I love the back and forth banter between Chase and Kate, they had great chemistry from the start. I must say with the way Chase treats Kate I’m mildly jealous, because dang I’d definitely like to be her. The care and attention he shows her in all aspect is not something you find in men anymore. This was the first book I’ve read by Via Mari, but I can guarantee I will be reading more and I can’t wait to read the rest of this series!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashlyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshly2022-12-12 00:34:002022-12-12 10:25:53Degrees of Innocence: Dark Mafia Romance (Cruel Deceptions Book 1) By Via Mari – Review by Ashly Renner
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63229686-thief” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Thief (Popov Bratva #4)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1667686707l/63229686._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63229686-thief”>Thief</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7827259.Leslie_Georgeson”>Leslie Georgeson</a><br/> My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5159485268″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /> This story focuses on Dominik and Leah, two complete opposites. One lives in the shadows and seems to operate only in darkness while the other thrives in the light. While on a heist Dominik has a wrench thrown in his plans when the owner of the car he is boosting jumps in and goes along for the ride. Each has secrets that could easily get them into trouble or end a career. Dominik isn’t one for getting attached to anyone but something about this woman is making him want to break that rule. Will these two end up with a happily ever after or will they try to ruin one another? Now that I have read at least two books in this series I plan on going back to read the rest. I really do dislike when I read books that are part of a series but I started at the end, haha. Granted this can be read as a stand alone. <br />You won’t feel lost as the author has written the books in such a way that they all tie together but you don’t have to read the others to get any back stories. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. <br/><br/> <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/106111308-charlisa-wahtomy-alba”>View all my reviews</a>
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Charlisa Wahtomy-Albahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCharlisa Wahtomy-Alba2022-12-12 00:10:182022-12-12 10:25:27Thief (an opposites attract, enimies-to-lovers Mafia romantic suspense) (Popov Bratva Book 4) by Leslie Georgeson – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba
Susan Renee where have you been all my life! I love me an enemies to loves romance and this was everything a girl would wish for.
Tenley is a practical woman and offers practical adult relationship advice via her anonymous podcast “TJ on PAR”. A lot of this relationship advice centers around her disapproval of love and the practicalities of being single. Then along comes “the Love Guru”, Teagan, with his offer for Tenley to join him for a week in Hawaii at a resort and a deal that he will pay her ten thousand dollars if she doesn’t fall in love. Of course, Tenely says yes to a free week in Hawaii and ten thousand dollars! Will Tenley walk away with love in her heart or a boat load of cash?
This just made my heart sing! Tenley is sassy and strong while and Teagan is fun and complimentary – it was so easy to want to ship them! The writing and layout made it such an easy read. The relationships and friendships were the sweetest and everything you would want for yourself on a Hawaiian holiday. The grand gesture that we patiently wait for in a Romance was the sweetest and totally worth it.
If Romance is your genre, then I recommend picking this up. I am off to add a few more Susan Renee books to my TBR!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Mandy Knealehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMandy Kneale2022-12-11 23:53:262022-12-12 10:25:12Kamana Wanalaya by Susan Renee – Review by Mandy Kneale
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60106343-beast” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Beast (Popov Bratva #5)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1641941608l/60106343._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60106343-beast”>Beast</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7827259.Leslie_Georgeson”>Leslie Georgeson</a><br/> My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5159464382″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /> I just want to start off saying that this book was a good read. I liked that Adrik had a plan to make things happen to try and better his life and then set things into motion. After having such a hard life due to some unfortunate circumstances he didn’t feel like he stood a chance doing anything. He must’ve felt like he was on cloud nine when the Bratva Brotherhood let him into their ranks. He spent years proving that he was a good and loyal soldier to them so he got the task of protecting the boss’ daughter, Annika. Adrik is the only one that stand between Annika and whoever is after her. He has been crushing on her for years but he doesn’t want to scare her away like so many others with his scars. Will he be able to keep her safe from himself? <br/><br/> <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/106111308-charlisa-wahtomy-alba”>View all my reviews</a>
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Charlisa Wahtomy-Albahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCharlisa Wahtomy-Alba2022-12-11 23:46:472022-12-12 10:25:04Beast (Popov Bratva Book 5) by Leslie Georgeson – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba
This book has it all! Romance, mystery, and suspense are all present, along with a glimpse of betrayal. Although fifth in a book series, the author presents a wonderful stand-alone story. This story is set in Canada, and features a privately- owned museum. I highly recommend this tale to anyone who is a fan of mystery or suspense books.
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 Risher2022-12-11 22:05:592022-12-12 10:24:04Knight In The Museum (Jorja Knight Private Investigator Mystery Series Book 5) by Alice Bienia – Review by Alison Risher
4.7/5 Stars This is a quick, Christmas romance! It’s so good and the characters are easy to love. It’s a look into the professional athlete world and it gives a taste of what it’s like to sacrifice everything to be the best. I love that Sienna & Connor compliment each other in a realistic way. This book made me want to take a winter getaway to the slopes!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Daryian Lucashttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDaryian Lucas2022-12-11 21:56:082022-12-12 10:24:12Snow in Love by Libby Kay – Review by Daryian Lucas
I’m really glad I picked up this book. The author is new to me and I’ve always liked finding a good series. In the first book of the series, there are 3 different stories of people from different walks of life that find themselves at the Mansfield night club on the same night. What will this fateful night bring?
I really liked learning about the main characters in each story.
Francie grew up poor and finds herself at a gentleman’s club but instead of having to physically entertain men, she ends up singing as the music entertainer. After a couple of life changing events, Francie ends up at the Mansfield as the main singer.
Rose is in her late teens when she’s caught up in a whirlwind romance by a young man who stops in at the diner she is working at. Rose believes she is in love and gets talked into marriage and leaves her small town with hopes and dreams. Her husband gets her an audition at the Mansfield as the opening act. Soon Rose finds herself unhappy in her marriage.
Lastly we meet Beau, a young up an coming lawyer in Atlanta who finds out his boyhood best friend Poke has been accused of murdering a man. Beau does his best to get his friend out of his predicament but old ties in the town (County Judge and Sheriff) don’t follow Justice and his friend loses his life.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Betsy Melanohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBetsy Melano2022-12-11 21:39:322022-12-12 10:24:20Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Betsy Melano
It took me a while to get into this book, as I felt it started off a little slowly. But, once the pace and story picked up, I really enjoyed Murder on Oak Street! I. M. Foster was a first time author for me, but she created such a realistic setting with her vivid storytelling and great world building. The characters were well-developed, realistic, and there were a variety of different characters, each with his or her own story. Murder on Oak Street has it all! Murder, drama, mystery, and lots of twists and turns! I found myself attempting to solve the murder right along with everyone! Overall, this is a great read for fans of historical fiction, mystery, and crime! I look forward to reading more by I. M. Foster.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Mandy Otthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMandy Ott2022-12-11 21:38:342022-12-12 10:23:03Murder on Oak Street ( A South Shore Mystery Book 1) by I.M. Foster – Review by Mandy Ott
My son and I really enjoyed Amaleigha and the Big Idea. Before we even got to Page 2, he stopped me and said “there are so many words and I didn’t expect that. I visioned all the stuff without it being in the pictures.” Despite being 6 years old and not knowing the right words, he it not wrong. There are a lot of words for a children’s book- so this is more of a parent or teacher read story. Not so much a beginning reader, but it was a great story. The idea was a big idea for anyone, let alone a 5 year old. But it was a good idea and cute. I love the resources at the end, in case you and your child want to create their own version. The illustrations were bright and cute. We have another of her stories on our TBR list.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elizabeth Sanchezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElizabeth Sanchez2022-12-11 20:23:132022-12-12 10:22:46Amaleigha and the Big Idea by Janice Pratt – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez
Snow in Love is a cute winter romance story. Grab a blanket and a cup of coffee or cocoa, and curl up on the couch for a quick read. The progression of the story is predictable, but I still really enjoyed it. Connor and Sienna are professional skiers who meet at a private training at an abandoned lodge. I love the little details the author put into the story. Each character is well written with a back story and family connection. Sienna is at a turning point in her career and needs time to discover what she wants for herself and stop living for her mom. Connor is struggling to find himself again after an accident that claimed half of his leg. I love his brother Colby and how helpful he was, while still being a typical college boy. I look forward to reading more by this author. She has a way with words and the book is short but sweet.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elizabeth Sanchezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElizabeth Sanchez2022-12-11 20:18:242022-12-12 10:22:36Snow in Love by Libby Kay – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez
I love a good story that can totally engross you with every turn of the page. This is my first book by this author and definitely will not be my last. Even though this is book # 5 in the series, I picked up and definitely did not miss anything from any other of the books in her series. I will be circling back most definitely to start the Jorja Knight Mystery from the beginning for sure.
Jorja Knight is a private investigator whom is looking into the death of a former police officer by the request of his daughter. Although seeming to be “accidental”, the more the story unfolds, there is definitely more to this death than meets they eye. Something that does not sit well….. as the story is more untangled, the more suspicion comes and leads to more death, mystery and twists come. Will Jorja be able to solve this mystery….
This story is fantastic and I cannot wait to dive in to more Jorja Knight mysteries. The plot is truly gripping and I am looking forward to reading more from this author!!
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 Hoerner2022-12-11 19:47:172022-12-12 10:22:28Knight In The Museum (Jorja Knight Private Investigator Mystery Series Book 5) by Alice Bienia – Review by Lorralei Hoerner
This book is a incredible book with authentic culture, vivid settings, ancient history, fantasy, and mythology. It took me on a quest round ancient Greece and surroundings while saving Olympian gods from being destroyed by the one god of Christianity. The characters in this book were absolutely amazing, Evan was a strong-willed leader that really made this book wonderful to read. Evan being from the 21 century, has to figure out what needs to be done when he gets transported to ancient times. This book was incredible, I absolutely loved it, and couldn’t put it down. I will say I did not read the first book to this series, but it was still easy to follow and understand that I did not feel lost, but I will be going back and reading the first one.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Reimerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Reimer2022-12-11 19:37:412022-12-12 10:22:17The Labyrinthine Journey (Servant of the Gods Book 2) by Luciana Cavallaro – Review by Jennifer Reimer
This was a really good book! It was very well written, and was mysterious enough to keep me enthralled throughout the whole thing. I really enjoyed the scene the author set up, and to me the beginning was a little reminiscent of Where The Crawdads Sing. The imagery throughout the book was really good. I also enjoyed the multiple POVs in this book and the twist at the end was exceptional. I’m excited to see where this series goes from here!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rachel Mosshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRachel Moss2022-12-11 19:23:322022-12-12 10:21:55Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Rachel Moss
This is the perfect time of year for a read like this. Who doesn’t love a second chance romance plus add a Christmas tree farm that make it perfect reading on a cool night.
Teddy ends up getting entangled with the law and serving a prison sentence that eventually leads to his parole and essentially working on his Christmas tree farm at his family home as a condition of that parole. Meanwhile, Robyn, the girl he loved, dropped law school when realizing that justice is not always served to the guilty. Teddy believes him and Robyn are over until a happenstance chance when he walks into her florist shop and sparks still fly between the two. Can their love survive when outside forces seem to want to pull them apart? Will the past forever be a part of their relationship or can they truly get their happily ever after?
This is a wonderful romance book that has all the chemistry and steamy scenes you could hope for. Seriously grab this book, with a blanket, drinking some warm drink and that is the perfect setting to jump into someone else’s world.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Vanessa Wattshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngVanessa Watts2022-12-11 19:19:472022-12-12 10:21:44Faultless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls Book 1) by KG Fletcher – Review by Vanessa Watts
Tenley is the host of a podcast on practical adult relationships, whose opinion is that love doesn’t conquer all, and people should be practical and realistic about life. Teagan is the Love Guru, and he (obviously) believes in love. A random comment on a radio show makes Tenley go to Hawaii to prove that she is right.
Tenley and Teagan’s banter is funny, and they have great chemistry. The pace of the story is good and I was pulled into their story. The “something happens so one person refuses to talk to the other” trope isn’t my favourite but it wasn’t terribly done and made sense for the character. I haven’t read Susan Renee’s other books, but it was clear that the supporting characters are cameos from other books, and it makes me want to go read their stories.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katrinahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatrina2022-12-11 19:18:022023-08-05 12:35:26Kamana Wanalaya by Susan Renee – Review by Katrina Evanochko
This is my first read by Susan Renee. I enjoyed the easy read that not only kept me laughing, but also wanting to shake some sense into the characters at times. The characters are well developed and easy to like and relate to.
Tenley and Teagan are polar opposites when it comes to love. Tenley is jaded and prefers to view love from a practical standpoint, while Teagan views love as a glorious union to be desired and cherished. The fun begins when Teagan “the love guru”, challenges Tenley to a one week, all expenses paid, trip to Kamana Wanalaya Resort in Hawaii to change her mind on love.
Kamana Wanalaya was a fun read with some definite spice. It’s a slow burner, that keeps you hooked. When the plot picks up, it picks up quickly.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Megan Pesekhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMegan Pesek2022-12-11 19:17:382022-12-12 10:16:24Kamana Wanalaya by Susan Renee – Review by Megan Pesek
If you love film noir or the 1940’s this is a book for you! Three Characters’ stories and how they came to be at the Mansfield. How their lives become entwined, and how the lure of the lights and fame can blind you to the evil of men. This book has some graphic scenes, but they are so tastefully done that you can’t imagine the story without them, and they are a window into a time and lifestyle so foreign to many of us in 2022. There is rape, betrayal, prostitution, murder, domestic violence, bigotry, abuse of the law, and adultery to name the things off the top of my head. Now, these things happen in society today, but the way in which they happen in the book is quite different from what we would see. I can’t say enough about how well written this book and the characters are. The world is immersive and I felt like I could see and hear the scenes. Just an absolute Gem!
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 Dimmock2022-12-11 19:12:562022-12-12 10:16:15Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Jess Dimmock
Connor is no longer the playboy motorcross rider of his past…he is now a skier in the Paralympics. After an accident took part of his leg, he has needed to find a new way to fulfill the need for speed that lives within him. He seems to be almost as good on the slopes as he was on the track. So, when his coach plans a training session around Christmas, Connor shows up ready to work.
Sienna is the “golden girl” of the slopes…and she is only missing a gold medal at the Paralympics. When her mother cancels her vacation in lieu of another training, Sienna is wondering if there is ever going to be more to life that her overbearing mother/manager. She is less than thrilled to have to spend her favorite holiday training…and even less thrilled when she sees who she has to spend it with.
These two, on paper, are as different as can be. But, when the begin to really get to know each other, they find out that they just might be after the same thing. However, when Sienna’s mother steps in and once again makes decisions for Sienna, will Sienna ever be allowed to be happy? Will Sienna be able to take her future into her own hands finally?
This was a good story about a woman wanting more for her future and a man who’s past shadows people’s thoughts about. Each of the characters is good for the other and helps them grow in their own ways. I enjoyed their banter and Connor’s ways of making Sienna feel special. Overall, a good book that I was able to devour in one sitting.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rosanna Ingramhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRosanna Ingram2022-12-11 18:24:172022-12-12 10:16:05Snow in Love by Libby Kay – Review by Rosanna Ingram
This was a great historical mystery. The writing was fantastic. I was instantly transported right into this book. I was trying to solve the mystery as if I was an investigator in the story. I couldn’t put this down. I literally read it in one sitting. If you are into historical fiction and mysteries, Murder on Oak St is it. The characters and story is very well written. I.M Foster has a new fan.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Erin DeRomahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngErin DeRoma2022-12-11 17:35:002022-12-12 10:15:44Murder on Oak Street ( A South Shore Mystery Book 1) by I.M. Foster – Review by Erin DeRoma
What happens when a cynic and a hopeless romantic challenge one another? Well everything that happened in Kamana Wanalaya for the Holidays. The author wrote an interesting take on an enemies to lovers romance. One that was thoroughly enjoyable. It was happy, sad, funny, spicy, and everything in between. Tenley has a podcast where she goes on about being practical in life. Especially in love, she doesn’t believe in it. A independent feminist at heart, would rather preach her feelings vs risk her heart. She despises the so-called “love guru.” Teagan is the love guru and he issues a challenge. After Tenley laid into him and the resort he promoted in her podcast, he propositioned her. He said come to Hawaii for a week with all expenses paid and if he couldn’t show her how to love, he would donate $10k to her podcast and go on record pulling back some. What he didn’t tell her was it was a couples retreat week. That’s where the author’s humor comes into play. Navigating these two who are complete opposites through a retreat and fake relationship. They take shots and constantly rib one another, but under it all they are both falling. How do they handle it? If you enjoy enemy to lovers romances this book is perfect. The author put together a well written story. It has you rooting for the main characters, it also has you wanting the backstory of the others. Which I’m going to be looking into! You should too!
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-Finnie2022-12-11 17:20:192022-12-12 10:15:51Kamana Wanalaya by Susan Renee – Review by Beverly Finnie
Podcaster Tenley Shay says it like it is and calls out Love Guru Teagan. Tenley is a sceptic where love is concerned, while Teagan believes love is out there. Deciding to turn the tables on Tenley, Teagan offers an invite to a couple retreat where he makes a bet with her that she cannot refuse. Can two people who are polar opposites on love find something a little special while trying to fight their feelings?
Teagan is terrific, he oozes charisma which Tenley is determined ignore. Humorous with kind of a How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days feeling with a holiday twist. Very entertaining read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Emily Heislerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngEmily Heisler2022-12-11 16:04:492022-12-12 10:15:31Kamana Wanalaya by Susan Renee – Review by Emily H
A sweet story to share with loved ones, especially young ones. This is a nice book to read to your children to enjoy quiet and quality time. A nice way to instill love and to show our children how special that they are. There are nice illustrations to go with the thoughtful words. I enjoyed this quick read and will be sharing it with anyone who has little ones.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Gabrielle Leehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngGabrielle Lee2022-12-11 15:50:232022-12-12 10:15:12If I Had a Magic Wand by Melissa Lavi – Review by Gabrielle Lee
Degrees of Innocence is the first book in the series and focused on the possessive and protective Chase and his obsession, Katarina. They meet when Kate is saving a man’s life and Chase steps in to help her. Their relationship builds as they spend more time together until Kate’s life is threatened. Chase protects her with everything he has as her life is threatened multiple times. They also have to deal with Kate’s insecurities about having a relationship with someone she works with.
I love that Kate and Chase work well together. They are an adorable couple and it’s amazing to watch them deal with the situations together. I also love how protective Chase is over Kate and how much he does to make her happy. They are an amazing couple and I love seeing the way they work together. It was also interesting to read about who is trying to attack her and what is the reasoning behind it.
The things I didn’t quite enjoy is there is a TON of telling in this story. I believe this is one of the author’s earlier books and I can absolutely tell she’s gotten a lot better at showing instead of telling, but it does make this story a bit tedious when it comes to reading it. Also, there’s a lot of obstacles that are introduced that aren’t necessarily resolved or explained the best.
Overall, while it was definitely an earlier book of the author’s, it was still enjoyable and fun to read. I am happy to have read it and gotten a chance to meet Chase and Kate. A bit of a warning though – the ending kind of stops a bit abruptly. There isn’t really a cliff hanger, it’s more like the story was cut in half and it wasn’t completely prepared to be that way. The story is finished in a satisfying way for the main plot points, but there’s a lot that is going to get finished in the second book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kaylee Johnstonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKaylee Johnston2022-12-11 15:24:562022-12-12 10:14:56Degrees of Innocence: Dark Mafia Romance (Cruel Deceptions Book 1) By Via Mari – Review by Kaylee Johnston
I love a good book blurb, and this one has a good one, it certainly piqued my interest. For a book that has three stories in one, it was an easy read that kept me turning the pages late into the night. The first story made me think of the song Fancy by Reba McEntire, and then I read more about the author and the series was based on a different Reba McEntire song, Because of You. Just when you think you have everything figured out, there’s a plot twist or turn. I love it when that happens. I am not a huge fan of cliffhanger endings, but the second book in the series is available so I can’t be to upset.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Julie McComashttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJulie McComas2022-12-11 15:01:322022-12-12 10:14:40Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Julie McComas
Daniel is frustrated with his job working as a coroner’s physician in 1904 New York. After two years at his job the authorities have no interest in listening to his findings and he sees no future working there. Then his fiancée decides on their wedding day to call off their wedding, so Daniel takes it as a sign that he needs a fresh start. He accepts a job offer in Patchogue as assistant to their local coroner.
Daniel is barely in Patchogue a month when Kathleen, an attractive librarian, asks him to look into a murder that took place in New York two years ago. Daniel agrees to help her because it just happened to be a case that he worked on, and he was never happy with the verdict in the case. When a murder occurs in the peaceful little village Daniel cannot help but feel that the two cases are somehow linked.
I absolutely adored this historical mystery. It was impossible to put down and I found myself trying to solve the mystery along with the characters. The writing was superb, and the author did a fantastic job of bringing the characters and story to life. I anxiously await book two!
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 Barnes2022-12-11 15:00:232022-12-12 10:14:21Murder on Oak Street ( A South Shore Mystery Book 1) by I.M. Foster – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
This was the first book I have read by this author. While romance – especially steam romance are not my normal go to, I did enjoy this book. Teegan and Tenley find each other in this holiday romance. They are able to banter back and forth and set up some really spicy scenes! The Hawaiian resort and the holiday setting were a plus.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tanya Wallhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTanya Wall2022-12-11 14:36:112022-12-12 10:14:09Kamana Wanalaya by Susan Renee – Review by Tanya Wall
Degrees of Innocence is the first book in the Cruel Deceptions series by Via Mari, I found it a little confusing as it was described as a “dark mafia” romance and there is only one small mention of the mafia at the very end of the book, the content didn’t really match the description. However, it did have a good premise and I am assuming that the mafia connection is more prominent in the later books in the series. When Kate is sent to Aruba to head a week long planning retreat for her company she is not expecting to meet a charismatic stranger who makes her feel things she has never felt before. When it turns out that this stranger is also the CEO of the company she is there to meet she is torn between love and her career. When she then becomes the victim of a series of attempts on her life she is confused as to whether the attacks are random or something more sinister. I thought this book was ok, it didn’t have the mafia romance element I was looking for, but it did have a strong female lead and a domineering sexy billionaire.
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 Dick2022-12-11 14:34:152022-12-12 10:13:39Degrees of Innocence: Dark Mafia Romance (Cruel Deceptions Book 1) By Via Mari – Review by Juls Dick
This book was the perfect book to get me settled into the holidays! It got me out of my reading slump and I legitimately ugly laughed myself to tears in one scene. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for this author in the future. Tenley has a popular podcast on Practical Adult Relationships. When she sarcastically mentions the Love Guru and his romantical couple’s retreat in her podcast he feels the spontaneous urge to issue her a challenge… If she can go to this couple’s retreat in Hawaii for a week and not fall in love with Love, he will donate a sum of money to her podcast and admit publicly that he was wrong. I could not put this book down and laughed so hard at times that I had to stop and read tidbits to my partner. Tenley and Teagan are a blast to experience and I could have mentally stayed at that resort for so much longer than the book allowed.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Meganhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMegan2022-12-11 14:13:312022-12-12 10:13:32Kamana Wanalaya by Susan Renee – Review by Megan Watson
This is the 1st book in the Express Investigations series. The author has done an amazing job with this historical story. I love how it tells the story of 3 people and their lives and what leads them to all be at the same place at the same time when something changes their lives forever.
Each of our characters are strong and they all have a very unique story to tell. Beau Hartwell is an lawyer who is starting to make his way in the world but when fate steps in and he loses everything he finds himself at the Mansfield Hotel.
Francie Roubideaux has had a hard life from the start. Living with her mother they were barely surviving. Until she is sent to Miss Claires. But things arent what they seem and when Francie realising it is a house of pleasure she had 2 choices. Stay and pleasure the clients or leave and be in danger. When she starts singing she is spared somewhat from the client side of thing. When she finds her way to the Mansfield Hotel to further her singing that’s when her life really changes.
Rose Donovan falls in love with a man and against advice she leaves with him. However this is all not real and when he sells her to the Mansfield Hotel as a singer.
3 different people, from 3 different backgrounds and life’s are brought together in an event that will change all of their lives.
It is an amazing read you will not be able to put it down and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
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 Carr2022-12-11 13:16:432022-12-12 10:13:23Road to the Mansfield (Express Investigations Book 1) by CB Laurence – Review by Kerry Carr
*Insert Favorite Holiday Movie Channel Here* eat your heart out! Kamala Wanalaya by Susan Renee is primed for a SPICY rom-com holiday movie! This book kept me entertained from the beginning – making me laugh out loud many times as the exceptionally relatable main characters, Teagan and Tensley, made for a perfect romance balanced with equal parts sugar and spice this holiday season. I constantly felt like I was literally right there in this Hawaiian paradise, seeing, feeling, and experiencing each of the characters throughout the storyline. It was clearly the best read to get me out of my slump and I can’t wait to read more from Susan Renee!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Nicole Thompsonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngNicole Thompson2022-12-11 12:18:202022-12-12 10:13:13Kamana Wanalaya by Susan Renee – Review by Nicole Thompson
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