more Edwardian if it were set in England..but its still a prudish time frame in some areas m'kay).

Yeah, that peaked my interest, because its something you don't see a lot of in any romance really but to put in in the early 1900s in NY?

Count me in on this one.  Even though the class issue bothered me much like it did (and why I could never get into) Titanic.

It is a steamy...ok at times sizzling read and definitely worth getting invested in, especially as its part of a series.

Oh and can you say, "love triangle." Yeah we get one of those, and though this isn't my favorite trope for a book, I loved the differences in the two men. And yes, I was cheering for one of over the other.

However there are some glaring errors in research here that made me go hmm. Though its not referenced as such Adele performs the Heimlich maneuver. The man that invented it wasn't born until 1920. Oh and Olds Theodore drove, probably wouldn't have seated 4 people, at least if it were the Curved Dash, which was popular at the time.

Oh and can I just say,  cliffhanger? I normally don't go in for endings like that, because I have a tendency to miss books, but I don't think I will with this one!

I devoured this book like a good bag of Hershey's kisses and now I'm clamoring for more and I have to wait til Christmas to see what's going to happen. ARGH!

Rating: 4 flowers

About the Author
Anya Silverthorne makes her debut with The Baroness of New York. She enjoys writing fiction about the late Victorian and early Edwardian era. In "real life," she is a historian of a completely different time period.

Follow her on social media to stay connected, and up-to-date with new releases, giveaways, and more.

Instagram: @anyasilverthorne
Twitter: @anyasilverthorn
Facebook: @anyasilverthorne

Want news delivered straight to your inbox? Join her mailing list.

Blog Tour Schedule
Friday, May 1
Review at Passages to the Past

Sunday, May 3
Review at Carole Rae's Random Ramblings

Monday, May 4
Review at A Chick Who Reads

Tuesday, May 5
Review at Bitch Bookshelf
Excerpt at I'm All About Books

Wednesday, May 6
Excerpt at What Is That Book About

Thursday, May 7
Review at Mommy In Color

Friday, May 8
Review at Gwendalyn's Books

Sunday, May 10
Guest Post at A Darn Good Read

Monday, May 11
Review at YA, It's Lit

Tuesday, May 12
Excerpt at Donna's Book Blog

Wednesday, May 13
Review at Books and Zebras

Thursday, May 14
Guest Post at To Read, Or Not to Read

Friday, May 15
Feature at Chicks, Rogues and Scandals

Monday, May 18
Interview at Passages to the Past

Thursday, May 21
Review at Books in their Natural Habitat

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

Giveaway Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on May 21st. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Paperback 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.

Baroness of New York

Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours Book Review: Wild, Wild Rake

Wild, Wild Rake by Janna MacGregor

Publication Date: February 25, 2020

St. Martin's Press

eBook & Paperback; 368 Pages

Series: The Cavensham Heiresses, Book #6

Genre: Historical Romance

Her first marriage was an epic fail. Lady Avalon Warwyk never did love her husband. Arrogant, selfish, and cruel, it’s a blessing when she’s widowed and left to raise her son all by herself. Finally, Avalon can live freely and do the work she loves: helping fallen women become businesswomen. She’s lived these past ten years with no desire to remarry―that is, until Mr. Devan Farris comes to town. Can he convince her to take another chance at happily ever after? Devan Farris―charming vicar, reputed rake, and the brother of Avalon’s son’s guardian―is reluctantly sent to town to keep tabs on Avalon and her son. Devan wishes he didn’t have to meddle in her affairs; he’s not one to trod on a woman’s independent nature and keen sense of convictions. But she’ll have nothing to do with vicar with a wild reputation―even though he’s never given his heart and body to another. If only he could find a way to show Avalon who he really is on the inside―a good, true soul looking for its other half. But how can prove that he wants to love and care for her...until death do they part?

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

Praise for the Cavensham Heiresses Series

“Full-bodied romance…with intelligence and heart.”―New York Times bestselling author Cathy Maxwell “Sparkling…MacGregor brings England’s Regency era to life.” ―Publishers Weekly “Beautifully defined, exceptionally appealing.” ―Booklist (starred review) on The Bad Luck Bride

About the Author

Janna MacGregor was born and raised in the bootheel of Missouri. She credits her darling mom for introducing her to the happily-ever-after world of romance novels. Janna writes stories where compelling and powerful heroines meet and fall in love with their equally matched heroes. She is the mother of triplets and lives in Kansas City with her very own dashing rogue, and two smug, but not surprisingly, perfect pugs.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | BookBub | Instagram | Goodreads

Review: Its hard to think of a rake as a vicar, but in the case of Wild Wild Rake that's the case. I loved Avalon and Devan, though there were times when I wanted to shake them both, especially Devan at the very beginning.

Both of them were guilty of making assumptions about the other without any real knowledge.

Avalon had a bad first marriage. Devan thought she jilted his friend, without knowing the truth.

What I liked was they did give each other a chance. I liked the amount of conversations that these two had. That is something that you don't often see in any romance let alone a historical romance.

This story is the perfect example of how things aren't always what they seem.

Both Avalon and Devan had preconceived notions about the other that were wrong.  The misconception about Devan is the most amusing, but I won't say anymore, because well, SPOILERS!

I've never read any of the Cavensham Heiresses series until now, and I definitely want to go back and read some, as I enjoyed Janna's writing style.

Both characters were very easy to like, though it was Devan that really won my heart. I also adored Thane, Avalon's son.

The only gripe I had with the book was the ending. I would have preferred the conflict that came at the end, or drama, rather, to really have something to do with Devan and Avalon, instead it felt like something that was happening just for the sake of conflict and it didn't seem right to me, even though the one character involved did stir up trouble earlier.

Overall a good read for fans of historical romance

Rating: 4 flowers

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a paperback copy of Wild, Wild Rake! To enter, please use the Gleam form below. Giveaway Rules – Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on March 20th. You must be 18 or older to enter. – Paperback giveaway is open to 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. Wild, Wild Rake

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.

A Rational Attachment

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.

Metropolis

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?

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

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
During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a $10 Amazon Gift Card! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on February 10th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Paperback giveaway is open to 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.

About an Earl