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 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

Historical Fiction Book Tours Book Review: A Lady Never Tells

A Lady Never Tells by Lynn Winchester

Publication Date: September 23, 2019

Entangled Publishing

eBook, 368 pages

Series: Women of Daring, Book One

Genre: Historical Romance/Regency

Richard Downing may be a viscount of impeccable character, but he's bored beyond belief of dancing at balls, faking smiles, and making dull conversation. So when he stumbles upon a house maid with defiance in her striking blue eyes and a dagger hidden in her skirts...well, color him intrigued.

Raised with a rather...peculiar upbringing, Lady Victoria Daring is full of secrets and surprises. As part of His Majesty's personal homeland spy network and as a master of disguises, Vic is charged with infiltrating high society to uncover the enemies hiding in plain sight.

But Richard is the first man to see through her disguises--and infiltrate deep into her heart. Too bad his family is at the top of her list of suspects...

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iBooks | Kobo

Review:  A Lady Never Tells is a delightful regency with a touch of suspense, as we meet the Darling family, in the first book of a new series. If this book is any indication, this is going to be a fabulous series to follow too.

The women of the Darling family are not your typical Regency misses. Its a family of spies for the crown. Can you really get much better than that?

This is definitely a 5 star read, but don't expect a bodice ripping romance. The relationship between Victoria and Richard is challenging and comes about as a result of some of the sleuthing Victoria is doing for the Crown along with the rest of her family.

Richard Downing's brother is part of Victoria's investigation only he knows something is up with her and has to find out more. The sparks fly almost instantly between these two, yet things don't progress in the way you might think.

This Regency is written more in the old school, clean romance vein, that were popular way back before 50 Shades made erotica a hip thing.

Truth be told, that's why I liked this story. It focused on the mystery the Darling's were out to solve and established the relationship between Vic and Richard

I loved the strength of Victoria and her family. This was truly a different type of historical romance and one that wasn't easy to put down. I can't wait to find out what's in store for the rest of the family.

Rating: 5 flowers

About the Author
Lynn Winchester is the pseudonym of a hardworking California-born conservative, now living in the wilds of Northeast Pennsylvania. Lynn has been writing fiction since the 5th grade, and enjoys creating worlds, characters, and stories for her readers.

When Lynn isn't writing she is running a successful editing business, reading whatever she can get her hands on, raising her four children, making sure her husband is happy, and binge-watching shows on Netflix.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | BookBub

Blog Tour Schedule
Tuesday, September 24
Review at WTF Are You Reading?

Wednesday, September 25
Feature at What Is That Book About

Friday, September 27
Review at A Chick Who Reads

Monday, September 30
Feature at The Lit Bitch

Wednesday, October 2
Review at Gwendalyn's Books

Sunday, October 6
Review at Passages to the Past

Wednesday, October 9
Interview at Jorie Loves a Story
Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Thursday, October 10
Review at Coffee and Ink

Friday, October 11
Review at Spooky's Maze Of Books

Giveaway
During the Blog Tour, we are giving away an eBook of A Lady Never Tells by Lynn Winchester! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on October 11th. 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.

A Lady Never Tells

Bewitching Book Tours Book Review: Werewolves Be Damned

Werewolves Be Damned
Magic and Mayhem, Book One

Stacey Kennedy

Genre: Urban Fantasy Romance

Publisher: Entangled Publishing

Date of Publication: April 15, 2013

ISBN: 9781622661046

ASIN: B00CBFZVU6

Number of pages: 267

Amazon  BN  Kobo   iTunes

Book Description:

Nexi Jones—part witch, part guardian, and wannabe kick-ass warrior—can’t throw a punch or conjure the simplest magic. But that doesn’t stop her from hunting the werewolves who slaughtered her human family. She’ll have her revenge, but only if Kyden, the elite guardian, would get the hell out of her way.

Kyden can’t decide if Nexi wants to get herself killed or if she just has no clue what she’s doing. But her father made it clear: keep Nexi safe…or else. Of course, the more Nexi runs toward revenge, the more she needs Kyden’s aid, and as she grows into her power and confidence, so does his desire to protect her. The only problem? She’d rather he dropped dead.

But when a vampire paints a bull’s-eye on Nexi’s back, she’s hard-pressed to deny Kyden and the help he’s offering. Even if it means getting her revenge will be a little bit harder. At least it will still be as sweet.

Excerpt

I’ve found you, fur ball.

Nexi peered from behind the large oak tree and spotted the small log cabin nestled in the thick forest. The porch light cast a warm glow into the night. Fog settled over the lush grass, and the night was dark, eerie.

