This is by far one of the best children’s books I have ever read. I truly just wish this book had been around when I was a kid experiencing the heebie-jeebies, as Lilly calls them. As someone who has suffered from anxiety most of my life, I would truly recommend this book to all ages as there is a simple but beautiful message and spot-on techniques to help face everyday life when you feel anxious or scared. The colorful and detailed illustrations just add to this remarkable story. I would suggest everyone pick up a copy of this book, even if you or your child doesn’t suffer from anxiety. I’m sure we all know someone who does and using this book you can learn techniques that might help them. I can’t wait to read more books by this author!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Donyahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDonya2023-08-08 19:23:272023-08-16 13:58:29Lilly Tames Her Worries by Carole Heaney – Review by Donya Pedigo
Derek is a fashion entrepreneur and a known workaholic; his high expectations for impeccable work and self isolation from any kind of relationships are also well known. But then his personal assistant takes a step down and he needs someone as capable and resilient as that good lady.
Melinda is in that time of her life where challenges are at the door every single day, due to her attractiveness, last name, and for the never ending fact that she is a woman. She must prove to her now arrogant boss that she fits in the industry and has his right hand. Oh but destiny has in store a surprise to these two hard headed individuals.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Paloma Fierrohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngPaloma Fierro2023-08-08 18:58:462023-08-16 13:58:22Softest Touch by Adina D. Grey – Review by Paloma Fierro 08/08/2023
This is the first book I’ve read from K.M. Scott. I couldn’t put it down to be honest with you!!! Ava Sutton grew up with the five King boys, Matthias, Theo, Marius, Kellen and Ronan. Theo was her best friend and for some reason Matthias was her enemy, or at least that is how she was made to feel about him. Locked away in the King’s home because of a snow storm, does she find out why Matthias doesn’t like her or does something else happen? There are some serious sad parts to this story that bring all the characters together at times, but I truly believe that this story about two people whose love for each other is tainted by their parents
This is the first book I’ve read from K.M. Scott. I couldn’t put it down to be honest with you!!! Ava Sutton grew up with the five King boys, Matthias, Theo, Marius, Kellen and Ronan. Theo was her best friend and for some reason Matthias was her enemy, or at least that is how she was made to feel about him. Locked away in the King’s home because of a snow storm, does she find out why Matthias doesn’t like her or does something else happen? There are some serious sad parts to this story that bring all the characters together at times, but I truly believe that this story about two people whose love for each other is tainted by their parents.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kirsten Berkebilehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKirsten Berkebile2023-08-08 18:55:062023-08-16 13:58:15Cruel King by K.M. Scott – Review by Kirsten Berkebile
This book picks up right were the first book ends, so highly suggest that you go and read the first book first or you might be a little lost, but I don’t think it would be too much if you really want to read this book that bad. Caitlin and Ciaran go on a trip to Ireland, and the road of everything leaves them with more questions then answers. The past to the future and the romance between these two grows more and more, I almost feel like Im invading on something I shouldn’t be. The written into this book is so amazing the tory makes you feel like you’re going on this history adventure with them. the story line follows with everything and reads so well. And once again the characters are amazing and well developed and, in this book, you learn more and more about them. I can not get enough of books that they weave in history; it fascinates me so much and the research that went into both of these book is incredible. I highly recommend this book.
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 Reimer2023-08-08 18:24:242023-08-16 13:58:08The Book of Carraig (The Cross of Ciaran Book 2) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Jennifer Reimer
This is absolutely one of my favorite types of genres, I love when an author can weave in different timelines and stories always has my attention. I was captivated right from the beginning. And I could not pout this book down till I read the whole thing. This book was filled with so much from archaeology, romance, fantasy, history, on the edge of my seat suspense. This story was well written and makes you really feel like your there, the story was so well developed it was hard sometimes to remember that this is a fantasy book as while. the character in this book were just as amazing, they felt real and that these people Caitlin and Ciaran were real people too. This book crosses in a lot of timelines but is well worth the read. I highly recommend this book.
