With A Kiss by Stephine Fowers - Blog Tour Review

Note; This book is $0.99 for a limited time on Amazon! I'd definitely recommend it, so snap up your copy while it's cheap!
Extra note; There are some giveaways just after the review and purchase links. Just before the info about book two and three. Don't miss out on those!

BOOK 1:

Title; With A Kiss
Author; Stephanie Fowers
Series: Twisted Tales, #1
Source; Xpresso book tours
Format; Kindle
Publisher; Triad Media and Entertainment
Publication Date: April 2013
Genre: YA Paranormal (Faeries)

Description; There are seven rules of the faery kingdom that Halley Starr must never break:

    1. No trespassing sacred faery territory
    2. Don't ever say thank you
    3. Using a faery’s given name is a no-no
    4. Never break a promise to a faery
    5. Faery music is forbidden
    6. Resist all faery food
    7. And never, never fall in love with a faery

    But Halley is cursed. Yeah. No joke. She can barely survive Omak High with that shard of ice in her heart. How could she possibly be a proper godmother and stop Rumpelstiltskin from taking the heir of the faery kingdom? And let’s be honest, there is no way she’ll go with Goldilocks (some hot faery guy) who won’t bother telling Halley his name or that she looks like she’s talking to herself when he’s around. Not a chance.

    And really, who can blame her?

    If Halley wants her heart back again, she can’t worry about the rules…

Goodreads Average Rating; 4.00*s
My Rating; 4.75*s to 5*s
Would I recommend this book? You betcha.
Will I read anything else by this author? Are you kidding? I'm already reading the sequel!

My Review; I've had some bad experiences with faery books in the past. They never seemed to live up to my expectations...so, when I picked up With A Kiss I was...unsure.
All of my doubts about fae books have gone out of the window.

I was so wrong to be worried!

I could not put this book down! And the further into the book I got, well, the harder it became to put the book down!

I had a lot of theories about what was going to happen, and what was happening. (Those fae can be cryptic with their riddles and spells and such!)
Some of these theories were proven correct, but there was so much that I didn't guess as well!

If you like faery books, or fairy/faery tales, or if you've had a bad experience with YA fae books, then you have to give this book a try!

I love this book. I love the characters, oh, how I love the characters. Hobs. Babs. Halley. Even Bugul!
I altogether love this book.

If I were to pick one problem with it...then I'd say that maybe Halley accepted everything...a little too quickly for it to be realistic, but that does not stop me from loving everything about this book in anyway!

GOODREADS: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17377123-with-a-kiss
PURCHASE: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BUZZ4S2?ie=UTF8&tag=httpwwwgoodco-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00BUZZ4S2&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2

GIVEAWAYS;

Individual Giveaway;
This giveaway if for 1 e-copy of With a Kiss, the first book in the trilogy. This is open internationally.
Rather than do a rafflecopter I want those who wish to enter to comment on this post with either why they would like to win this book, or why they love fae books.
I will also need your email address and format choice (either ePub, Mobi, or PDF.) and I will also need your name.
If you do not want to publicise your email (which I understand) then you can email me with your email address and explain who you are! My email address is; claireg131@hotmail.co.uk
Good luck to those entering either giveaway!
THE GIVEAWAY WILL END ON THE 15TH OF APRIL 2013!


Tour grand prize:

 a Rafflecopter giveaway


Page link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/ZDA0MjUxMjM1OGRlZWRmZWM1YmUyMmFkYTM3OWE5OjExNg==/


AND DON'T MISS...BOOK 2 AND 3 IN THE SERIES, AT MIDNIGHT AND AS THE SUN SETS. INFO BELOW!
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BOOK 2:

At Midnight
Stephanie Fowers
Series: Twisted Tales, #2
Publication: April 2013
Genre: YA Paranormal (Faeries)

    Stop the clock from striking twelve

    Who is Bridgette anyway?