Stepping away from her hiding place behind the tree, she strode forward and gripped the dagger tightly in her hand. Keeping the silver blade pointed outward, she climbed the cabin’s porch steps, taking each one slowly to avoid detection.

Once she arrived at the front door, she wrapped her hand around the door handle. Rich hunger for revenge burned in her veins and made her intent on one thing: to slaughter the werewolf who escaped the night of her parents’ murder. Not caring what awaited her, she stormed inside, dagger pointed, ready to kill.

The simple cabin had two large brown couches near a wood-burning stove, a kitchenette behind the living room, and a quilt-covered bed resting in the back. And that was it; there were no other rooms to investigate. No secret hiding places she could see.

No damned werewolf.

She cursed, shut the front door behind her, then trotted down the steps to return to her hiding spot. On her way across the yard, she glanced at the space to the right of the tree, which looked much like a heat wave, indicating that the portal to the Otherworld remained.

In some places around the world—or the Earthworld, as supernaturals had called it—there were permanent portals to the supernatural realm. This portal had only appeared because Nexi had travelled to this cabin from the Otherworld. Once she passed through the portal again, the gateway would vanish.

Magic had its perks. Quick travel was one of them.

Nexi shook her head at how normal all this magical stuff seemed now. Just over a month ago she’d never believed in anything that went bump in the night. Now she knew all those things existed, and in fact, she was one of them.

To her horror, she had learned that her birth mother, Tillie, had been murdered by a power-hungry vampire, Lazarus.  All those years ago, her birth father, Drake, had protectively decided to block Nexi’s supernatural abilities. He had planned for her to live and die as a mortal. Now with her return to the Otherworld and the removal of the block on her true identity, there was no going back.

She was no longer plain, human, Nexi Jones.

She was Nexi Jones, part guardian, part witch.

Looking away from the portal and to her hiding spot until the werewolf returned, she hurried her steps. She wasn’t ready to return to the Otherworld yet. Not until she had the werewolf’s head as her wall ornament would she dare go home.

Just as she neared the tree, a woodsy scent that had nothing to do with the forest mixed with the citrusy aroma of aftershave. A blink of an eye later, the dagger she held was now at her throat, a hard body closed in on her back.

“You smelled lovely when you arrived.” The low voice by her ear held a faint English accent. “But I never imagined you’d be so pretty.”

The blade pressed into her skin, not drawing blood, but implying that if the werewolf chose, she’d be destined for the grave. “I’m…”

“Going to explain yourself.” He lowered the dagger, took hold of her arm, and jerked her forward.

In a few short strides, the werewolf tossed her through the threshold of the cabin, and slammed the door behind them. He sauntered to the couch, sat down, and regarded her. “Now then, darlin’.” His olive skin was stunningly flawless, and his chocolate-colored hair was spiked tall. “Why would a pretty lass like yourself plan to attack me?”

“Don’t move.” That charm wouldn’t fool her. “Stay right where you are.”

“My mouth is the only thing moving.” His slanted amber eyes raked over her. “Would you like me to stop talking?”

“No.” She hesitated then added, “Only your mouth can move. Nothing else. Tell me what you know.”
He gave her a long look. “I’d be glad to tell you anything you’d like, love.”

His kind face and soft voice wouldn’t trick her. He was a werewolf. She was certain, which was another oddity.

After the block on her supernatural abilities had been lifted, she could identify a supernatural creature as if knowing the difference between a brunette and a redhead. “Tell me why you killed my family.”

“That’s an interesting accusation.” He cocked his head, studying her with a frown. “But I think the more important question is who are you?”

She lifted her chin. “The lass who’s going to cut off your furry wolf balls.”

Review: Stacey Kennedy is one of my must buy authors. Werewolves Be Damned is the first book in the Magic & Mayhem series, and one that is hard to start, because you simply can't pull your eyes away from the cover.

OMG! I never knew a naked back could be so sexy!

This book was published before at The Willow several years back, so if you have read that one, you might want to pass on this book.

For me, this was an overall new experience and one I really enjoyed, even though I'm not usually a girl that goes for vampires, werewolves and witches.

Nexi wasn't my favorite of all Stacey's heroine's, she's a little more juvenile that I usually like for my characters, but that didn't stop me loving the smoking hot scenes with Kyden. If you are a fan of Stacey's writing, you know she also writes erotic fiction and that means all her sex scenes are super sexy! (And she does these scenes really well here. They are hot but not too erotic)

But back to the story. Nexie wasn't one of Stacey's heroine's that I easily liked, but this novel is kind of a New Adult/Paranormal/Urban Fantasy so Nexie being a bit naive and immature, but as the story progresses, she grows up. Plus, she really has good reasons to fly off the handle.