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 Reimer2023-08-08 18:11:282023-08-16 13:58:02The Cross of Ciarán (The Cross of Ciarán Book 1) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Jennifer reimer
I appreciate the worries Lilly has are worries that many kids can relate to- washing a beloved stuffed animal, sitting next to someone new on the bus.
As an educator, I appreciated the inclusion of a breathing technique through the story, always great to find SEL related books that still tell a story! And includes the scientific words kids love to learn about. My school used brain in the hand, and this is a perfect fictionalized story to go along with it. Beginning and ending with a stinky stuffy leaves a clear message/reminder to kids (and adults) to be brave!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Crainhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Crain2023-08-08 18:04:192023-08-16 13:57:55Lilly Tames Her Worries by Carole Heaney – Review by Jennifer Crain
Adorable part of the alien hating his/her name, which kids that dislike their name for whatever reason can connect to. The alien and girl playing together is a subtle but powerful hint of inclusion and finding games all can play. As a teacher, I had a giggle when the “alien” only wants red foods, I have met many a kid that is addicted to red.
Overall, a cute read with colorful illustrations. You can’t go wrong with a Lois Wickstrom book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Crainhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Crain2023-08-08 17:49:112023-08-16 13:57:49I Am An Outer Space Alien (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Jennifer Crain
This is the fourth book in the Bluestone series but can be read as a standalone; however, I would recommend reading the series from the start. This instalment focuses on Teddy and Autumn, and I loved these two, they have great chemistry and were once best friends.
I think the opening to this book is my favourite of the series. I was hooked from the beginning when Autumn’s throwing expensive whiskey at Teddy in her anger and his concern at her bruises.
There were emotional parts to this book and my heart went out to Autumn with everything she went through, and this was incorporated into the story very well. I enjoyed both the storyline and the characters immensely; they were all well-constructed and believable. The descriptive language paints a vivid picture of the scenes as well as the characters and their mannerisms, bringing making you feel as though you’re experiencing it right alongside them.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rebecahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRebeca2023-08-08 17:37:232023-08-16 13:57:43Love Shots (Bluestone Series Book 4) by Isobel Reed – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras
This is a different story. I went into this blind and was pleasantly surprised. The story moves along at a quick pace and is darn interesting. The job she takes..Whoa! That pulled me right in! Then all these characters start coming out of the woodwork. About that time the story took a turn I was NOT expecting! Then a lot of thing changed and I was pleased at the turn in the story. The building the MC works in is so cool!
My only issue was the story slowed down for me in a couple of spots. It seemed to dig too deeply into the why’s and there was a lot of jargon I did not understand. I just ended up skimming these areas.
Overall it is a good surprising story. I enjoy the plot and all the characters. It kept me turning pages and wondering what was going to happen. I look forward to more in this series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lisa Helmickhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLisa Helmick2023-08-08 17:22:422023-08-16 13:57:37The Secret Humankind (The Discoveries of Julia Xero Book 1) by Gloria Oliver – Review by Lisa Helmick
I have read several books by Maria DeBlassie and I really like her style of writing. This book made me feel like I was having a conversation with her and learning about the cards. I’m sure I will read this one more than once. As always, I never get what I think I expect from her books, but I get exactly what I need to. If you are interested in tarot cards, I recommend this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jamie Truexhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJamie Truex2023-08-08 16:47:422023-08-16 13:57:31Conversations with the Tarot by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Jamie Truex
This is an enjoyable standalone romance novel. I thoroughly enjoyed this book but I can’t lie I often wanted to throw my book in frustration at Matthias, and Ava occasionally too. The way Matthias treated Ava instead of communicating was so frustrating, but it worked well for the story so I can’t be mad about it.
The characters were well-written and developed over time which I enjoy in a book. The writing flowed well and was easy to follow making it an easy read. The plot was great, the secrets that come to light and fall out was well-timed.
I really enjoyed this book and will be looking for more by this author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rebecahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRebeca2023-08-08 15:50:152023-08-16 13:57:24Cruel King by K.M. Scott – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras
Softest Touch is a heartwarming contemporary romance story by Adina. This is my first read by Adina and it is a sweet tale that will have you believing in love. It is a quick read that I would have loved to be a bit longer. This beautifully written tale is sexy and a little swoon worthy. I fell in love with the storyline and characters and with a dash of suspense mixed in it gave it an extra element. There is some trouble in paradise and their relationship is not without its challenges. There is lots of emotions, some angst, attraction, hope, passion and more. The story of Derek and Melinda is one you can’t help but fall in love with. Derek thought he had it all but then she walked into his life. To find out what happens you will need to read it for yourself. No spoilers here or it would ruin it for you. If you need a few hours to yourself and are looking for a light, quick read, with a bit of suspense then I recommend Softest Touch.
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 Bishop2023-08-08 15:44:542023-08-16 13:57:18Softest Touch by Adina D. Grey – Review by Jenni Bishop
Ciaran and Aodhan Donnelly are brought back together in Ireland to celebrate a wedding for one of their chosen family members. As they both have families of their own now, they find their past is not quite ready to stay there. Their book from their Tuath has a clue as to where there are hidden treasures, and the team/family is all for solving the riddle. However, they soon discover that someone else is also seeking the same treasures. When lives become threatened, can they discover the answer to getting to the treasure first to protect it? Or will they be doomed to losing a big part of their past to wily thieves?
I enjoy reading this series. The author does a wonderful job of writing inner dialogues that one would have with themself, should they be a person in the situation presented. For instance, Ciaran is used to being the center of attention with his wife. When he feels pushed to the side by the presence of his children, the author does a fantastic job of going through how he feels, recognizing that his behavior is selfish, and looking beyond himself to see what his wife is going through as well. There is growth in not only their relationship because of this, but also in the relationship that Ciaran has with his family members that help him confront his thinking. I like reading examples of good family communication, even if it is a fictional family! I am left wondering and hoping that there will be more in this series. If there are more, I will be picking them up to read!
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 Ottinger2023-08-08 15:39:262023-08-16 13:57:12The Ring of Eagna (The Cross of Ciaran Book 4) by Andrea Matthews – Review by Desiree Ottinger
Love Shots is a contemporary romance and the fourth book in the Bluestone series. The story comes with all the ups and downs of living in a small town with an eclectic group of town folk. It is a fun read that will have you laughing at times. I think Bluestone may just be a place to be. I really enjoy Isobel’s easy way of telling a story. It makes it easy to fall into the story and the lives of others. This small-town romance has something for everyone who loves a romance with sexy with sexy cowboys, strong and sassy leading ladies. I found myself laughing out loud at the banter and goings of when these two come together. Summer down on her luck finds her way back to Bluestone County only to find her childhood friend taking the one thing she loved. Teddy has to duck and deal with a certain fiery blonde when she realises, he has the one thing she wants. I fell in love with the town and the characters as they navigate from friends to lovers. As always, I look forward to reading more from Isobel.
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 Bishop2023-08-08 15:37:062023-08-16 13:54:35Love Shots (Bluestone Series Book 4) by Isobel Reed – Review by Jenni Bishop
I am an avid YA reader, mostly romance, and I thought that this book was super cute! I wasn’t sure what to expect after the first chapter but it didn’t disappoint. The characters are all really relatable for everyone who has ever been a teenager! Pyper is wonderful lead character and I was happy to follow her journey as the story went on! This book just goes to show that your mind isn’t always made up!! If you’re looking for a light hearted fast read, this is the one for you!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jade Bruntonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJade Brunton2023-08-08 15:32:552023-08-16 13:54:26Sage Advice by Cori Cooper – Review by Jade Brunton
Lilly Tames Her Worries is a cute children’s book that showcases Lilly and her need for a favourite toy to be on hand like most kids do. But what happens when mum is trying to ween you from having it 24/7? Carole has written a clever story for kids of all ages to learn how to let go and deal with the unexpected and their anxiety, the “Heebie-jeebies.” This not just a story it is a teaching method. It is very well done, and the bright and cheerful pictures help in doing so. The exercises are simple and easy to help calm little minds and Journey along with Lilly as she learns to be brave and strong and control her need and anxieties.
