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Begonias and Blood: Fast-paced Humorous Urban Fantasy
Four deadly trials. One forced marriage. No way out.
My name is Anastasia Ashwood. I run The Botanicum, a magical flower shop in New York City, and I am also a dryad, a retired assassin, and a fugitive from Sentinel Security Group.
When my floral designer, Sophie Hartwell, is kidnapped by the powerful witch coven she fled, I follow her to Pittsburgh and discover that her uncle intends to force her through four deadly elemental trials before marrying her and taking control of her family’s bloodline.
If we fail, we die. If we succeed, Sophie will be forced to marry her uncle and bear the child he intends to use to secure his rule.
Now I have to keep Sophie alive, rescue my judgmental telepathic cat, and find a way to escape before victory becomes a fate worse than death.
My name is Anastasia Ashwood. I run The Botanicum, a magical flower shop in New York City, and I am also a dryad, a retired assassin, and a fugitive from Sentinel Security Group.
When my floral designer, Sophie Hartwell, is kidnapped by the powerful witch coven she fled, I follow her to Pittsburgh and discover that her uncle intends to force her through four deadly elemental trials before marrying her and taking control of her family’s bloodline.
If we fail, we die. If we succeed, Sophie will be forced to marry her uncle and bear the child he intends to use to secure his rule.
Now I have to keep Sophie alive, rescue my judgmental telepathic cat, and find a way to escape before victory becomes a fate worse than death.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 17, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Anastasia is the druid owner of the Botanicum Flower shop, she is also a former assassin, hiding from her previous employers as she looks or a way to take them down. In the meantime, she is happily running her show with the help of Sophie, a witch. She also has a Bakeneko (a magical cat) as a companion.
When Sophie is kidnapped by her old coven, Anastasia sets out to rescue her. The there is something sinister going on within the coven.
This book has a magical conspiracy, trials for power, more background information on Ana and Sophie.
There is action, magic, surprises, suspense, and humour.
This is a quick, read, not necessarily light in spots but it is so good.
Definitely recommend.
When Sophie is kidnapped by her old coven, Anastasia sets out to rescue her. The there is something sinister going on within the coven.
This book has a magical conspiracy, trials for power, more background information on Ana and Sophie.
There is action, magic, surprises, suspense, and humour.
This is a quick, read, not necessarily light in spots but it is so good.
Definitely recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was happy to see more character development for Sophie in this book, but I have to admit, I wanted a little more from her. She has power, and I really wanted to see her embrace it and be a bit more badass rather than give in so easily. I understand that she doesn't know Anastasia's full background, but she trusts her enough that I was surprised by how readily she allowed the villain to manipulate her actions. I wanted to see her stand her ground and fight back!
That said, I'm looking forward to seeing Sophie continue to grow and hopefully become more confident in her own strength. I'm also intrigued by the developing relationship between Anastasia and Ryan, especially with Ryan's young son in the picture. I'm interested to see how that relationship grows and how things will play out with Detective Blake. There are definitely some interesting dynamics to explore in future books.
And finally, what can I say about Mochi? I absolutely adore Mochi! Such a delightful character who completely steals my heart!
I'm invested in these characters and looking forward to seeing where the series takes them next.
That said, I'm looking forward to seeing Sophie continue to grow and hopefully become more confident in her own strength. I'm also intrigued by the developing relationship between Anastasia and Ryan, especially with Ryan's young son in the picture. I'm interested to see how that relationship grows and how things will play out with Detective Blake. There are definitely some interesting dynamics to explore in future books.
And finally, what can I say about Mochi? I absolutely adore Mochi! Such a delightful character who completely steals my heart!
I'm invested in these characters and looking forward to seeing where the series takes them next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Very enjoyable indeed.
From Sophie being introduced to Ana's houseplants through to the action sequences, this book kept my interest all the way through ... and then I ran out of pages and will have to wait for another book in the series to feed my addiction!
The humour was delightful:
"Sometimes you look at people like you already know where you plan to bury them."
"Aw. Thank you," I said.
"That was not a compliment."
"I've chopped vegetables," she said.
"Great! It works the same," I said.
"I don't think stabbing a person works like cutting a carrot."
"I know. People complain more."
"... and her blue eyes carried the murderous irritation of a cat who had experienced an extremely inconvenient morning."
The main characters - Ana, Sophie, Blake, Mochi (of course), Jessica - are all excellent individuals and all with so much potential.
You should read the previous book ("Roses & Ruin") as this follows on nicely and I can't wait to see where this series goes!
(I was fortunate to receive an ARC however the above is, as ever, my own opinion.)
From Sophie being introduced to Ana's houseplants through to the action sequences, this book kept my interest all the way through ... and then I ran out of pages and will have to wait for another book in the series to feed my addiction!
The humour was delightful:
"Sometimes you look at people like you already know where you plan to bury them."
"Aw. Thank you," I said.
"That was not a compliment."
"I've chopped vegetables," she said.