    1. Loser of Omak High
    2. Girl who rubs her fingers raw working fast food
    3. Victim of the evil stepmother who runs the group home
    4. Not-so-proud owner of a hearth where fire-starting goblins live
    5. Asylum wannabe with occasional schizophrenic episodes

    Not even Bridgette knows. Not that she can do anything about it. Besides, her godmother is supposed to save her, not the other way around! But Halley Starr is a little busy fighting Rumpelstiltskin flunkies and his beanstalk, so her godmother sends some rude faery guy to help Bridgette instead. It’s up to him to make sure she gets that true love’s kiss that will undo the banishment curse, except he seriously knows nothing about love or faery hunters, red riding hood, spindles…or high school!

    Excuse me?

    Even if he did, how is Bridgette supposed to find true love if everyone she loves disappears?



GOODREADS:  http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17377132-at-midnight
PURCHASE: http://www.amazon.com/At-Midnight-Twisted-Tales-ebook/dp/B00BV03UQO/ref=la_B001K88QZW_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1364069763&sr=1-6


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BOOK 3:
 As the Sun Sets
Stephanie Fowers
Series: Twisted Tales, #3
Publication: April 2013
Genre: YA Paranormal (Faeries)

    Will it be happily ever after or the end?

    Daphne’s sister and stepsister are in big BIG trouble!

    1. It’s the third and final day
    2. Rumpelstiltskin plans to suck their powers dry
    3. The queen wants them dead
    4. The wolves switched sides
    5. The world is about to end
    6. And did they seriously expect to keep this all from Daphne?

    Oh yeah, A LOT of trouble! Daphne Starr pricks her finger on a spindle and it awakens the power that was always within her. That’s a big time no no! Now Rumpelstiltskin and some evil queen are after her. Even more annoying, the biggest player at Omak High is a shapeshifter and he goes beast on her, dragging her into a beanstalk and getting them stuck in a time-warp. He won’t stop asking her to marry him to get to her powers. I mean, give up already! Sure, it’s cool when she scores matching boots with the weirdo cat, and some cute faery guy accidentally tags along for the ride, but…

    Enough is enough already!

    Halley and Bridgette had better get her out of this—especially since she only has until the battery runs out of her cell phone before she loses…to a beast.


GOODREADS:  http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17377138-as-the-sun-sets
PURCHASE:  http://www.amazon.com/Sun-Sets-Twisted-Tales-ebook/dp/B00BV0A814/ref=la_B001K88QZW_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1364069763&sr=1-5

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AUTHOR BIO:
Stephanie Fowers loves bringing stories to life, and depending on her latest madcap ideas will do it through written word, song, and/ or film. She absolutely adores Bollywood and bonnet movies; i.e., BBC (which she supposes includes non-bonnet movies Sherlock and Dr. Who). Presently, she lives in Salt Lake where she's living the life of the starving artist. Stephanie plans to share more of her novels, films, and even a musical in the near future. May the adventures begin.

LINKS:
Website: http://stephaniefowers.wordpress.com/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/73167.Stephanie_Fowers
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StephanieFowers?ref=ts&fref=ts
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Stephaniefowers

Her Husband's Lover by Madelynne Ellis

18+ only, contain sexual situations... A lot of them. Also contain M/M, so if you don't like that then don't read this book.

Title; Her Husband's Lover
Author; Madelynne Ellis
Series; Georgian Rakehells, book five
Source; NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review
Format; Kindle
Publisher; HarperCollins UK, Avon
Publication Date; March 27th 2013
Description; In the Heat of Passion, No One Remains a Gentleman.

Darleston was beautiful. Not in a dandified fashionable sort of way, but in a beastly way… Any woman with a modicum of sense would be a fool to fall for him.

Emma Langley abhors physical contact, consequential she's shocked when she realizes she attracted to one of her father's guests. Robert, Lord Darleston is like no other man she's ever met. He's flamboyant, charming and terrifies her as much as he arouses her. Nor is Emma the only person caught under his spell...

Forced into an arranged marriage to avoid exposure as a sodomite, Robert Darleston has a reputation as a rakehell and a voluptuary. His wife is a bitter, scheming harpy, whose rumor-mongering has already driven him from London into the heart of the English countryside. Here, fate unexpectedly reunites Darleston with his former lover, Lyle Langley. Torn apart by the intervention of their families, the primary barrier to their reunion is now Emma, Lyle's wife, a woman Darleston is fascinated by and has no wish to disrespect. All seems hopeless, that is, until Lyle admits that Emma is frigid and thier marriage unconsummated.