This book is a great addition to the series. It is a fast paced story and I thought the characters were interesting. I enjoyed watching their development throughout the story. They had a strong connection that was engaging and relatable. This author really knows how to write books that are so different from each other. None of her series are the same and her individual.books are so distinctive. This was a great book and I am looking forward to more.
4.5 stars Cruel King is a captivating dark twisty tale full of frustration, angst, drama, suspense, sexual tension, and chemistry. Cruel is definitely an apt title for this King. This push pull relationship left me frustrated at times and I wanted to smack someone, well I wanted to do much more harm, but we’ll go with smack and hug the others. Just as well that there was some redemption. Cruel King an enemies-to-lovers trope that is an emotional train wreck and yanks at your heart strings. KM has cleverly woven a plot that is twisted and at one point disturbing, but it is so good that you can’t put it down. What happens when everyone is against what your heart wants? Will he destroy the only one he loves? Will she forgive the one who has twisted her thoughts and all but broken her heart? What happens when three does not equal two? You are going to need a good stiff drink after reading this. With 5 king brothers there is plenty of fodder for future stories. I can’t wait to dive into all of them. I am now off to sample some more of KM’s books.
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 Bishop2023-08-08 15:22:572023-08-16 13:53:20Cruel King by K.M. Scott – Review by Jenni Bishop
What an utterly captivating, emotional and well written book this is. From the moment you start reading it is impossible to stop. The author takes you on such an emotional roller coaster with the characters. I felt on edge the whole time I was reading about them, never quite sure how things would turn out. The story was amazing. There was sp much going on and I just had to know where things would end up. This author always knows how write brilliant books and I think this has to be one of my favourites so far.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2023-08-08 15:21:232023-08-16 13:53:14Cruel King by K.M. Scott – Review by Kerry Baker
Riordan is a Irish mafia underboss and finds himself in a precarious situation he has no doubt he will get out of. While the situation is not ideal he can’t stop staring at his enemies the woman by his side with a sense of familiarity. When the meeting takes a turn he did not expect, he finds out she is none other than Priscilla Nolan. A ghost from his past, he wants answers and what he uncovers singes his blood. Priscilla and Riordan find themselves in a forced marriage but they wont be able to resist themselves for long even though danger is still threatening to tear them apart.
Entertaining, I thought that the chemistry was off the charts with these two. You are immediately thrust into the mafia world and this story has several twists and turns along the way. I definitely need to go back and read the rest of the books in the series. If your a fan of mafia stories, this is one to check out.
