The Kidnapping by Linda Burson – Review by Amy Dean

The KidnappingThe Kidnapping by Linda Burson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Most of us will never know what it’s like to be so wealthy you cannot trust a soul, even your own fiancé. Fate stepped in for Jena one night as her fiancé’s plan to prove his love for her starts to unfold with the wrong man getting a note and envelope. Andrew was comfortable with his routine and life he built but he would never think a girl like Jena would end up in his life. Love proves you don’t have to know someone for very long before you fall for them, even if the circumstances are less than ideal. Romance is a strong theme throughout the book and was written beautifully.

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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Michelle G

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This prequel to the Mafia Elite series didn’t fail to disappoint. Absolutely loved it! I am normally not a fan of a prequel movie or book but this just checked all the right boxes.

It rounded out the characters that we have already met and followed.

A great addition to your reading list – highly recommended!!!

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Devlin by Angela K. Parker – Review by Faith Jackson

DevlinDevlin by Angela K. Parker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What makes these books so entertaining for me is the way that the steamy chemistry starts off slow. It’s also steamy that you can feel it as you read each word and as it builds more, it makes you excited for the characters and their intensifying adventures or ways to keep them going. This is a sensational read. Hope you enjoy as much as I did.

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A Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann – Review by Faith Jackson

A Crossbow ChristmasA Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is unexpectedly beautiful and makes for a very inspirational read. This book taught me some lessons that I’m still learning in the outside world: how to show up for myself outside of others. The sense of Christmas made this book that much more pure and beautiful to keep close to your heart. So touching. Great read!

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Malayeka (Heartstrings Book #3) by Brooke May – Review by Angela Hayes

Malayeka (Heartstrings Book 3)Malayeka by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

4.5 Stars

 

Malayeka is the third book in the Heartstrings series by Brooke May. I have been really enjoying this fun and original paranormal series, each book bringing more fun, adventure, and romance- and building a bigger picture of the ‘cupid’ world… but, I think this one has just become my favourite of the series, so far.
Ms. May has crafted a wonderful series, each book taking us on a journey with a ‘cupid’ as they go about fulfilling their assignments. But things don’t always go according to plan. This time we accompany Malayeka as she seeks to ensure her mission doesn’t end up in disaster. Something she is all too familiar with. Can she right the wrongs, work her cupid magic, and find a little redemption along the way? What ensues makes for quite a sweet and entertaining read…
Looking forward to more of the series!
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Brooke May!

 

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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More Than by Diane Barnes – Review by Trista Priest

More ThanMore Than by Diane Barnes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What an amazing well written book. This one sucked me in more than most, because it was so relatable. I’m a mom of two kids, whose father was killed in a work accident. I’ve struggled with many of the obstacles Peggy does throughout the book. Diane did a fantastic job with developing everyone of her characters and truly making this an amazing story of a woman’s transformation.

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Hot for Teacher by Felicia Carparelli – Review by Amber Howard

Hot for Teacher - Shakespeare Made Us Fall in LoveHot for Teacher – Shakespeare Made Us Fall in Love by Felicia Carparelli
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This story was ok. I believe the premise of the book was decent. Take on forbidden love. Adult student and teacher. Real life Romeo and Juliet reference. However, I found Jim to be a bit pushy. Often times Juliet told him no and he pushed her until he got a yes. Then turn around and claimed he loved her after two weeks of dating. Then gave her an ultimatum about marriage when he couldn’t even be man enough and honest with her about things going on on his life. The on the flip side Juliet wasn’t being honest with him about things going on in her life either and by the end of the story I’m scratching my head like how is this relationship going to work. The story is interesting enough to finish. It’s not awful but it’s not great either.

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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Hannah Porter

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Damnnnn Ms Amy back at it again with the good books 🤣🥰(miss old YouTube) but truly Defiant princess was just another amazing story by Amy McKinley. I was so glad when this prequel came out. It was a quick read of me, got it done in one sitting. Reading this one just made me love the other books in the series extra. I love that she gave us further background information on all the princesses. I mean can we love them even more? yes , yes we can lmao. This author is one of a kind, an amazing story teller. I can’t wait to see what else she has in store for us.

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Defiant Princess(Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley- review by Heather Knalls

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mafia romance what’s not to love! All the Mafia princesses are off at college and still under the watchful eyes of the Five Families. Lil, Em, Sofia, Marissa all were hoping to be able to choose their own husbands but being from a Mafia family most father’s chose their husbands based on what the man could bring to the family. Marissa has been promised to Tony, who she cannot stand and does not want to marry. The girls felt safe in their haven at college until the night of the party during winter break before Marissa was to be married. Marissa had set out to speak with Ivan, who is part of the Russian Bratva and might know something about her sister Camilla who was married into the Russian Bratva. But unfortunately things go wrong and Marissa ends up dead. Who’s to blame and will the girls have their revenge?

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The Perfect Mrs. Claus by Barbara Matteson – Review by Whisper Hymer

The Perfect Mrs. ClausThe Perfect Mrs. Claus by Barbara Matteson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Perfect Mrs. Claus by Barbara Matteson is a sweet romance to read this holiday season. Savanah is a widower – lonely and desperate for the perfect Christmas to break the monotony. Matthew is a workaholic who lost his human wife to his work. Together, they become Mr. And Mrs. Claus for a local stores big holiday masterpiece. This story follows these two as seen through the present and flashbacks to the past. It’s got some big emotions, some Christmas magic, and some pointers to the true meaning of Christmas. Join them on their journey- you won’t regret it!

Reviewed by @WhisperHymer
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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Ana Evelyn

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have read EVERY one of the mafia elite novels and truly loved them all. This prequel novella was a book I didn’t even know I needed. I like that we get to see them as younger adults. However I would recommend reading this after completing the series. Whilst this one was good, every book in the series is GREAT and has a lot more romance, spice, and action!

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Hot for Teacher by Felicia Carparelli – Review by Lauren West

Hot for Teacher - Shakespeare Made Us Fall in LoveHot for Teacher – Shakespeare Made Us Fall in Love by Felicia Carparelli
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

James and Juliet’s story was a cute one and a big reminder about love in least expected places. Juliet pulls at your heartstrings bc shes already loved and lost yet she still has an open heart to it. James is trying to explore new horizons. Both are parents, professionals, and have experienced a lot within life. There is a lot of push and pull with romance and humor mixed in. Opposites attract in this story and it was a fun read.

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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Lauren West

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love this author!!! She amazes me every book of hers I pick up.
These mafia princess’s proved how fierce and determined they were. Love for each other and love for their men. This novella takes a glance at the other side of things and shows hell hath no fury like a fierce mafia princess. Such a great read and perfect for an intro to the series

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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Deb Robinson

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This entire series was absolutely amazing. I got my daughter hooked on it. I loved the variety of characters. I will miss all the characters as the author made them come alive in every book. It was like you were part of the family as they went through life in the mafia.

This prequel was about Marissa who we have heard about in every book but did not know her exact story. We all know she died and that the ladies were all close like sisters. I wish this prequel had been longer as I was not ready to say goodbye to these characters yet. Here’s hoping we all get to read about them again.

To the Author: This series has been an amazing ride. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication to the mafia books. Bravo.

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Hot for Teacher by Felicia Carparelli – Review by Robin Rankin

Hot for Teacher - Shakespeare Made Us Fall in LoveHot for Teacher – Shakespeare Made Us Fall in Love by Felicia Carparelli
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Hot for Teacher: Shakespeare Made Us Fall in Love

I’m at an age where I see a lot of the main characters as my kids and every now and again I stumble on one with a contemporary which was exactly what I got with this book.

Juliet is a little older than me but I could definitely relate to a point about love. I have said that if I were to find myself single I would definitely be cautious about finding someone new.

Jim went through a self discovery phase after he lost his wife and I feel like each experience only made him feel as empty if not emptier than before.

I’m glad I got the opportunity to read this book, hope to read by her in the future.

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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Robin Rankin

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Defiant Princess: A Mafia Elite Series Prequel

If you have read the Mafia Elite Series then you know some of what happened in the past, this lays it all out for us in a nice little story.

Marissa is a name we knew and we caught a glimpse of her and her personality as well as the story behind that night.

There were some gaps filled in for me with some of the history and makes me miss this group. Might have to go back and re-read the series when I have time, but start here.

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A Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann – Review by Stephanie Nicole

A Crossbow ChristmasA Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First of all who doesn’t love a great Christmas story? I know I sure do so when I saw the beautiful cover of this amazing story I knew right away I had to read it. This Christmas story took place after the pandemic, but there are still a lot of feel good moments and it was personally the first book I’ve read that is post pandemic but overall this sorry was simply amazing, and charming. The characters were very well developed, the plot was just perfect, and the author does an amazing job with descriptions for us to be able to visualize their masterpiece. So if you’re ready for the holiday spirit and need a good Christmas story make sure to pick this one up today.

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A Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann – Review by Audrie Harrington

A Crossbow ChristmasA Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Carina just wants a big family Christmas this year! She spent the last few years with a lot of loss, sadness, and then Covid. She is struggling and feeling lonely until she starts a friendship with Max. She met Max in a grief group, but she thinks of him as an adult child. He invites her to his cabin that he has been fixing up with his late wife to spend the holidays. She is debating but no one in her family seems to want to make the effort for the holidays so she decides to get out of town to Crossbow and a little cabin in the woods. She is hoping for an adventure and a tiny stray kitten showing up on her doorstep is the first. I wasn’t sure about a post Covid book but it was well written and not dwelling on the pandemic. The characters were very relatable and the cabin sounds beautiful set in the woods outside of a quaint small town during the holidays! This was a wonderful read as we get closer to the holiday season!

Reviewed by @bibliophilenerd
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A Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann – Review by Carla Clemmons

A Crossbow ChristmasA Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Such a sweet read! I related so much to Carina and her feelings about looking for her place in things. As you grow and your children go you have to learn a new role and that can be hard. I’m always down for a good Christmas read and this one did not disappoint! I really loved reading about Carina and her family’s memories. She has been through so much and needs to find her peace. I really enjoyed reminiscing with Carina throughout the story. I look forward to reading more from this author for sure!

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The Sacrifice (Dragonpets Book 1) by R. L. S. Hoff – Review by Alison Risher

The Sacrifice (Dragonpets #1)The Sacrifice by R.L.S. Hoff
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! Imagine waking up to find that you are about to be a dragon’s meal, but it decides not to eat you, after all. You come to know the dragon, and one day you realize that you are the dragon’s pet! A nice dragon, but still… What a wonderful, magical world the author has created. Readers will relate to the characters, especially as the story unfolds. I highly recommend this book!

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Shadow Patterns of Melt by J. R. P. Fogg – Review by Alison Risher

Shadow Patterns of Melt - Book OneShadow Patterns of Melt – Book One by J.R.P. Fogg
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I wasn’t too sure at first, but now that I have read this book- I love it! If I understood more of the technical aspects, I would have given this book five stars! The storyline, though, is amazing. The dialogue definitely helps propel the reader through the scientific aspects of the story. I’m intrigued enough that I may conduct some research into this subject matter while waiting for the next book in this series.

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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Jessica Stone

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Jessica Stone

This book was a lot of fun to read! I’m very into mafia romances, but I’ve yet to read one not only told from a mafia daughters point of view but also MULTIPLE MD’s views.

These are some lovely princesses with a whole lot of personality! What would you expect from a mafia princess though, especially when their lives are all anything but their own.

Each girl has and individual story to be told that weaves into the others, these women are learning how to navigate wanting their freedom to love how an whom they choose, knowing their entire lives that it will never be their choice. All on their last leg of freedom it seems, with impending arranged marriages and familial obligations these girls are ready to do whatever it takes to feel some sort of control, wether it be in the love department or something as simple as one’s passion.

I did not go into this book knowing that it was prequel to a series I’ve been dying to read in its entirety, which is sooooo awesome. I’ve only read one other book from this author, and in the Mafia Elite series but I absolutely loved it so I’m now EVEN more excited to read more in this series. I did read some spoilers looking into this series more, that ruined some surprise coming in the other novels but helped me get more excited to continue reading this authors works. She drops some bombs, expect the unexpected.

I feel like this book COULD be read on its own, but once you read it you’ll be aching for more mafia drama. Im hoping the author puts out more material from the point of view of these women beside the mafia men. Fingers crossed!

Defiant Princess, Mafia Elite Series Prequel, Amy McKinley, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Mafia, Romantic Suspense, Jessica Stone, November 2022

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The Perfect Mrs. Claus by Barbara Matteson – Review by Katie Turner

The Perfect Mrs. ClausThe Perfect Mrs. Claus by Barbara Matteson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Perfect Mrs. Claus by Barbara Matteson is a delightful Christmas time tale. The story centers around Savannah Brady and Matthew Buck. Savannah is a widow, as her husband Bradley had passed a couple years prior to an aneurysm. They also had a son named Patrick who unfortunately lives overseas. Matthew is a divorced father- his daughter Athena also living overseas with his ex-wife Summer. Matthew spots Savannah as she watches as Howardson’s decorate the store with Christmas decor, and he feels a strong pull towards her and strongly feels that she could complete his Enchanted Land of Claus by portraying Mrs. Claus. They sit down to discuss his ideas and from there, the book begins to unfold into a very endearing story of two lonely people coming together to find love again later in life.

I honestly adored this story more than I thought I would. I loved how kind and level-headed Matthew was and I envisioned him as this sweet, handsome gentle soul. Savannah is determined and witty, but also kind as well. I thought their characters fit together perfectly and their interactions had me chuckling and smiling as I read along. I would absolutely recommend adding this to your list of to-read’s if you enjoy sweet love stories with older, mature characters. This would be a perfect book to read with a steaming cup of hot chocolate.

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Glass Houses by Sinister Styx – Review by Angela Renee Diaz

Glass HousesGlass Houses by Sinister Styx
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Real fast paced and short story. A man being accused of cheating. Ends up showing his wife how vicious he could be and regrets it. Turns out there curse and it keeps repeating. You can make mistakes even though your in love.

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A Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann – Review by Brittany Angel

A Crossbow ChristmasA Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Crossbow Christmas was my first foray into the ‘Hallmark Christmas Books’ and I must say, it was wonderful. This should be a Hallmark movie 1000%. I found myself sympathizing with Carina and feeling her pain. I loved her connections with others throughout the book and especially adored the way the author wrapped everything up. I was definitely moved to tears in the best way!

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The Perfect Mrs. Claus by Barbara Matteson – Review by Shannen Kern

The Perfect Mrs. ClausThe Perfect Mrs. Claus by Barbara Matteson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a lovely read just in time for Christmas, full of romance and hopefulness. Savannah is on her own for the first time in a long while. She has mourned the passing of her husband and her son moved to Switzerland, so she is looking for ways to fill her ample alone time. As she peruses her favorite store, she is presented with a life-changing opportunity to be the Perfect Mrs. Claus. I thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of this story. The author has an amazing way of connecting you to the characters almost immediately, and you spend the rest of the story hoping for the best for each of them. I definitely recommend picking up this beautiful holiday book and getting lost in the enchanting lives inside.

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Aranza

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Defiant Princess: A Mafia Elite Series Prequel by Amy McKinley

4 stars

A great taste of the Mafia Elite Series. This book is following the mafia woman during their college time. Is a great addition to the saga and definitely fun to read. The characters are fun and interesting. If you are a fan of the Mafia Elite Series or Mafia books you will definitely enjoy this book. Great addition to the series.

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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Candida Hopper

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book focuses on the Mafia princess while they are in their senior year of college. They all have grown very close while they’ve been college together because they are the only ones who can understand how their lives are controlled by their fathers. I very much enjoyed getting to know the girls when they were younger. I have already read the Mafia series that follows this prequel and I found all of it to be amazing reads. I wish this book wasn’t so short. This was a great short read and a wonderful start to an awesome series.

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Hot for Teacher by Felicia Carparelli-Review by Amanda Kimble

Hot for Teacher - Shakespeare Made Us Fall in LoveHot for Teacher – Shakespeare Made Us Fall in Love by Felicia Carparelli
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5/5 Stars

Hot for Teacher: Shakespeare Made Us Fall in Love by Felicia Carparelli

This is the first book I’ve read by the author. Hot for Teacher is a short, steamy read. A modern day twist on Romeo and Juliet. I love that the teacher’s name is Juliet.

Juliet teaches college courses and finds that she’s got herself a Pirate Romeo. When a former student corners her one night her Romeo comes to the rescue. She finds herself in a dangerous situation. Then she finds that she’s falling for Jim. The quote I chose for Juliet is: “For Thursday night, please read the next twenty-eight pages , that will take us up through the wedding of Romeo and Juliet and the fight between the Montagues and the Capulets resulting in Tybalt and Mercutio’s deaths. I have a question sheet for you to take home tonight. It will help you with your reading.”

Jim is a ex Marine and his sons said he needs to get out and about. He decides that a college class about Shakespeare will be a good fit. He finds himself falling for the teacher and has no problem asking her to marry him. The quote I chose for Jim is: “There are rehab programs and counselors even in jail. Charles needs more help than even you gave him. You have to believe that.”

Highly recommended for Contemporary Romance lovers.

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The Sacrifice (Dragonpets Book 1) by R.L.S Hoff – Review by Anna Hirsch

The Sacrifice (Dragonpets #1)The Sacrifice by R.L.S. Hoff
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

The Sacrifice (Dragonpets Book 1) by R.L.S Hoff
3 Stars

First off let me start by saying that I love dragons. I was very excited to pick up this book. It starts off with Rilla being left as a sacrifice for a dragon. Exciting! She expects to be eaten but the dragon is not what she expected. He was actually nice. The story took a weird turn with a tentative friendship forming. I found the story dragged a little with the banter between the two. The antagonist was present but not too involved in the story. Therefore there were mild disturbances but no real agonizing threat to add tension to the story. Towards the end, there was no exciting climax. For me, this was disappointing. I feel that if there was more character development and depth to the story, this could have been a five star review.

I liked the way Rilla grew throughout the book. She gained self confidence and became a little more independent. There were some concepts about dragons and magic that were interesting. All in all, it was enjoyable. I’ll be looking to see what happens next.

Review by @Anna Hirsch
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