Darleston proposes a plan... If he can just win Emma over, then maybe they can find happiness as a threesome. Old ghosts, a jealous wife, and an outraged father stand in his way.
Goodreads Average Rating; 4.50*s
My Rating; 4.25*s
Would I recommend this book? Yes, to those who have read the rest of the series.
Will I read anything else by this author? Yes, I would like to read more by Madelynne Ellis.

My Review; When I started this book I had no idea that it was part of a series. It is actually the fifth in a series.
Now that I do know though I cannot wait to get the rest of the series! I also can't help but feel that I would have liked this book so much more if I had known that it was part of a series and if I had read the rest of the series first.

Let's start with what I disliked.
Well, Lady Darleston was far too melodramatic, I hated her, but I also hate how she was treated. Then again, this was 1801... I hate everything to do with Lady Darelston, but I guess you're supposed to. I feel that if I had read the rest of the series I may have understood the way she was treated.

I don't think anything else really stuck out to me. To dislike.

What I liked.
There was a lot I liked. Lord Darleston, I loved him, he was just...a great character that I would have loved more if I knew more about him. (Again, I need to read the rest of this series!)
Emma. Oh, poor Emma. I love her character and everything that happens in the end.
Whilst I did love Lyle...I just didn't love him as much as the others.

The relationship between all of these character... I really loved the relationship between them all. Although...I don't think we know a lot about the character (probably need to read the rest of the series) and it did feel a little fast...

This book was only my second historical romance, ever. But, because of this book, I will be picking up more!

I'd recommend this book to those who have read the rest of the series. It probably can stand alone, but I feel like you'd be able to appreciate the book more if you've read the rest of the series.

Confession (Under Mr Nolan's Bed #2) by Selena Kitt

Over 18s only!

Title; Confession
Author; Selena Kitt
Series; Under Mr Nolan's Bed, book two
Source; Amazon, paid. (Yes, I broke my book buying ban for this book.)
Format; Kindle Edition
Publisher; Excessica - Self Published through her own publishing company.
Publication Date; 25th March 2013
Description; “With the mouth, confession is made into salvation…”

The shocking discovery best friends Leah and Erica have made under Mr. Nolan's bed has them down the wicked path of temptation, both girls veering far from the narrow path dictated by their strict Catholic upbringing, and their sexual transgressions have had unintended consequences. 

Erica finds her life turned upside down when Leah falls for Erica's father, but just as Erica is beginning to accept their love for each other, Leah disappears. Bewildered and abandoned, Erica and Mr. Nolan are faced with sadness and confusion at their loss, but while Mr. Nolan spirals into mourning, Erica is determined to find her friend.

Erica can’t possibly know why Leah has vanished, but when she enlists the help of Father Michael, her search and the real reason for Leah's disappearance intersect to uncover a multitude of shocking confessions and a secret that will shake not only the foundation of their faith, but the entire institution of the Catholic Church itself.

Look for Under Mr. Nolan's Bed: GRACE, the final instalment in the trilogy coming April 2013!

Goodreads Average Rating; 4.26*s
My Rating; 5*s
Would I recommend this book? Yes, but only if you have read the first book in the series.
Would I read anything else by this author? Well, she's not on my auto-buy-author list for nothing!

My Review; This book, for me, proved that Selena Kitt is more that just an erotica writer.

I always knew that Selena Kitt could write a story that was about more than the sex, but this book, it just proved it to me. Probably because there was less sex...

This book...wow.

How could...what...but...no. That's how I feel about this book and a few of its events.

Some things made me joyous, but they were also bitter sweet. Most things made me sad.

I was predicting a little bit of what happened in the beginning, but I was expecting nothing else. I mean...this book. I really love this book, but it has made me so sad.
Also, I cannot wait for the last book. I know it comes out later this month, but does anybody know the specific date because I want it as soon as I can get my hands on it!