"Great! It works the same," I said.
"I don't think stabbing a person works like cutting a carrot."
"I know. People complain more."
"... and her blue eyes carried the murderous irritation of a cat who had experienced an extremely inconvenient morning."
The main characters - Ana, Sophie, Blake, Mochi (of course), Jessica - are all excellent individuals and all with so much potential.
You should read the previous book ("Roses & Ruin") as this follows on nicely and I can't wait to see where this series goes!
(I was fortunate to receive an ARC however the above is, as ever, my own opinion.)
Review of advance copy received from Author
With an interesting premise, this snarky, non spicy, contemporary urban fantasy was cleverly written.
Backstory: Anastasia Ashwood is a dryad who was trained as an assassin by Sentinel Services. After figuring out the company was corrupt, they tried to murder her. While she and her friends destroyed the company, it simply disappeared from view. In the meantime, she has taken on a career as a florist in NYC, accompanied by her magical cat Mochi. In this second book in the series, her assistant Sophie is captured by her uncle’s flunkies. Her uncle now runs the coven that was led by Sophie’s father. Sophie and Anastasia need to survive a series of challenges in order for Sophie, Anastasia and Michi to survive. I received a digital copy as a gift; all opinions are my own.
Backstory: Anastasia Ashwood is a dryad who was trained as an assassin by Sentinel Services. After figuring out the company was corrupt, they tried to murder her. While she and her friends destroyed the company, it simply disappeared from view. In the meantime, she has taken on a career as a florist in NYC, accompanied by her magical cat Mochi. In this second book in the series, her assistant Sophie is captured by her uncle’s flunkies. Her uncle now runs the coven that was led by Sophie’s father. Sophie and Anastasia need to survive a series of challenges in order for Sophie, Anastasia and Michi to survive. I received a digital copy as a gift; all opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story follows were Roses & Ruin left off. An urban fantasy following the attempt at a normal life for a retired dryad assassin in hiding that is fast-paced and action packed, with kidnapping, a mafioso-like uncle who just happens to be a powerful witch, that is also funny - who could ask for much more? And a magic cat, Mochi, a bakeneko, is my favorite. It might sound odd, but Mochi's character is surprisingly well developed - think typical judge diva cat with superpowers.
It's also nice to see how our main character has progressed, as as how Sophie's character has grown. I'm positive that any future stories will continue trend. It's also refreshing to find an author that understands there is a time for spicy and uses it as a tool to further develop the plot. That being said, this fast paced magical urban fantasy did not have any spice... Just fighting, magic, and some sarcasm. I look forward to seeing where Evangeline's writings will take us in the future.
It's also nice to see how our main character has progressed, as as how Sophie's character has grown. I'm positive that any future stories will continue trend. It's also refreshing to find an author that understands there is a time for spicy and uses it as a tool to further develop the plot. That being said, this fast paced magical urban fantasy did not have any spice... Just fighting, magic, and some sarcasm. I look forward to seeing where Evangeline's writings will take us in the future.
October 17, 2026
I loved getting back to the world of The Botanicum.
As ever I love Anastasia's character and her love of food! Someone who can wield plants to a deadly touch! It was interesting seeing her in positions where she could not use her full dryad powers, she is still pretty kickass! Sophie brings a nice balance to Anastasia's more impulsive nature. Mochi is rather powerful and very opinionated!
I was reading this at a kids birthday party, not even the cute rabbits and hedgehog could tear me away from this!
Full of action and excitement! I liked seeing other magic types at play here also. Look forward to having Sophie back in some future books, Anastasia needs someone who knows her past at some point!
As ever I love Anastasia's character and her love of food! Someone who can wield plants to a deadly touch! It was interesting seeing her in positions where she could not use her full dryad powers, she is still pretty kickass! Sophie brings a nice balance to Anastasia's more impulsive nature. Mochi is rather powerful and very opinionated!
I was reading this at a kids birthday party, not even the cute rabbits and hedgehog could tear me away from this!
Full of action and excitement! I liked seeing other magic types at play here also. Look forward to having Sophie back in some future books, Anastasia needs someone who knows her past at some point!
October 17, 2026
Great read! Where can I get a Mochi??
Book 2 is about Sophia's past catching up with her and the lengths Anastasia, Sophia and Mochi are willing to go to keep each other safe. I love the character development. No helpless damsel in distress. They worked as a team and through that Sophia was able to overcome her challenges. Mochi has the best cattitude and is perfectly written. While I felt teased and left with hope of future possibilities with the detective and the baker this book had no spice. Honestly, it didn't need it. Very well written. I will be looking forward to new books in this series. In the mean time I think I will reread the Witches Beastiary series to curb my Mochi withdrawls.