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 Heisler2023-08-08 14:37:112023-08-16 13:53:05Sleeping with the Enemy (Astoria Royals Book 3) by Deborah Garland – Review by Emily H
I have always had an obsession with history, particularly Ancient Egypt. I find knowledge of ancient times fascinating, and I jumped when I saw the description of what this book entails – not to mention, the author. I have read this author’s work before and have fallen deep, deep down into the story without much trying. I read a lot of historical fiction – it’s my thing – and I can wholeheartedly admit that this author is one of the best at it. It is evident that this author is not only a talented storyteller, but quite knowledgeable about the subjects of her stories. She is a professional archaeologist who has done excavations and taught ancient history, just to name a few things, so this book is dripping with vibrant details and nuances that pull you right in. I also gravitate towards strong female leads, and Neferet and Bener-ib are fantastic. Holmes’ experience as an educator is also evident in the Historical Notes and lists of terms, characters, and gods offered at the beginning of the book, which sets the reader right into the place and time. I can’t recommend this book, and author, enough!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christine J. Spulakhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine J. Spulak2023-08-08 14:04:182023-08-16 13:52:21Flowers of Evil (Hani’s Daughter Mysteries Book 1) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Chrissy Spulak
Well this is part of a series, and in my search for something new as well as a new author I missed the series part. But it all worked out well as this story can be a standalone. However I found there is so much more to this series. Gabby is strong and independent with many secrets. Her father wants her in the governor’s office and married to the next governor of Texas. Richard Wright is her boyfriend and while he is on the road to becoming said governor, there are a few things the citizens of Texas do not know. But that for you to discover as you read this story. In my opinion the story is well written and easy to follow. The characters are not only believable but loveable as well. I enjoyed this page turner and often found myself behind on things I needed to do, like sleep. So worth staying up all night. Many avenues are touched in this story, and you find yourself wanting more. More you will find in the books before this one. As for me I am headed back to the beginning where this series started. Review@cinful
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Cindy Mayberryhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCindy Mayberry2023-08-08 13:30:382023-08-16 13:52:14The Anchor Knot (The Knot Series Book 2) by DonnaLee Overly – Review by Cindy Mayberry
This was a really cute and entertaining children’s book. My kids really enjoyed it from the story line to the illustrations. The pictures in this book were super cute and went really well with the story line. This book was very informative about how kids can deal with stress and anxiety in situations that they might not be able to control. This also showed kids how to be brave in situations and brave enough to do things that might be harder to deal with or understand. This book was wonderful all around for kids learning about different feelings and how to help themselves with them.
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 Reimer2023-08-08 12:53:222023-08-16 13:52:05Lilly Tames Her Worries by Carole Heaney – Review by Jennifer Reimer
I was extremely excited to read this book from the moment I read the title. If you were ever curious about Tarot or simply wanting to see how someone’s path may differ from other tarot readers, this is the book for you.
In this unique book, I thoroughly enjoyed how the author chose to describe each card and their placement, along with her personal insights based upon her experiences and knowledge gained over the years.
To top off an even more epic examination of the art of tarot, the author provides a comprehensive conclusion for the readers to learn a bit more about the craft and her love of the process before wrapping it up.
I enjoyed reading this and appreciated the author’s honesty regarding her need to continue the ongoing learning process.
I’m thankful to have come across this book and the opportunity to learn about something that has piqued my interest for many years.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Darlahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDarla2023-08-08 12:25:472023-08-16 13:51:03Conversations with the Tarot by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Darla Yocom
I really enjoyed this romance. It is a very emotional read. This book had me laughing and crying and feeling really frustrated by Matthias and the way he treated Ava. He loves her and wants her but he treats her so badly that I just want to shake him and make him realise his mistakes. Ava has been friends with Theo King for years. She gets on well with all the King brothers apart from Matthias. For some reason Matthias hates her and Ava has never known why. Until a snow storm leaves them stuck together for 2 days. During these 2 days secrets and feelings are uncovered that neither realised existed.
Fast forwards 5 years later and after Ava disappeared Matthias trys to move on with his life but forgetting about the only girl he has ever wanted isn’t going to be easy. When he returns because his father is dying he sees Ava again and all those old feelings resurface. But now there’s a even bigger problem. Ava has moved on and is now with another man. Matthias’s brother. How can he justify wanting a woman if having her breaks his brothers heart? This is a story of passion, hidden feelings, love/hate relationships, and a lot of confusion and twisted stories which keeps this couple apart and separated. Will they ever get it together? As secrets begin to be revealed and the actions of others are come to light can this couple now make it work? There is so many things happing that neither Matthias or Ava are aware of but that keeps them apart. You find yourself screaming at them to wake up and see through people’s lies? I loved this romance. It was emotional and gripping. I couldn’t stop reading it.