It was almost guaranteed that I would I love this book. I have loved most of Selena Kitt's works, well the ones I have have read. I have also loved all of the versions of Under Mr Nolan's Bed that I've read, even if some were a little shocking. (I still have to read Plaid Skirt Confessions, I think that's what it's called...)
I have wanted a sequel to the first book for so long. Or it feels like so long, but really I only found out this was originally going to be a trilogy a few months ago. Even then I only stumbled upon it again accidentally.
It's only because Selena Kitt is on my auto-buy-authors list that I found out about this series again, and oh my, am I glad I did!

So guys, I know I was supposed to be on a book buying ban, and it is in full force now, after I purchased this book, but, yes, I did break the book buying ban for this book. I just couldn't help myself.
Can you really blame me?

All right. I'm rambling, and not so much about the book. I should stop that.

Okay, so if you haven't read the first book in this series, Temptation, then what are you waiting for! You need to buy a copy ASAP.
And, if you've read the first book but are unsure about buying the sequel, maybe because of that ending? You need not worry, because I promise you that this book is worth your time.

So, I wasn't around in the '50s, heck, I wasn't around in the '80s, let alone the '50s, but this book, this series, I feel like it takes me back to that time. How things were much more difficult for women. And all sorts of people.
It's so sad some of the things that happen, just because men had more power. There are certainly a few characters I would love to punch in the face. Joan... Oh, I hated her the most. Can I just wring my hand around her neck? Please?

We see that characters develop a lot more in this book too. We find out much more about them. And, that just made me love them more and made me feel for them more.

There are many intriguing things going on too. So much is happening and yet...there's so much more we need to find out, which is why I cannot wait for that last book. I may just have to rock back and forth staring at a wall until I get it. I'll be chanting "I need the book now. I need the book now." until it goes live!

Selena Kitt, I'm just, I'm going to have to applaud your work once again. Books like these are why you are on my auto-by-author and favourite-author lists on Goodreads.

P.S. Please release the next book ASAP so I don't go crazy... Although I have to wait until I get paid, so release on the day I get paid... That'll be perfect.

Ignore that last bit. I can go crazy over books and things occasionally. (All the time... I can just hide it better most of the time...)

Authors like Selena Kitt are why people break their personal book buying bans.
If you are ever going to read a Selena Kitt book, or just one of her series. Pick this series, pick Temptation up. Maybe you'll come to love Selena Kitt just as much as I do. (see above review for proof of this love.)

Temptation by Selena Kitt

THIS BOOK IS FOR 18+ ONLY AND CONTAINS TABOO CONTENT.
This review will consist of (mostly) just the review. I'm not going to give a whole lot of info about the book. Like I usually would.

Title; Temptation
Author; Selena Kitt (She is one of my favourite authors)
Series; Under Mr Nolan's Bed, book one
Source; Amazon, was free at the time.
Format; Kindle
Publication Date; March 25th 2013
Description; “Lead us not into temptation…”

What happens when you fall in love with your best friend’s father?

Leah is a good, Catholic girl, and she and Erica have been best friends since their first communion. Sure, Erica’s father is handsome and charming, but Leah spends so much time at the Nolan’s—just Erica and her famous, photographer father now, since Erica’s mother died—that she’s practically part of the family.

Both girls have led privileged, sheltered lives and are on the “good girl” track at St. Mary Magdalene’s Preparatory College, Leah pursuing her love of dance and Erica sating her endless curiosity as editor of the newspaper. Neither of them could have ever imagined that one fateful discovery will not only push the boundaries of their strict, repressive upbringing, but the bonds of their friendship as well.

Leah certainly never could have imagined finding herself torn between her best friend and her best friend’s father. Sure, Leah’s mother had always talked about Mr. Nolan as “a catch,” but Leah herself had never thought of him as anything other than just Erica’s dad—until the girls discover something darkly erotic under Mr. Nolan’s bed, a deep, shameful secret that will not only lead them into temptation, but will deliver them into a far greater revelation than any of them could ever have imagined.

If you read the original Under Mr. Nolan’s Bed, you will find this retelling a richer experience with deeper secrets to reveal—and don’t miss Under Mr. Nolan’s Bed: CONFESSIONS, the second installment in the three-part series!

Word Count: 75,000

Review; Real Rating; 4.5*s.

I have read three versions of this book so far. I read Under Mr Nolan's Bed (Revised) last year, and earlier this year I read Under Mr Nolan's Bed (Original).
So far, this one seems to be my favourite.

