Blog Tour: Enchant

Enchant by Micalea Smeltzer

Genre: Young Adult

Mara Pryce never imagined that her life was anything but normal and then a strange gray-eyed young man appears at her graduation. When he vanishes without a trace, she’s convinced he’s a figment of her imagination. Then he appears again and shatters her whole world.

Mara is an enchanter, part of an ancient line of Wiccan power, and a war is raging—one of good and evil—between the Enchanted and the Iniquitous.

The Iniquitous want her dead and it’s Theodore’s job as her protector to keep her safe.

When Mara and Theodore arrive at a safe house, where Mara will remain hidden while learning about her powers, they find that the real threat might be a little closer to home than they want to believe.

Purchase 

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

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About the Author

Micalea Smeltzer is a bestselling twenty-something author. She started scribbling stories before she even knew her alphabet. She currently resides in Virginia with her doggie side-kick Ollie. 

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

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Review

This was my first Micalea Smeltzer book that I've read, but I have quite a few of her books on my to-read list. The premise and gorgeous cover of this book instantly caught my attention. Enchant was a quick read, and while some parts were predictable (in a good way), it was enjoyable. The action starts right off the bat and doesn't really stop. Mara was a likeable character and Theo was a good Protector. They both had their flaws but this made them more realistic (or as realistic as you can get in a book about magic 😜) and I liked seeing their relationship develop. The supporting characters were great additions to the story and learning about how the magic worked was interesting. I will eagerly await the next book in the series to see what happens next!

A free copy of the book was provided for the tour in exchange for an honest review.

Giveaway

Tour Schedule

November 20th

Good Choice Reading, http://www.goodchoicereading.com 

Tanya the book obsessed momma, www.facebook.com/tanyathebookobsessedmomma 

November 21st

Book Reader Chronicles http://www.bookreaderchronicles.com  

November 22nd

Kindle and Me, www.kindleandme.com 

November 23rd

Clare & Lous Mad About Books, clareandlousmadaboutbooks.blogspot.co.uk 

Book Crazy, http://bookcrazy123.blogspot.co.uk/ 

November 24th

A Redhead's Ramblings, https://aredheadsramblings.blogspot.com/

books are love, hello-booklover.tumblr.com

Gina's Creative Spaces and Pages , http://ginascreativespaceandpages.tumblr.com/

Book Review: Falling for a Duke

Goodreads Summary

From the publisher of the USA TODAY bestselling & #1 Amazon bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology series in Clean & Wholesome Romance, comes FALLING FOR A DUKE.

Three brand new Regency Romance novellas by Rebecca Connolly, Nichole Van, and Janelle Daniels

ON THE DUKE’S ERRAND by Rebecca Connolly. Lord David Chambers has one goal—to put his father’s Scotland estate to rights. Even if it means leaving in the middle of the London Season and avoiding the matchmakers. As the second son of a duke, David looks forward to facing the wilds of Scotland, and trying to make something of himself and prove his worth to his father. But David’s not prepared for the censure he receives from the local Scottish gentry, especially Ceana Shaw, the baronet’s daughter who not only mistakes him for the duke himself, she seems determined to think the worst of David. 

VINGT-ET-UN | TWENTY-ONE by Nichole Van. Eliza Mail had found the perfect place to live out her days as a young widow, away from the pain of her past and lost love. Seemingly by chance, Eliza’s childhood neighbor, Liam Trebor, Duke of Chawton, comes to her village for a visit. Eliza hasn’t seen Liam in over five years, and his presence panics her. Will he reveal what he knows to her friends and neighbors, destroying her current life? Eliza must avoid Liam at all costs, but he seems equally determined to flush her out of hiding. What happens if Eliza’s past does not stay where it belongs . . . in her past? 

I KISSED A DUKE by Janelle Daniels. Madeline Maybury will do anything to be invited into the inner circles of the ton. She takes on a challenge from a high society lady to kiss the Duke of Hargrave. When she finds Ethan alone and explains that she needs to kiss him, instead of turning her away, he’s amused. He also obliges. Madeline believes she can report back and achieve all of her ambitions. Instead, she’s given an even greater task. Once she accomplishes it, she realizes that the Duke of Hargrave is a very different man than she expected, and she’s in grave danger of falling in love.

Review

I sure am a sucker for these Timeless Regency stories. I have lost count of how many I have read (except not really because I  can always look on Goodreads 😜). There were three stories in this edition and each was better than the last. 

The first story was On the Duke's Errand by Rebecca Connolly. I haven't read any of her books but I'm sure I will in the future. I found this to be a sweet story. I loved how fiery Ceana was and David made me laugh multiple times. I hadn't really read a Regency dealing with land ownership and tenants and all the issues that can arise with that, so while this story was different, I enjoyed learning some new things.

The second story was Vingt-et-Un by Nichole Van. I have read two of Nichole's books and I absolutely love her writing! I loved this story, even though it wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. It had the common misunderstanding trope often found in Regency but I enjoyed this story nonetheless. Eliza and Liam were so great. I would love to read more about them. 

The third story was I Kissed a Duke by Janelle Daniels. I haven't read any of her books either, and this story convinced me I need to. I hadn't read a Regency that involved some of what happened in this story (I don't want to give anything away :)) and it was pretty entertaining. Madeline and Ethan were also great characters that I would love to read more about. 

A free copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Yesterday's Promise

Goodreads Summary

New from Michele Paige Holmes, Amazon’s bestselling historical romance author and Whitney Award Winner, comes the Hearthfire Historical Romance, YESTERDAY’S PROMISE.

In the Scottish Highlands, 1761:
Nineteen-year-old artist Katherine Mercer dreams of selling her paintings to help support her struggling family. Before she has the opportunity, Katherine learns she is to be sold—or practically so—given in marriage to a lord she has never met or even heard of. In return, a much-needed settlement will be made upon her mother. 

Katherine’s situation goes from frightening to surreal when her husband-to-be Laird Collin MacDonald arrives with an entourage of men, each heavily armed and speaking with a thick brogue. As if leaving all she knows behind and traveling to another country with strangers isn’t bad enough, Katherine soon discovers a Scottish heritage she knew nothing of, a brother-in-law who wants her dead, and far more at stake with her paintings than she had ever imagined. Forced to turn to her reclusive husband for answers, comfort, and even her very survival, Katherine begins to unravel the mysteries of her past and what it is to love and be loved.

Review

I loved this book! I know I say that about a lot of the books I read but it's true! I love books set in Scotland and I love books with great leads and this book delivered! Katherine is such a great heroine. She is realistic and relatable. Collin is a bit of a mystery for some of the book but most questions are answered about him and his past. I liked the flashbacks and that they helped fill in the blanks of the story. I don't want to spoil anything but the connection that Katherine and Collin have and how it came to be was lovely! I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series! 

A free copy of the book was provided in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: A Holiday in Bath

Goodreads Summary

From the publisher of the USA TODAY bestselling & #1 Amazon bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology series in Clean & Wholesome Romance, comes A HOLIDAY IN BATH. 

Three brand new Regency Romance novellas by Julie Daines, Caroline Warfield, and Jaima Fixsen 

TRIAL OF THE HEART by Julie Daines 
Marianne Wood has been summoned to Bath to testify against the man who killed her family. She dreads coming face to face with the monster of her nightmares, but finds surprising comfort under the care of a charming barrister, Harby Northam. Despite his kindly attentions, Mr. Northam is a shrewd and discerning man of law with an awful secret. Marianne is put to the test as she deals with the evil of her past and her growing affection for the mysterious Mr. Northam. 
LORD EDMUND’S DILEMMA by Caroline Warfield 
Lucy Ashcroft doesn’t share her stepmother’s belief that she might find a husband during her sojourn in Bath, but she does enjoy a respite from a household full of half-siblings and a younger sister preparing for her London Season, something Lucy can’t even dream about. In Bath, she enjoys the company of the elderly ladies in her aunt’s circle, and happy to be out from under her stepmother’s watchful and speculating eye. But when Lucy meets Lord Edmund Parker, all of her expectations for a quiet, unassuming holiday suddenly change. 
THE ART OF KISSING IN THE PARK by Jaima Fixsen 
Caroline Trenholme is not pleased with Bath, the fussy, antiquated resort of the shabby-genteel. She ought to be in London, finding a man—not here, coddling her irrational grandmother. In the park, she crosses paths (literally—this is Bath, after all) with a nameless, mannerless rogue, intent on stealing a kiss. As if his proposition weren’t insult enough, even her dog seems to like the man better. It's impossible! Especially once she suspects she might like him too… 