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 Carr2023-08-08 11:07:322023-08-16 13:50:56Cruel King by K.M. Scott – Review by Kerry Carr
Prissy has a very troubled past and has taken it upon herself to make revenge her focus. Riordan is the man who saved her many years ago and as a mafia man, is dangerous to Prissy in more ways than one.
When they cross paths again while Prissy is undercover, sparks fly. Prissy struggles to stay in character and Riordan is not letting her escape him. When Prissy is forced to wed Riordan or break her cover, they end up man and wife. Sparks fly between them and some of these scenes are crazy hot. Neither ever expect to fall for one another in the midst of all the danger, tension, intrigue, chemistry, suspense and steam.
I haven’t read the first two books in this series, but I’m backtracking now to do so. I like the world building, character building, the chemistry between our main characters is insane and I couldn’t put it down! Really enjoyed the book and am looking forward to reading more from this author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shea Gilkersonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShea Gilkerson2023-08-08 10:31:202023-08-16 13:50:32Sleeping with the Enemy (Astoria Royals Book 3) by Deborah Garland – Review by Shea Gilkerson 8/8/23
Softest Touch is a contemporary romance that centers around the characters of Derek and Melinda. Derek is the owner of Wilson Creations which has made him a billionaire. When Miranda is hired on to be Derek’s new Assistant the two do not necessarily see eye to eye and things get off to a shaky start. At first glance Derek feels that she appears to be too young and fragile to be up to the task of being his assistant. Derek does not want to hire her and tells her so, but Melinda does not back down. She gives him an earful about judging her without even knowing her and refuses to go away quietly. Determined to get in her say Melinda is persistent until Derek sees something in her that tells him to give her a chance. He loves her fiery attitude and the power she exudes when she is taking charge, which excites him. As the two work closely together, Derek finds himself attracted to Melinda and her sass, determination, and fiery attitude.
Melinda instantly despises Derek and feels that he is a douchebag for treating her the way that he did. She did not want the job in the first place and only applied for the position because it meant working in the world of fashion. Melinda dreamed of being a stylist but due to all her commitments and responsibilities her dream was put on the back burner. Working at Wilson Creations meant that she could at least be involved in the fashion industry. Plus, her Grandma had a crush on Derek and thought that he was sexy. Melinda does not deny that he is sexy and charming, but she also thinks that he is arrogant, cocky, and downright annoying. Despite how irritating and bossy he is Melinda cannot deny how attracted she is to Derek. As she and Derek work together the attraction between them grows and they learn to lean on one another. Can the attraction between them ever be more than that? Do they have a future together?
This was a well written story with wonderful characters and an interesting storyline. I loved Melinda’s fiery attitude and how she did not back down from Derek when she first met him. Most people would have been intimidated by him and his wealth and power. Melinda was not scared off easily and challenged him. Derek came across as rude, bossy, and arrogant but there ended up being a softer, gentler side to him underneath that gruff exterior. I found myself rooting for Derek and Melinda to be together. I highly recommend this book!
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 Barnes2023-08-08 10:25:532023-08-16 13:50:20Softest Touch by Adina D. Grey – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Love Shots is Book Four of the Bluestone Series. Although it is part of a series it can easily be read as a standalone. With that being said, I do recommend reading the series because it is amazing! This is a friends to lover’s romance set in the small town of Bluestone County that centers around the characters of Teddy and Autumn. The book starts out with a bang and grabs your attention from the first few pages as Autumn practically breaks down Teddy’s door in the middle of the night and throws an eight-hundred-dollar bottle of whiskey at his head. She is furious that he has purchased her grandfather’s bar that she has always wanted. He has never seen Autumn so furious but even through the anger he still has a soft spot in his heart for her. When he notices bruises on Autumn’s arms, he knows that somebody has hurt her. She refuses to tell him, but his heart goes out to her and all he wants to do is protect her. Autumn has always been the girl for Teddy, but he has never let her know. This time around he intends to make the girl of his dreams his own. Will Autumn realize her true feelings for Teddy? Will Teddy and Autumn ever be a true couple?
This book had a wonderful storyline and engaging characters. Teddy might seem rough on the surface because of his time with the Navy Seals but deep down he is a sweetheart. He has had a crush on his friend for as long as he can remember but has never acted on his feelings. When Summer returns to town and Teddy realizes that she is in danger he vows to protect her. Summer has only returned home because she is penniless, jobless, and homeless. When she returns home, she is angry that her grandfather’s bar has been purchased by her friend Teddy because it was her dream to own it. When she confronts Teddy there is clearly more to the situation that she is letting on. Teddy realizes that Autumn is being abused but that she is too proud and stubborn to admit it. Teddy wants to protect her and keep her safe from her ex at all costs. My heart broke for Autumn when I thought of the abuse she suffered at the hands of her ex. I found myself rooting for Autumn to realize that Teddy was the man of her dreams, and I so wanted them to experience their happily ever after. This was an emotional read for me, but it was worth the read. I highly recommend this book!
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 Barnes2023-08-08 10:12:592023-08-16 13:50:10Love Shots (Bluestone Series Book 4) by Isobel Reed – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
The characters in this book are likely all people that people can imagine from within their own lives. You get a glimpse of what they all think of one another as well as why they are the way they are. Mostly widows or dealing with major changes in their lives in other ways.
As they do in real life, the questions and complaints arising around them are colored by their own experiences, and otherwise minor incidents are causing a lot of discontent in Oaken Hills.
I really expected something totally different and more suspenseful, but it was a short, interesting read even though the murder had taken place far in the past. Good description and world building, each character has a bit of their own arc and there is a bit of new relationship before all is said and done. Fun, quick read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shea Gilkersonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShea Gilkerson2023-08-08 10:12:022023-08-16 13:50:02Murder in a Gated Community by Laura Koerber – Review by Shea Gilkerson 8/8/23
Lilly Tames Her Worries is a kid’s book designed for children between the ages of six to ten years of age. The story centers around the character of young Lilly who suffers from the heebie-jeebies. Since she was born, she has always had her stuffed rabbit Hun Bun to keep her calm and soothe her worries. While in a hurry one morning Lilly forgets to put Hun Bun in her backpack before she goes to school. Once she is at school the pesky heebie-jeebies return and Lilly becomes stressed. Her palms begin to sweat, her heart starts to beat loudly, and her tummy starts to do flip flops. Not feeling well, Lilly asks her teacher if she can go to see the school nurse. She tells the nurse how she is feeling, and the nurse asks Lilly to try Square Breathing when she starts feeling the heebie-jeebies. When Lilly tries the breathing exercises, she feels better and practices using them throughout the day whenever a situation makes her worried. She also stops to ask herself what about the situation is causing her to feel the heebie-jeebies.
This was a wonderfully written book that helps children learn to manage stress and anxiety in situations that make them feel worried or nervous. The illustrations are bright, colorful, and really help bring the story to life. Although geared towards school-aged children I feel that it has some helpful pointers that adults, such as myself, could use as well. The techniques Lilly used through Square Breathing helped her to not only tame her worries but also helped her to be brave enough to do things that would otherwise be hard for her to do. She learned to ask herself what about the situation made her feel worried. Why was she feeling that way? What was she worried that would happen? Once Lilly tried the breathing exercises and realized why she felt the way she did it helped her to manage her worries and be brave enough to overcome them. This is a great resource for any home or school library to help children who suffer from worry, stress, or anxiety. I highly recommend this book!
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 Barnes2023-08-08 09:58:352023-08-16 13:49:51Lilly Tames Her Worries by Carole Heaney – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
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