Book 2 is about Sophia's past catching up with her and the lengths Anastasia, Sophia and Mochi are willing to go to keep each other safe. I love the character development. No helpless damsel in distress. They worked as a team and through that Sophia was able to overcome her challenges. Mochi has the best cattitude and is perfectly written. While I felt teased and left with hope of future possibilities with the detective and the baker this book had no spice. Honestly, it didn't need it. Very well written. I will be looking forward to new books in this series. In the mean time I think I will reread the Witches Beastiary series to curb my Mochi withdrawls.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Anastasia seems to have adjusted well to her new life, where things are not always what they seem, and where the dramas involving wealthy supernaturals can include some pretty nonsensical things that she has to agree to for the sake of the flower shop's bills.
But when Sophie is attacked and taken back to her old clan, Anastasia decides to go after her friend.
To her surprise, even Mochi, the cat Anastasia inherited when she bought the flower shop and who thinks she owns the place, goes along to help because she considers Sophie her property.
Anastasia doesn't think twice. She drops everything to help her friend, even if she won't come back from this trip quite the same herself.
But when Sophie is attacked and taken back to her old clan, Anastasia decides to go after her friend.
To her surprise, even Mochi, the cat Anastasia inherited when she bought the flower shop and who thinks she owns the place, goes along to help because she considers Sophie her property.
Anastasia doesn't think twice. She drops everything to help her friend, even if she won't come back from this trip quite the same herself.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was a fast paced story involving kidnapping,trials and a evil uncle by the name of Malachi. Who holds mocci hostage and forces Anastasia to help Sophie become head of the coven. Through the four trials Sophie survives, though Malachi dosent approve and forces sophie to become his wife so he can still keep control of the coven. Sophie evokes the ancient rite where Sophie and Malachi go head to head under the dome. The winner comes out ruling the coven and the loser loses everything.
This book was really good and I look forward to the conclusion.
This book was really good and I look forward to the conclusion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a great second book in the series. I often find book 2 isn’t as good as book 1, but that’s not the case here. While there isn’t enough scenes with the cat or the detective for my liking, this is more than made up by the storyline. It’s great getting to know more about Sophie and how Anastasia copes without her magic. I couldn’t put it down (I almost missed my stop on the way to work). That this author does well, which a lot of authors don’t, is make me really care about what happens to the characters. I can’t wait for book 3
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoy the humour in this second story. A little bit snarky, a whole lot dry, and even some on the more suggestive side. While Anastasia wants to keep herself separate from her past, her connections and her friendships direct her actions in the present. Protecting and loving are two traits she will never forsake. I highly recommend reading book one (Roses and Ruin) and look forward to the conclusion of the trilogy (Tulips and Torture).
Review of advance copy received from Author
Begonias and Blood begins where Roses and Ruin left off. Sophie is under attack. Her past has come to reclaim her and she doesn’t want to go. When she is taken against her will Anastasia and Mochi are determined to get her back. This is a fast-paced magic filled adventure that will keep you on your toes and holding your breath. Can’t wait for the next installment.
Review of advance copy
Received as ARC. Her friend Sophie is kidnapped. Anastasia goes after her in Pittsburgh. Can Anastasia keep her real identity a secret? What trouble does Mochi get into? A fun and quirky series. Looking forward to book three.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Following Anastasia and Sophie on their gripping journey kept me interested.
This is a fantastic book that kept me up all night reading it is a fast, action packed book.
I found it very well written and can't wait for the next book.
This is a fantastic book that kept me up all night reading it is a fast, action packed book.
I found it very well written and can't wait for the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Evangeline Hunter is an excellent writer and this latest book doesn’t disappoint. It’s fast paced with adventure, intrigue and Mochi! This series, so far has been a must read. I have already recommended it to several people. Happy Reading Everyone!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved Anastasia's interactions with Mochi - the cat creature won't accept disrespect from anyone and doesn't feel the need to respect anyone either.
Sophie was also an interesting character and the challenges kept me reading.
It's an ARC and totally enjoyable.
Sophie was also an interesting character and the challenges kept me reading.
It's an ARC and totally enjoyable.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Begonias and Blood was fast paced and an enjoyable read. I enjoyed the fun and close relationship that Anastasia and Sophie have. They worked to protect each other and Mochi has the cattitude that adds added humor. Looking forward to the next book!
October 17, 2026
I was given this book to read by the author, yes I am a lucky woman! I have read the prequel and both books 1 & 2, waiting for book 3, which is coming soon. No spoilers, a great series with more to come!
Review of advance copy
While Anastasia played a large part in the book, Sophie was the main character. We saw her develop her abilities and grow her inner strength. Mochi doesn’t play a huge part in the story until the end and then does he ever!
The story moves quickly and we are introduced to new characters and locations. There is definitely humour in the book and I hope it continues. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and look forward to the next one.
The story moves quickly and we are introduced to new characters and locations. There is definitely humour in the book and I hope it continues. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and look forward to the next one.
October 17, 2026
love this series
Love it lots it’s a page turner could not stop reading it at all love this Author Thank you please read
Love it lots it’s a page turner could not stop reading it at all love this Author Thank you please read
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews