This is a short story about being careful about what you do in life. It will have you thinking hard about your decisions and how they can affect your future. Ivy and Falcon are a loving couple until one day they are not. Distrust leads to anger which leads to pain. The couple made and makes mistakes and in the end, we find out how one wrong choice can change everything. This paranormal story is fast paced thriller that grabs your attention.
Wow, this was such a great paranormal romance story that was extremely steamy and sexy. I had not read the previous stories in this standalone story, so some of the characters backstories were unfamiliar to me, but the author did a great job of summarizing so it didn’t feel like I was missing huge gaps of information, but definitely made me want to check out the rest of the series! Master Catteneo and Alessia’s instant chemistry is electric and hot. This series has vampires, witches, psychics, and werewolves among other paranormal beings. I loved that the females were strong independent women who didn’t let the alpha males make their decisions. The story-line was fast-paced and full of intrigue, along with politics, hidden agendas, and revenge. I devoured the book quickly; I just couldn’t put it down! I can’t wait to read the rest of the series and the upcoming books!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda Haller-Dorishttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda Haller-Doris2022-11-13 19:09:432022-11-18 11:11:36Master Catteneo (Masters of the Consulate Book 5) by Sylvia Black – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris
This was such a cute story with a dash of drama and suspense mixed in with the romance. We meet our main characters in a summer literature class, where Juliet is the teacher and Jim is a diamond in the rough student. They have an instant attraction, but Juliet is far more cautious, while Jim is impulsive and ready to jump in feet first. As they find the parallels with their love and Shakespeare, Jim is looking for ways to make it work, while Juliet’s caution makes her gun shy. I thought it was a very sweet romance story about second chances and that love doesn’t play by the rules. I thought both characters were very sweet and the story-line flowed well. I loved all of the Shakespeare quotes sprinkled throughout the story as well! It was a semi-quick read that I couldn’t put down!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda Haller-Dorishttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda Haller-Doris2022-11-13 19:00:072022-11-18 11:10:59Hot for Teacher by Felicia Carparelli – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris
Mafia Elite series is one of my favorites, and just keeps making the characters better known and more beloved to us. This is a standalone book, but a prequal to the series. The heads of the Five Families are all still ruling with an iron fist, the sons have all graduated college and were leading lives as well as performing their duties as the next in line to their mafia families. The daughters are seniors in college, enjoying their last vestiges of freedom before being married off via contract or taken back home to be folded back into and controlled by their fathers or new husbands.
This book takes place after Emiliana had been kidnapped and rescued and Camilla had been married off to the Russian Bratva, situations that are mentioned throughout the series. It leads up to another tragedy mentioned throughout the series.
As the last 3.5 years of college has gone by, Lil, Sofia, Em and Marissa have grown very close. No one can understand them and their lives the way they understand each other. They’ve grown as close as sisters, so as their college careers come to an end, and they head back to being under their fathers thumbs, they’re all a bit anxious.
The princesses are all daydreaming of being with someone they love, instead of someone they’re promised to. Sofia longs for Enzo, and he her. In order to protect him, she will push him away. Em and Stefano both broken from terrible past experiences, but together they make one another complete. Too bad no one else agrees, and his father outright refuses it. Marissa is promised to Tony, and he is now getting very possessive. While making a decision to try to make things work with her arranged marriage to him, she is anxious to speak to someone in the Bratva to see if her sister Camilla is even still alive. Lil is daydreaming of running away to stay out of her fathers clutches. Will anyone have their daydreams and wishes of true love come true?
This collection is the perfect read to put you in the holiday mood! With seven different stories from seven different authors, there is a variety of writing styles. If one story isn’t quite to your fancy, the next one surely will be. I think my favorite story featured Italian-Americans living in the French Quarter in New Orleans. What an absolutely perfect way to kick off my holiday reading!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Alison Risherhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAlison Risher2022-11-13 18:49:592022-11-18 11:09:36A Christmas to Remember: An Anthology A Christmas to Remember by 5 Prince Publishing – Review by Alison Risher
This is the first book that I have read from this author and now I’m hooked. I love a good fantasy story but this author exceeded all my expectations. I was drawn to the main character right from the beginning. I could not put this book down so I read it all the way though. It only took me a few hours to devour this addictive story. I can’t wait to read the next book.
Miranda Stone thought she was a typical teenager and she had to worry about school and boys. She was very wrong. Miranda wakes up one morning and she feels very different. She has these powers that scare and she doesn’t want to put her family into danger so she runs away. Miranda finds herself in the best place for paranormal New Orleans. She finds out that there are more like her and she builds new friendships. Will Miranda find a new family to call her own or will she be on her own for good?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heather Basshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeather Bass2022-11-13 18:42:172022-11-18 11:08:01The Magical Summer of Miranda Stone (The Emergence Duology Book 1) by A.D. Brazeau – Review by Heather Bass
Loaded with puns, this book is a hoot! Not a time-travel tale, this book has the protagonist traveling to a different realm. Elves, trolls, and dragons- oh, my! Throw in dwarves, giants, and ogres as well. The hero must learn who to trust in this strange realm, and just how much he can or cannot trust his own instincts, which is something we can all relate to.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Alison Risherhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAlison Risher2022-11-13 18:40:052022-11-18 11:07:55Mis-Spelled (The Stellaluna Chronicles Book 1) by TH Leatherman – Review by Alison Risher
Mercy lives in a town where most of the women are filled with sorrow. This is all thanks to the ‘weeping woman’ at the bottom of the river. After watching woman after woman fall victim to the river, Mercy and her friend Sherry make a pact to protect each other from being the next. One night Sherry is inconsolable, which attracts the weeping woman, Mercy tried with all her might to calm down her best friend. Unfortunately, she was too late. The weeping woman got Sherry. Mercy was able to escape but not without a giant target on her back. She was the one that got away and the weeping woman will not stand for it.
As years go by, Mercy is still marked but is starting to get tired of living in fear. She starts to better her life regardless of being targeted. The weeping woman will stop at nothing to get this woman who bested her.
It was hard for me to get into the story if I am being honest. There was some Spanish terminology which I had to stop and look up which took me right out of the story. Not only that but it was very slow paced and seemed to drag on. I enjoyed the story, but it took too long to get there. The book was more written like a day in the life kind of style which I am not a fan of in general.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Santana Hickshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSantana Hicks2022-11-13 18:32:102022-11-18 11:07:43Weep, Woman, Weep: A Gothic Fairytale about Ancestral Hauntings by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Santana Hicks
Wilf, our main character is a typical teenaged kid who loves soccer and excels at the sport. His whole life would revolve around soccer had it not been for the fact that he is a wizard who refuses to train or use magic. His father, Reginald, “evaporates” and poor Wilf is now smack dab in the middle of a virus that is turning witches beautiful, and his father’s journal holds the key to save the witches. Wilf is visited in his father’s shop by Ermentrude a witch who demands that Wilf locate and open his father’s secret lab so that she can find what she is looking for. The virus that is infecting witches makes them gradually lose their power until they cannot perform magic, and they become “beautiful.” The wizards were the ones to bring this infection onto the witches and it isn’t until Ermentrude’s daughter Katryna becomes infected, that Wilf understands that he MUST get over fearing magic and using magic in order to unlock the secrets of his father’s journal and save his friend.
All the characters are well-developed, and you can’t help but love each one of them. The story is a definite page turner, and I couldn’t wait to finish the page I was on to be able to turn the page and continue with the journey. It’s interesting that beauty is considered a weakness in the book, and I think that it sends a message that our world needs to hear. Great read and even better cast of characters that takes us into the fantasy world and leaves you begging for more! I cannot wait for book 2! A must read for the ages!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Stephanie Driskillhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngStephanie Driskill2022-11-13 17:49:092023-08-05 13:59:17The Virus of Beauty (The Virus of Beauty Book 1) by C. B. Lyall – review by Stephanie Driskill
WOW oh wow!! I love me a good scary horror book and this one delivered! I have not read any books by this author yet and I cannot wait to read more by her! This book had me on the edge of my seat. I could not put it down and had to know what was going to happen. If you love a good horror story, you need to read this one right now!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Carlie Del Gallohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCarlie Del Gallo2022-11-13 17:14:232022-11-18 11:07:16Ghost Talker (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries Book 1) by Byrd Nash – Review by Carlie Del Gallo
Every ten years the gods give a chance at a second life to those in paranormal purgatory. This time is Quinnlan’s chance. The only catch, you have to choose a mate and you only have three days to do it. If you are unsuccessful, you’re back in purgatory. I think this is an original storyline. The author definitely has a vivid imagination. It’s a wonderful paranormal romance. It involves vampires and wolf shifters. Being a short novel, the story felt rushed. I enjoyed the book but wished it would have been longer to be able to connect with the characters more.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Anna Hirschhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAnna Hirsch2022-11-13 17:03:472022-11-18 11:06:48The Final Bite by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Anna Hirsch
This is not the first book that I read by this author and will not be the last! The first thing that drew me into this story was the cover art, it was immaculate! The writing and the story line is then what kept me entertained! The story was one that was super unique and was one that I had not encountered before. It gave me lots of information that I had not previously known about Mexican culture. This book was super informative and was super entertaining. I cannot wait to read more amazing books by this amazing author! This book needs to be read by everyone so that they can enjoy the wonderful story just like I did.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Carlie Del Gallohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCarlie Del Gallo2022-11-13 17:01:522022-11-18 11:06:40Weep, Woman, Weep: A Gothic Fairytale about Ancestral Hauntings by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Carlie Del Gallo
Road to the Mansfield is the first compelling books in the Express Investigations Series. CB says it was inspired by the Reba McEntire video for ‘Because of You’ that was written by Kelly Clarkson. It does have a powerful meaning behind it. I can see why it inspired CB to write this book.
Three different stories three very different people but as the author says, “In one fateful night, their worlds collide in ways no one saw coming…”
The stories are centred around the Express Investigations detective agency and are all told in multiple POV’s. We get a much more rounded picture of the characters their background and how they got there. The author does this well.
This shrewdly crafted tale had me turning the pages. I had to know what was going on. Sleep is overrated. The well written characters are as engaging as the story itself. There are surprising twists and turns to keep you guessing all the way through.
I am not going to reveal anything else because this is one of those stories that you should go in without any preconceived ideas or information and discover it all for yourself.
The story doesn’t end it just sets us up for the next book that it is to be continued. I am most certainly looking forward to seeing how the worlds collide.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2022-11-13 16:50:482022-11-18 11:06:31Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Jenni Bishop
Reading A Crossbow Christmas was like stepping into a Hallmark movie in my head. Though it was a little longer than 2 hours and no commercials. I’m a sucker for a good Christmas novel and this one hit all the feels. I wasn’t too sure what I was jumping into, because with Christmas novels I haven’t read a bad one yet. So I decided to jump right in with this one. The author wrote 2 characters that have had a heartbreaking last few years. Between family loss and the pandemic it was a lot to deal with. But the author wrote it beautifully and it kept me wanting more! Carina is a mother of 4, with 4 grandchildren. Happily married or is there trouble in paradise. She has been through a lot. Losing both her parents as well as her sister in the last few years. She also had a long and tiring battle in the hospital with Covid. She needs a break, a vacation. She does everything to get her family to go away for the holidays, to no avail. Well her one son agreed, which made her decide to do it! Max is a late 20s doctorate student, who lost the love of his life to cancer. He met Carina through a grief group on Facebook and they’ve been great friends since. He offered a cabin that his wife inherited, and they renovated to make it so much more. Located in a ski town of Crossbow CO, he thought it would be great for her family to spend the holidays there. Carina goes through a rollercoaster of emotions on her journey. Sometimes the author had me frustrated with her. Other times I could relate because I’m the same way. When one feels alone, they are the only one who gets to break through those feelings to change that. A feel good Christmas story for all to love!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Beverly Place-Finniehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBeverly Place-Finnie2022-11-13 16:23:442022-11-18 11:06:25A Crossbow Christmas by Ann Swann – Review by Beverly Finnie
This fast paced and suspenseful historical crime novel had plenty of mystery and drama which had me gripped from start to finish. The main characters include a swamp rat turned lady, a hotshot southern attorney, and a small town dreamer, all of which endure life’s ups and downs, to end up at Hollywood’s swanky Mansfield Supper Club. In 1927, Louisiana, seventeen year old Francie Roubideaux from the Louisiana bayou finds herself under the iron rule of Miss Claire in New Orleans. Francis uses her “daddy’s wits and her mama’s grace”, to survive, but fate and fickle fortune have plans for her. Rose Donovan’s dreary small town life in Illinois, during 1937, becomes exciting when a New York City music man whisks her away to Hollywood. However, Rose is soon torn between an addictive passion and another man’s arms, and finds that it’s more than her heart that’s on the line.
Georgia, in 1936, and a rising star on the Atlanta legal circuit, Beau Hartwell is envied by every lawyer in the city, until his past comes back to haunt him. Beau has to go from the big city to backwoods justice, with a case that can break more than his career. “In one fateful night, their worlds collide in ways no one saw coming”, and the storyline definitely had me hooked. The descriptive narrative brought both the characters and the settings vividly to life, making me feel fully immersed in the story. Although the three stories are complete at the end of this novel, it does have a ‘to be continued’ ending. I look forward to book two in this new series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Gordonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Gordon2022-11-13 16:15:332022-11-18 11:06:16Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Jennifer Gordon
Defiant Princess is a prequel to the Mafia Elite series by Amy McKinley, it follows the sisters of the families prior to the events of the books in the main series. I really liked this story, even the sad parts. It was quite short though and I would have liked it to be longer (as I always do with this series as I am never ready for them to finish and want to know more!). It was really interesting to learn more about the events that are mentioned in the future books and I was screaming in my head to warn them about the traitor among them! I think this is a must read for fans of this series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Juls Dickhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJuls Dick2022-11-13 16:11:412022-11-18 11:06:02Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Juls Dick
A truly rich world with everything you could possibly want! Secret society, magic, betrayal, murder. It’s just a wonderfully written piece that Dan Brown fans will love! I really enjoyed this one and the twists and turns were awesome! Strap in for this one, it’s a ride!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jess Dimmockhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJess Dimmock2022-11-13 14:53:072022-11-18 11:05:53Painter of the Damned (Painted Souls Book 2) by Rob Samborn – Review by Jess Dimmock
Eve and Devlin pulled me into their story with ease and I really enjoyed my time with them. It’s an office romance that will have you sinking in and never wanting to leave. The characters are relatable and easy to connect with. The story is cute, fun and a bit steamy. It’s well written and I wanted it to keep going. This author definitely had me hooked from start to finish. I’m gladly giving this book five stars and can’t wait for more from this author. Highly recommended!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katie Kearneyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie Kearney2022-11-13 14:46:312022-11-18 11:05:29Devlin by Angela K. Parker – Review by Katie Kearney
Catherine Keely is in Crete at the hotel where her daughter Susie was; one year prior before falling from a balcony to her death. Susie’s death is ruled an accident from too much alcohol. Catherine, a mother who is still coping with the loss of her daughter, is there looking for answers. And Then She Fell is a stunning suspenseful mystery. Dreena Collins had me reeled in with her writing. After each chapter I wanted to know more about Susie and that fateful night. Catherine speaks to Susie throughout the book as she meets with Susie’s friends and learns more about her daughter than she thought she knew. Each story gives Catherine a different take on what happened on that balcony. This book had me wanting to know the truth and the ending surprised me! I recommend this book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Diane Sennetthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDiane Sennett2022-11-13 14:45:472022-11-18 11:05:38And Then She Fell by Dreena Collins – Review by Diane Sennett
I enjoyed reading this suspenseful story. This is a new author for me. I enjoyed their writing skills that brought their story to life. This is a well written story where three worlds collide in one fateful night. No one will see what is coming. I enjoyed how the characters were able to pull me into the story. They kept the story engaging and easy to read. A fast paced story that has twists and turns that left me turning pages fast. There is much going on in this story but the author did a great job of transitions to keep the story entertaining. I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to seeing more from this author. I highly recommend this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Bobbi Wagnerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBobbi Wagner2022-11-13 14:24:422022-11-18 11:05:22Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Bobbi Wagner
Mercy is a young girl living in Sueno, New Mexico that is doing her best to break free from the generational traumas that have befallen the women there. La Llorana is always looking for the next generation of young girls to baptize and fill with so many tears and so much sorrow that it overwhelms them. Each generation of girls does their best to avoid the banks of the river and the Weeping Woman, but few can escape the curse as she drags them into her watery depths.
A moving and unforgettable story of a young girl who fights to escape the curse of generations of women who are overtaken by pain and darkness. Mercy is strong, smart, and determined to find the light through the darkness against all odds. You cannot help but root for Mercy as she so valiantly tries to make her way in the world and overcome a curse that has taken the lives of so many women through the generations. A beautifully written story of rebirth through healing and magic.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2022-11-13 14:20:092022-11-18 11:05:15Weep, Woman, Weep: A Gothic Fairytale about Ancestral Hauntings by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
This is the first book in an exceptional Trilogy about a young Wizard named, Wilf Gilvary, and his world. It’s pretty obvious from the start he wants absolutely nothing to do with magic. The start of the story can be a little rocky to follow. Between the disappearance of his father and transition into the magical world. Nevertheless the story is so intriguing you tend to fly through it!
Poor Wilf is just a kid, and is forced into situations where he has to make some more mature choices. This is a good story for any age, as the content is fairly appropriate. And is very relatable to anyone reading the story as well. As such, the tale is very interesting and advances at a steady and enticing pace.
Eventually, Wilf is faced with a deadly virus that impacts the Wizarding world, and the magical folk in it. Between Wilf’s heritage, and his own innate skill set. It is up to him to make a decision on how to save not just those closest to him, but the entire world with the people in nit as he knows it. Wilf does a pretty solid job of navigating through this new and scary world, that he has been trying to resist from the beginning. There is quite a bit of character development, and I am looking forward to reading the second installment!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00TAYLOR KATHALENE STEPHENSONhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTAYLOR KATHALENE STEPHENSON2022-11-13 14:13:132022-11-18 11:05:08The Virus of Beauty (The Virus of Beauty Book 1) by C.B. Lyall – Review by Taylor K Stephenson
I enjoyed reading this story. This is a new author for me which I enjoyed their writing style as well as their attention to details that made the story come to life. This is a well written story about challenges, secrets and truths that are just waiting to come out. The characters pulled me into the story from the start. They are engaging, creative and really just made the story for me. They have great growth and took me on an emotional roller coaster ride in parts. I enjoyed what they brought to the story. This is an entertaining and easy story to read. A fast paced story that has twists and turns you don’t want to miss. I highly recommend reading this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Bobbi Wagnerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBobbi Wagner2022-11-13 14:12:332022-11-18 11:05:01And Then She Fell by Dreena Collins – Review by Bobbi Wagner
This is my first book that I read from this author and it was really good. I like that it took me out of my normal comfort zone in my reading and the cover is beautiful.
Magic and folklore….the legend, La Llorona is haunting for sure, sadness surrounds the legend and we meet Mercy whom is trying to be careful about this legend due to her best friend was lost because of La Llorona. Will the legend come for Mercy and never let go?
This story is very unique, surrounded by sadness and a bit of heartbreak for me as well.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lorralei Hoernerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLorralei Hoerner2022-11-13 12:44:482022-11-18 11:04:47Weep, Woman, Weep: A Gothic Fairytale about Ancestral Hauntings by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Lorralei Hoerner
Man, I was hooked from the beginning. This is an intense mystery/suspense that will have you on the edge-of-your-seat, holding your breathe wanting to know what’s going on. There are some twists and turns, but it all tends to come back together nicely in the plot. The characters are fantastic. I found them all so intricately well-written. The detail of their personalities is wonderful and fits into the story. I thought I had figured out what was going to happen and BAM, plot twist. Fantastic start to a series. I was shocked by the cliffhanger but I will be eagerly awaiting the next book to see where the story continues for Ruby and Rose. This is a new favorite mystery author for me.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2022-11-13 11:12:162022-11-18 11:04:41Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Shelly Kittell
This is the first book in the only series I’ve not read yet by this author. I have devoured every book in every series by this author but had missed this one. Although I ultimately know how their story turns out, I was excited to finally get the chance to read Chase and Kate’s journey. This book covers the very early days in their relationship. We get their first meeting where the sexual tension between the two is evident from the very start. In keeping with other books from this author, once the sexy times begin they are very hot and very often not ‘vanilla’. If you like a hot, sexy read then this is the book for you. I’d definitely recommend anything by this author if you like a good steamy read. Although this series is described as a dark mafia romance, we don’t get introduced to the mafia element until the end of this book. Filled with drama, danger, intrigue and hot sex, this book is definitely worth the 5 stars that I’m giving it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Karyn Taylorhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKaryn Taylor2022-11-13 11:11:172022-11-18 11:04:04Degrees of Innocence: Dark Mafia Romance (Cruel Deceptions Book 1) By Via Mari – Review by Karyn Taylor
Three stories of three different people, time and places that all converge in one tragic night.
Francie Roubideaux is from the Louisiana bayou and is handed a tough go. When she finds herself at the mercy of Ms. Claire and her house of pleasure in New Orleans, her singing saves her from a worse fate. When tragedy strikes, she gets out of New Orleans and eventually finds herself in California singing at the Mansfield.
Rose Donovan is swept off her feet in her small, hometown in Illinois one day by a handsome stranger. Seeing him as her way out, she leaves with him despite her father and friend’s advice to stay. When they move to California, he sells her singing talent to the owner of the Mansfield. It’s not all that she expected it to be though, and she finds herself in an abusive marriage with no way out.
Beau Hartwell is an up-and-coming lawyer in Georgia with a perfect record, job and wife. When his hometown best friend is framed for murder and he witnesses the demise of his hometown, it leaves him questioning all that he has held dear for the last ten years. After being fired, divorced, and homeless, he makes his way to California to friends that give him help, a job and a purpose again. He becomes a part of their Express Investigation team.
This was a great first book to a series. It gives background on all the characters in such a way that is concise but in depth. I felt like I had all the information on each one to picture them and their struggles. I am looking forward to the next book and finding out how the tragic night transpired and how they all play into it. I think I can see the way that it is going, but there were some surprises with the back stories. Definitely going to be on the lookout for book 2!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Desiree Ottingerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDesiree Ottinger2022-11-13 11:03:452022-11-18 11:03:45Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Desiree Ottinger
This is the first book in this series and i really enjoyed it. The author does an amazing job with the characters and the world building. I really felt for Wilf’s character. All he wanted was to be a normal boy. He doesn’t want magic and all the complications that come with it, but no matter how reluctant he is he is forced into a world he doesn’t want to be a part of.
There is a struggled for power between the witches and wizards which is released a curse. This curse causes witches to lose there powers and become beautiful.
The only cure is in Wilf’s fathers journal and the only person can unlock the secrets is Wilf himself. Now he is drawn into a battle he doesn’t want to be part of, and when his friend becomes a victim of the virus he is determined to save her even if that means accepting and embracing his magic.
This story is a real page turner and a great fantasy adventure that I couldn’t put down.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Carrhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Carr2022-11-13 10:46:482022-11-18 11:03:21The Virus of Beauty (The Virus of Beauty Book 1) by C.B. Lyall – Review by Kerry Carr
This story is a prequel to the Mafia Elite Series and it was so fun! I absolutely love all the women in this series so them having a book just focused on them in their college days was a delight. We get to see them just being best friends and comforting each other and dealing with the realities of being Mafia Princesses outside of the ways we do in their own books which showcase the romances they end up in. This story is really all about the night before Marissa’s murder which was a big point in the series so seeing Marissa from a different side before her death was very interesting. I love Amy’s writing and I feel everything the girls do so this was an emotional read for me thinking of them anticipating their futures when i already know how its gonna end up i just wanted to hug them all and say its gonna be okay. If you have read any of the Mafia Elite books this is a must-read. It is fast and short but well worth it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Torihttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTori2022-11-13 10:31:252022-11-18 11:03:11Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Tori Werkheiser
Witches and Wizards live together but there’s also a resistance. Wilf is born wizard but refuses to do magic and instead thinks of himself as a Normal. When a virus threatens the magical realm, Wilf must do what needs to be done.
This book is very well written and it’s truly a wonderful story-scape world!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Erin Vostershttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngErin Vosters2022-11-13 10:08:162022-11-18 11:03:03The Virus of Beauty (The Virus of Beauty Book 1) by C.B. Lyall – Review by Erin Vosters
We may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.
Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.
Essential Website Cookies
These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.
Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refuseing them will have impact how our site functions. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site.
We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain.
We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. You can check these in your browser security settings.
Google Analytics Cookies
These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience.
If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here:
Other external services
We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.
Google Webfont Settings:
Google Map Settings:
Google reCaptcha Settings:
Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:
Other cookies
The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them:
Privacy Policy
You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page.
Glass Houses by Sinister Styx