Review

As always, this Timeless Regency installment was such a pleasure to read! I've read a handful of novellas set in Bath and they all make me want to visit someday. The first story wasn't all light and fun but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I would be interested in reading more stories that deal with some darker issues like this one did. The second story is tied with the third story for my favorite of the collection. Bath is full of doctors, some not exactly experts, and of course there is the Pump Room where the visitors partake of the famous waters. I loved the leads in this story and the connection they share. The third story was wonderful. The grandma was probably my favorite character even though the leads are great as well. She just said the darndest things. I can't wait for more from Timeless Regency!

This book was provided for free in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: The Matchmaking Game

Goodreads Summary

From the publisher of the USA TODAY bestselling & #1 Amazon bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology series in Clean & Wholesome Romance, comes the Timeless Romance Singles line. 

THE MATCHMAKING GAME: A brand new historical romance novella from bestselling author Donna Hatch. 

Rowena’s childhood friend, Evan, has returned home from war a handsome, but mysterious stranger. In an effort to bring happiness to her father, not to mention uncover the Evan she remembers from their youth, Rowena seeks to unite their parents. Who better to match a lonely widow and widower together than their adoring children? Her matchmaking game could help their parents find happiness and draw out her childhood friend buried beneath Evan’s new reserve … or it could break more than one heart. 

Review

This was a charming and quick read! I read it in about two sittings. As it is a novella, it is on the shorter side, however I still felt the story was not rushed and everything wrapped up nicely. I always love when the heroine and hero are childhood friends. I loved reading about the antics and pranks Rowena got into with Evan as her accomplice. I do wish we had learned more about Evan's sister and her condition but maybe there will be another story about her and her journey to better health. The characters developed nicely and the ending was wonderful!

A free copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.

Blog Tour: Rise of the Dawnstar

Welcome to A Redhead's Ramblings! I am excited to be a part of the blog tour for Rise of the Dawnstar! I am currently reading it and am in love with the story and the cover! How gorgeous is that? 

An Inside Look Into the Kitchens of the Crystal Castle: The Rise of the Dawnstar Tour

Come enjoy teatime at the Crystal Castle in Elfi, crafted by Guido, the best pastry chef in the seven kingdoms. Guido is a brownie or a house sprite as they are called in the Fae lands, and his sugar cream rolls are unmatched in Elfi and beyond.

 1.    Sugar cream rolls

 2.    Rose cake cream sandwiches

 3.    Raspberry Meringues 

 4.    Vanilla and Cardamom sugar buns

 5.    Cream bun cake (Aurora’s Favourite)

 6.    Cherry Blossom mini cakes

 7.    Chocolate cake with vanilla buttercream filling topped with wild berries.

 8.    Lavender and lemon bars

 9.    Butter cookies with sugar icing

 10.    Buttermilk scones with clotted cream and fresh raspberry jam.

What is your favorite teatime sweet from the list? I would love to have some sugar cream rolls!

Giveaway! 

For each stop on tour, there will be a special number at the end of the post. Collect all the numbers, add them up, and enter to win one of three prizes! Once you have all the numbers you can enter the giveaway here: http://farahoomerbhoy.com/rise-dawnstar-now/ 

The giveaway closes on May 21st, 11:59pm Eastern US time. 

My number is 25.

Good luck!

Book Review: A Season in London

Goodreads Summary

From the publisher of the USA TODAY bestselling & #1 Amazon bestselling Timeless Romance Anthology series in Clean Romance, comes A SEASON IN LONDON.

Three brand new Regency Romance novellas by Elizabeth Johns, Heather B. Moore, and Rebecca Connolly.

POOR RELATIONS by Elizabeth Johns
As a ‘poor relation,’ Emma Standrich has already pre-empted her dismal Season by applying for a governess post. Her aunt and cousin are kind enough to sponsor her, but in truth, Emma is just waiting for it to all be over. Emma’s grief over the death of her brother while in military service casts a pallor on everything else in her life. When Colonel Shelton, the man who was her brother’s superior, asks her to dance at her first ball, Emma is more surprised than anyone. But she has questions for him, and soon she’s caught up in an intrigue she wasn’t expecting—both of the heart and the mind.

EDWARD & EMILY by Heather B. Moore
As a second son, Edward Blackwood never anticipated becoming heir to his family estate, or the need to find a wife and secure that inheritance. But with the death of his older brother, Edward is thrust into a life he never wanted. When his mother encourages him to be kind to his long-time neighbor Emily Foster, a girl he’d hardly paid attention to while growing up, Edward realizes that returning home might not be such a set-back after all.

A SPORTING SEASON by Rebecca Connolly
Daphne Hutchins is no simpering female who aims for a husband with a fortune. In fact, she’d be more than happy to live her life free of the heartache that men seem to bring. So when she sets out to play the fool in front of the ton during her first Season in order to send all eligible men running, she’s quite unprepared for James Woodbridge. Bored, but with a sense of family duty, James arrives for the Season, anticipating going through the expected motions befitting any gentleman. What he isn’t prepared for is Daphne Hutchins and the way she completely upends his heart.

Review

I love these Timeless Regency anthologies! This version focused on, you guessed it, Seasons in London, which I find the whole idea behind Seasons fascinating. The first story, Poor Relations was exciting and had some mystery to it. Emma was more rational than her cousin, but both women were good characters. Colonel Shelton was also great. The story is a good fit for a short story and wraps up nicely. The second story, Edward and Emily was so sweet! Emily has what could be seen as an unusual talent for the day but Edward does, too, so they were perfect for each other! I would have liked this story to be longer, but I am satisfied with what I got. The last story, and my favorite one, was A Sporting Season. I would love a full length version of this story! Daphne was such a great character who had been through something difficult two years prior. This Incident, as it is referred to in the book, has influenced how she feels about having a Season. We meet James early on and I instantly loved him! Both he and Daphne have a sense of humor I just loved. Seeing their relationship develop was a treat!

A copy of this book was provided for free in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Love's Shadow

Goodreads Summary

Branwell D'Angelo . . .
Six years ago, I fell in love with Lucy--my brother's girlfriend. Stupid of me, I know, but sometimes the heart doesn't listen to reason.
Six years, I've lived on the sidelines. Seeing him love her, be with her, bask in her sunshine . . .
I watched her break his heart and then cleaned up the shattered pieces of him she left behind.
She's the one woman I can't have but still the only one my soul wants.
Now she's back in our lives and needs the unique help only us D'Angelos can give.
He's not emotionally strong enough to face her. So he's sending me instead . . .

For her part, when tragedy strikes Lucy Snow on a visit to Italy, she can't bring herself to call any of the D'Angelo brothers for help. There are consequences for falling in love with your ex-boyfriend's brother. But Lucy desperately needs Branwell's paranormal skills and his gift of Sight. And if seeing him will negate at least three years of therapy? Well, it's a price she is willing to pay.

Thrown together in a desperate bid to save an innocent life, Branwell and Lucy struggle against their shared past, only to realize that something even more dangerous is reaching through the weight of time to stalk their every move . . .

Though the second book in the Brothers Maledetti series, Love's Shadow is a full-length, standalone novel.

Review

Oh this book! I absolutely adored the first one in this series, as you can see in my review here. This author, Nichole Van, is so, so talented! I could read her work forever! I went into this novel thinking it couldn't compare to the first one, but boy was I wrong! I might actually love Love's Shadow better than Gladly Beyond. It doesn't hurt that the heroine, Lucy, is a redhead with freckles, either ;). Branwell was a fantastic hero, and I loved reading from his perspective as well as Lucy's. They have complicated history, and I loved how things worked out for them. For your viewing pleasure, I have added a picture of who I think makes a great Branwell, man bun and all! And I may just be looking for excuses to post pictures of Aidan Turner, but that is neither here nor there. 



I have yet to find a picture of someone who could be Lucy. Anyways, this second book in the series tells us some more about the Curse that the D'Angelo brothers share. I loved learning more about the brothers' relationship with each other. I don't want to spoil too much, but the ending was pretty perfect and I am excited to read more in the series! Also, I have a new love for green candy. As to the mystery of why, I'll let you read the book to find out! 

A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review.