I felt the the story started out slow, but once Nexie was elevated to Guardian status and things went all CSI Otherworld everything moved along rather nicely.

Lazarus as the baddie could have been better used. By the time you know he's the bad guy, the story is half over. I wanted a little more action with him and Nexie and Kyden.

My favorite parts involved Drake, her birth father, especially the scene after Kyden spends the night. Totally awesome father/boyfriend stuff.

A must read for new fans of Stacey Kennedy and lovers of all things paranormal.

Rating: 4 flowers

About the Author:

Stacey Kennedy is an urban fantasy lover at heart, but she also enjoys losing herself in dark and sensual worlds. She lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, who gave her a happily-ever-after. Together, they have two small children who can always make her smile, and who will never be allowed to read Mommy’s books. If she’s not plugging away at a new story, you’ll find her camping, curling up with the latest flick, or obsessing over Sons of Anarchy and Game of Thrones.

Website - http://www.staceykennedy.com/

Blog - http://www.staceykennedy.com/blog

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/AuthorStaceyKennedy

Facebook Fan Page - www.facebook.com/StaceyKennedyFanPage

Twitter - https://twitter.com/#!/Stacey_Kennedy

Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3473046.Stacey_Kennedy

Amazon Author Page –

http://www.amazon.com/Stacey-Kennedy/e/B004G9KR9A/

Bewitching Book Tours Book Review: The Cat's Meow

The Cat’s Meow 

Witch’s Brew Book One

Stacey Kennedy

Genre: Urban Fantasy Romance

Publisher: Entangled Publishing

ISBN: 9781622668571

ASIN: B00ANY22Z4

Number of pages: 256 pages

Word Count: 75,000 words

Cover Artist: PJ Edwards

Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/MqNMxCThE-Q

Entangled Publishing    Amazon    BN 

Books on Board   iTunes

Book Description:

Libby is an Enchantress—a witch gifted by the Goddess to conjure spells. When a magical presence is detected around a recent string of feline slayings, Libby takes the case to uncover the reasons behind the odd deaths. Much to her displeasure, the coven also sends a sexy warlock, Kale, to assist her.

While having the muscle around proves to be useful, fighting the attraction between them is worse than a hex, especially considering Kale is keeping secrets. But soon, Libby has bigger problems than the elusive warlock when her spells turn up clues that point to something far more sinister than slaughtered cats.

Now Libby has landed herself in the midst of an uprising. She trusts no one and isn’t safe—not from the warlocks stirring up trouble. Not from the worrisome rebellion she can’t escape. And certainly not from Kale, who is weaving a very dangerous spell over her heart.

Review: Stacey Kennedy has done it again. The Cat's Meow is a super entertaining read and a great combination of romance with witchcraft and paranormal elements.

Libby is a total badass Enchantress.

I absolutely adored her.

Especially when she pulled the trick on Kale with the German Shepard.

OMG too funny.

There were several parts of the book that stick out in your mind after you've read it.

1. The dream spell with Kale, Libby and the ghost of the man killed by the warlocks while summoning a demon. Yeah, someone was getting her info from the spell, but having a naughty dream to go with it. Yum!

2. Again...her trick on Kale with the dog. That was hilarious!

3. Kale going all whoopass on the warlocks who were summoning the demon. OMG!

4. OMG did not figure out WHAT type of warlock Kale was!

Oh and can I say, I totally hated Libby's ex Byron in so many many ways!

Stacey is one of my favorite authors. I try to read everything she writes and this is a new series for her. If the rest of the series is as fantastic as The Cat's Meow, there's some great reading to come.

Rating: 5 flowers

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Entangled Publishing Book Tour Guest Post & Review: Robin Bielman - Yours At Midnight

Thanks so much for having me as a guest on A Chick Who Reads, Andrea. I’m so happy to be here and share my favorite way to spend New Year’s Eve.

Over the years, I think I’ve celebrated just about every way – throwing a party, attending a party, on vacation, quietly with just my hubby, then with our kids in our jammies by nine, at the movies, at a restaurant…

But my favorite way to spend the evening is with a few friends at our house. It’s a great reason for me to pull out all the stops and make a gourmet (or as gourmet as I get) dinner and enjoy some champagne (usually in my own version of a mimosa – guava juice instead of orange juice, or spiked in my famous punch). I always make too much food, but I just don’t know how to do otherwise. Dessert is something fun the kids will enjoy like build-your-own sundaes or chocolate fondue with fruit, graham crackers and sponge cake. We adults enjoy that, too. J

We put on music, talk, reminisce, and when it gets close to midnight, we ring in the new year by watching the ball drop in Times Square. That’s a must. I can’t greet January 1^st without the big countdown. And I foolishly buy those popper things that explode with confetti and take days to clean up, but it’s worth it when we all shout happy New Year and the room looks like a celebration.