Why?
Well, it's written better for a start. Or it seems to be anyway.

There is still the taboo factor, but it is not as bad as the original Under Mr Nolan's Bed. It is not...quite as shocking.
Okay, so it will still be a MAJOR shock if you have not read the Original Under Mr Nolan's Bed, or maybe some spoilers for it...

ACTUAL SPOILERS ARE HERE, DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THE ORIGINAL UNDER MR NOLAN'S BED; You know, I always think of the father/daughter thing within Leah and Mr. Nolan's relationship, when all is revealed, but I just realised yesterday that...Erica is her sister too... She really does like to keep it in the family. I'm sorry, I just had to say that.

I'm actually quite glad that Selena Kitt released these books as a trilogy. I've wanted to know more about the book and where things went from there for a rather long time now. And now I finally get to do that. Once my book buying ban is over, or I decide to break it. Which is very likely for this book's sequel.

I'd recommend this book to fans of Selena Kitt, those who liked, or could at least bear the original Mr Nolan story. And I'd also recommend it to those who know they can handle their taboo.

Can't wait to find out what happens in the sequel! :)

Captive in the Dark (The Dark Duet #1) by C.J. Roberts

Warnings About The Book; WARNING: This book contains very disturbing situations, dubious consent, strong language, and graphic violence.

Title; Captive in the Dark
Author; C.J. Roberts
Series; The Dark Duet, book one
Source; Amazon, Paid
Format; Kindle
Publisher; C.J. Roberts (self published)
Publication Date; July 20th 2011
Description; Caleb is a man with a singular interest in revenge. Kidnapped as a young boy and sold into slavery by a power-hungry mobster, he has thought of nothing but vengeance. For twelve years he has immersed himself in the world of pleasure slaves searching for the one man he holds ultimately responsible. Finally, the architect of his suffering has emerged with a new identity, but not a new nature. If Caleb is to get close enough to strike, he must become the very thing he abhors and kidnap a beautiful girl to train her to be all that he once was.

Eighteen-year-old Olivia Ruiz has just woken up in a strange place. Blindfolded and bound, there is only a calm male voice to welcome her. His name is Caleb, though he demands to be called Master. Olivia is young, beautiful, naïve and willful to a fault. She has a dark sensuality that cannot be hidden or denied, though she tries to accomplish both. Although she is frightened by the strong, sadistic, and arrogant man who holds her prisoner, what keeps Olivia awake in the dark is her unwelcome attraction to him.

WARNING: This book contains very disturbing situations, dubious consent, strong language, and graphic violence.

Goodreads Average Rating; 4.17*s
My Rating; 5*s
Would I recommend this book? For sure.
Would I read anything else by this author? Definitely. There's no question about it. And not only the sequel either!
My Review; This book confused me. Not because of the writing or the story, because both of those things were amazing. What confused me was...Caleb.

Do I like him?
Do I hate him?
What?
I just don't know.

I feel like I'm supposed to dislike him because of who he is and what he does...but, there's just something about his character that I like. I'd find myself smiling at something he said and then instantly forcing the smile down. And then I'd just be confused, because I'd feel disgusted with Caleb and yet...somehow I also find myself liking things about him.

IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH ME?
Am I super sadistic too, or is it just his character?
I just don't know any more.

Because this book was told from alternating point of views...I just feel...more for both of the main characters.

Poor Olivia. I feel so bad for her.
She seems like such a strong person and life just keeps throwing things her way.
She's innocent in a way, but at the same time she's not.
Which I doubt makes any sense to anyone who hasn't read the story. Or maybe not even to those who have.

And this is just the characters.

What about the story?
And the writing?

Well, the writing was damn amazing, I could have totally highlighted so much in this book. And I probably would have if I didn't want to keep reading. I seriously found it so hard to put this book down. And that's saying something considering how many books I have started and put down recently.
I've been starting about 5 books for every one that I finish, but I didn't put this book down once.

The story, it was full of so much that I didn't expect. This was my first dark erotica after all.
This story probably had the most depth of any erotica I've ever read. This book is confusing and amazing all at the same time.

I cannot wait to buy the sequel of this book when I have time to read it. I need to know what happens next.

This is a dark and addicting read, definitely one I'd recommend to you if you were over 18.

I'm still having trouble sorting out my thoughts, so that may not entirely make sense. The review I mean. But all you need to know is that this book is worth your time. Well, if this book is your kind of thing anyway.

Vacant (Adult Version) by Evelyn R. Baldwin - Blog tour review.

• Title: Vacant

• Author: Evelyn R. Baldwin

• Source; CBL Book Tours

• Format; Kindle

• Publisher; Mayhem Erotica

• Released:  Young Adult Version - December 23, 2012
Adult Erotica Version - February 23, 2013

 • Genre: {There are two versions of this book} Adult Erotica & YA Romance


• Synopsis:

Ethan Parker gets up every day, surviving the only way he knows how—alone.

Orphaned as a child and forced into the child welfare system, he knows better than to depend on anyone but himself. He’s learned trust is a word used all too often, but rarely earned.

Ethan believes that his best chance for maintaining a simple and solitary existence is to live by a simple mantra: Don’t get involved. Keep things simple.

Take care of yourself!

When a young woman moves in next door, Ethan is forced to reevaluate his beliefs. He tries to keep his distance, but his new neighbor’s infectious smile and outlook on life leave him struggling with the decision of living the life he knows, or taking a chance on the unexpected.

As Ethan develops a relationship with his new neighbor, Emily, he realizes nothing is simple and learns that life is about more than just surviving… it’s about living.

Goodreads (YA): http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17342293-vacant
Goodreads (Adult): http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17409269-vacant-adult-version

Goodreads Average Rating; 3.72*s
My Rating; 5*s
Would I recommend this book? Yes
Who would I recommend it to? Everyone
Would I read anything else by this author? Yes, I would.

My Review; This book may be short but it is emotionally heavy.

Altogether this book took me about an hour or two to read, if that, but it still made me cry so much. I got so attached to Emily and Ethan in that short amount of time that became 14 years of their life.

I recommend this book to everyone. Whether you read the adult or YA version of this book, I don't care, you should read it.

There are problems with this book, sure, just as there are with more (all) books. Some people might find Emily annoying on occasion. Or they'll find something else to flaw. And that's okay. But I loved this book in spite of its flaws.

The book is worth the read despite its flaws in my opinion.

I'd tell you that I wish this was a full length novel, because I wish to know more of their story, see more of their moments, but I can't. Because as much as I do wish there was more to this story, I can't help but feel that the way it was written was perfect for the story.
It gets the story and message across.

I'll admit, when I first started this novella, I wasn't sure I was going to like it. Ethan seemed, I don't know, I just felt I couldn't really connect with him at first, but, as I read more and more of the story I just couldn't help but fall in love with these two unfortunate characters.

Definitely a book I'd recommend. I think it deserves the five stars I am giving it. Flaws or no.

Excerpt:

As my arm swings with the rhythm of my feet, I brush Emily's fingers with my own. It’s an innocent accident, though the sudden warmth in my chest is anything but. I’m not sure how much longer I’ll be able to keep up this ruse, playing her brotherly protector. While Emily has never spoken about boys in her class or voiced interests of the romantic sort, I know it’s inevitable. She has blossomed into a beautiful creature who has no idea of the devastation her beauty wreaks upon me and, surely, the boys around her. Her smile is infectious, and it’s only a matter of time before a suitor comes knocking at our door. I kind of feel sorry for the poor boy, as my first time meeting him will most likely be ugly. I’m a fierce guardian where Emily is concerned, not just because it’s my duty to protect her but because seeing Emily with another guy will end me.

I want to reach out and take her hand in mine as we walk, but I don’t. I have calculated the difference in our ages. Five years doesn’t seem all that much when she is twenty and I’m twenty-five. However, she is seventeen and still a minor, which is the only important difference, no matter how hard my libido begs to differ. I have to prepare for her to have romantic feelings for someone her own age, not a twenty-two year-old guy who has to act like her older brother.

Sisters rarely hold hands with their brothers.

Guest Post Short Q&A:

Q: What made you become a writer?

A: There was a creative writing course with the final class project being an autobiography. I had kept a journal since I was about 10 and figured “final Project complete!” Easy A. Through the semester, my teacher encouraged me to enter some contests, and I won one a small monetary prize. Having reached literary greatness at 18, I hung up my pen and moved on to the Behavioral Sciences. Realistically, the seed was planted to pursue writing in college, but my conservative family felt that majoring in the “arts” was silly. To quote my father, “that’s what hippies do.”
After Twilight was done and I’d read them all 2-3 times, I wanted more and googled “twilight addiction.” It led me to someone’s blog who then spoke about twi fanfic. I started reading all the stories and said, “Hey, I can do this!”

So yeah, I wrote a story. It was popular. It validated my writing prowess, AGAIN . That was 4 years ago. I began to read other stories that were popular, and I didn’t think they were that well written and it really made me second guess myself as a writer, so I drifted away. It wasn’t until recently (last 6 mo) that I felt like this was something I could do without “Edward & Bella.

Author Bio:

Evelyn R. Baldwin was born in the Midwest and spent her childhood on a horse ranch. As an only child, Evelyn was often forced to entertain herself with the family's horses as companions, and her imagination the only limitation.

After moving to St. Louis to attend college, she earned a degree in Education. During her Master’s program, Evelyn discovered her fascination with behavior and psychology.

Her first professional job experience was as a juvenile counselor, which led her to venture into other human sciences, eventually making a career with Behavior Analysis. While writing is a hobby for Evelyn, she often uses her experiences with human behavior to guide her characters.

She’s written short stories since childhood but only recently began exercising her real writing muscles. While she does not consider herself a professional writer in any sense of the word, she continues to polish her craft and hopes for success in her writing ventures, even if they are just as a hobby.

Author Contact Links:

Website: evelynrbaldwin.com

Twitter: EvelynRBaldwin

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6871363.Evelyn_R_Baldwin

Free Anthology: (**ADULT) https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/288657

Buy Links: 

YA Ebook: http://www.amazon.com/Vacant-ebook/dp/B00BJXRXJS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1362872530&sr=8-1&keywords=Vacant

YA Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Vacant-Evelyn-R-Baldwin/dp/1475155875/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1362872530&sr=8-2&keywords=Vacant

Adult Ebook: http://www.amazon.com/Vacant-Adult-Version-ebook/dp/B00BK6M0J2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1362872530&sr=8-3&keywords=Vacant

Ivy in Bloom by Vanita Oelschlager, Kristin Blackwood (Illustrator)

Title; Ivy in Bloom: The Poetry of Spring from Great Poets and Writers from the Past
Author; Vanita Oelschlager, Kristin Blackwood (Illustrator)
Source; NetGally, in exchange for an honest review
Format; eBook
Publisher; Vanita Books
Publication Date; April 1st 2009

Description; Ivy in Bloom captures the weariness of a young girl tired of a long winter. "I stare out the window," she says on the first spread of brown and gray, "looking for birds or flowers / or even warm showers / but I don't see any such thing." But then Spring comes when "March is out of breath snow melting to flowery waters and watery flowers spring rose from its wintry rest." And Ivy's "heart dances with daffodils." As these words also dance across each spread, Ivy's world erupts into a riot of color.

Ivy in Bloom introduces the poetry of Dickinson, Longfellow, Browning, Wordsworth, Frost and others. Excerpts from their writings, as seen through Ivy's eyes, will open up poetry as a way for children to express their own feelings about the changing of seasons. This book includes longer excerpts and brief bios of each author.

Goodreads Average Rating; 3.61*s
My Rating; 3*s
Would I recommend this book? Sure
Who would I recommend it to? People with young children, for their children.
Will I read anything else by this author? Probably not. Not because I didn't enjoy this quick read, but just because I don't read children's books/poems very often, though that may change soon enough with my little sister. So, who knows?

My Review; If I were still a child I would've loved this little book/poem. I loved poems as a child.

This little poem was a very quick, fun little read. I would recommend it as something to read to your children.

What I like about this poem is that it was put together from older poets work, and it shows you what lines were used from which poems in the book.
So whilst it is just a quick, fun read about spring it also give you a chance to teach your child about other poets.

3*s, I'd recommend it to those of you who have children, for your children. Young children.