How about you? What’s been your favorite New Year’s celebration? I’d love to give away one eBook copy of Yours At Midnight to one lucky commenter. Open internationally.

Happy New Year!

Author: Robin Bielman
Title: Yours At Midnight
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Publish Date: December 2012
Buy: Entangled Publishing
Review Copy Provided By: Entangled Publishing & the author
Blurb: 
Lyric Whetsone only had eyes for Quinn Sobel's brother Oliver, until a car crash took Oliver's life on New Year's Eve. Then, a moment of shared grief between Quinn and Lyric became something more impassioned, something that frightened Quinn so much he ran from Lyric's bed and her life, disappearing for four long years. Now Quinn's back for another New Year's Eve, struggling for closure, desperate to leave his grief in the past and make amends with the girl of his dreams. But Lyric has a secret--one that could drive Quinn from her life forever. Will Quinn run away from the love and acceptance he's always wanted...or will he claim his New Year's kiss and make her his at midnight?


Review: This is the kind of short holiday story that I have always loved. It is a story of second chances and of families and the love that binds them.

Quinn and Lyric are old friends and we soon learn lovers who share something in common, a son, Max, conceived as a result of a one night stand, several years back after the funeral of Quinn's brother Oliver.

I like how Robin took a plot that has been used before and made it new and fun. When we found out who Max's father was, it came as a surprise, though I suppose it should have been obvious, with the way Lyric was behaving around Quinn.

The chemistry between the two characters was electric, yet the story was more subdued, a sweet romance. Though the story was only about 90 pages, I felt like Lyric and Quinn's story was complete and nothing was left unsaid. If there was anything else that could have been added, it would have been a bit of the back story between the two, but that wasn't really necessary.

This is a great story to start the new year with and one you can easily devour in one sitting. I look forward to many more romantic reads by Robin Bielman.

Rating: 5 flowers

 A bit about Robin Bielman: Robin Bielman lives in Southern California, a bike ride away from the ocean if she's feeling really adventurous. She loves books and baking and running on the treadmill while watching her favorite TV shows. When she's not reading or writing her next story, she's spending time with her high school sweetheart husband and two sons. She is addicted to cafe mocha's and if every day were Cupcake Day, she'd be a happy camper! She loves to connect with readers. You can find her on-line here:
 Website: http://www.robinbielman.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RobinBielmanWriter Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/#!/RobinBielman Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/robinbielman

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Book Review: North Of Need

Author: Laura Kaye
Title: North Of Need
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Publish Date: Nov 1, 2011
Buy: Amazon
Review Copy Provided By: Bewitching Book Tours & the author
Book Blurb: Her tears called a powerful snow god to life, but only her love can grant the humanity he craves...

Desperate to escape agonizing memories of Christmas past, twenty-nine-year-old widow Megan Snow builds a snow family outside the mountain cabin she once shared with her husband, realizing too late that she's recreated the very thing she'll never have.

Called to life by Megan's tears, snow god Owen Winters appears unconscious on her doorstep in the midst of a raging blizzard. As she nurses him to health, Owen finds unexpected solace in her company and unimagined pleasure in the warmth of her body, and vows to win her heart for a chance at humanity.

Megan is drawn to Owen's mismatched eyes, otherworldly masculinity, and enthusiasm for the littlest things. But this Christmas miracle comes with an expiration--before the snow melts and the temperature rises, Megan must let go of her widow's grief and learn to trust love again, or she'll lose Owen forever.

Review:  First things first, the cover of this book is glorious! I want to put an order in for the model! And I don't usually like muscled up guys. The story is just as awesome as the cover.

Laura Kaye has really created a unique series here. I love the blend of Mythology and erotic storytelling. The sex is super hot, but the plot never gets lost. There's a lot more than sex going on here too, and that's why this book gets props from me. There's romance and there's real emotion. You can really feel for Megan and her loss.

I've said it before I seldom like stories about second chances at love, but this one is a book not to be missed. Laura Kaye writes beautifully. Her sex scenes will steam up any room and they are tastefully written.

I love erotica, but I hate the language that goes with it.

That's why I adore this book.

Oh and Owen? He's the kind of God we all wish would come into our lives. He's sweet, sexy and hot hot erm....cold! Who'd have thought a God of Winter could be so HOT! erm COLD!

I loved that this book had an almost holiday theme too. It is perfect for this time of year and a definite must read.

Rating:  5 flowers