This is the first book I have read from this author and she now has a new fan. I love a good slow burn romance but this story exceeded all my expectations. These characters drew me into their story right from the beginning. I loved how you got to read both of their points of views. I could not put this book down until the end. It only took me a few hours to devour this amazing story.
Kylee Parker is a really good police officer in Philadelphia. She loves her job putting the bad guys away. Kylee goes to a call and finds herself arresting her high school crush, Jayson Donovan. She knows he is one of the bad guys but she can’t help the feelings she has for him. Kylee and Jayson get to know each other again and they find out they do care for one another. They better be careful because when you know a bad guy there are more to follow. Will Kylee and Jayson find love or will the past destroy it? Review @heatherbass
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 Bass2022-09-13 12:30:122022-09-15 08:08:52A Love Restrained by Becky Flade – Review by Heather Bass
Jules is looking for just the right cowboy to star in her upcoming Dating Show. Mitchel is hot, hot, hot, but will not, not, Not be any part of the show or anything to do with T.V. Thing is while these two bicker and fight each other off. They are very much attracted to each other. So what do you think will happen with these two enemies? Or will they become lovers? The author has written this fast paced, steamy, story, and done it well. The characters at times are so funny and at other times they are hot and steamy. This is a must read for those 18 and older.
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 Mayberry2022-09-13 12:07:132022-09-15 08:08:41The Lonely Hearts of San Sity by Stacy-Deanne – Review by Cindy Mayberry
Beckett learned at a young age that the women who take interest in his father are out for one thing, his money. When his father moves in his new fiancée and her daughter Greer, he decides he is going to keep a watchful eye on both of them because although they seem to be down to earth they are likely not.
Greer has watched her mom put her first all her life and she loves her for it, she knows Beckett is not thrilled to have her move to his home and now attend his prestigious school. He has made the fact known to her loud and clear. That being said, Greer keeps her head down and tries to stay under the radar at home and at school. It only works for so long though and the secret is out that she is living with him. That puts a target on Greer’s back though and when Beckett finds out he decides to protect her. Everything about Greer baffles Beckett, she is a ray of light to him but the rough exterior surrounding Beckett makes it difficult to put in words how he really feels. Will it be too late to fix his mistakes though when it comes to Greer?
I really enjoyed this one. Beckett is a jerk to Greer, no doubt about it but Greer just keeps on going. Greer is a wonderful character, she at first keeps quiet but not for long and their is a fire within her that calls Beckett to task. I would definitely read more by this author, very well done.
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 Heisler2022-09-13 11:56:272022-09-15 08:08:31Battling Beckett by T. Christensen – Review by Emily H
Oh my stars this boy is HOT!! Not only is it sexy in a deliciously dark way, but the feelings and backstory of the main characters is wonderful. He has a secret past & she has years of pining. One explosive scene in a naughty club & ooooh the chemistry! Can they figure out how to be together? Do they want to? I am in LOVE with this series!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Alisa Boomerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAlisa Boomer2022-09-13 11:39:052022-09-15 08:08:24Hard Lover (Houston After Dark Book 2) by Deborah Garland – Review by Alisa Boomer
This book is a 2 for one book, just flip it over for the next story. Spike ( an ankylosaurus) and Conifer (a tyrannosaurus) are friends and work well together. Sometimes they disagree but most of the time not. When a volcano in the distance is erupting what do you think happens next? In Book 2 there is a fire and Conifer has got to save her eggs. Spike comes to help her and they make a plan to get to safety. Where do you think they go? I will not give out spoilers! I have been following this author and her children’s books. They all have something new for the children to learn. The illustrations are just as interesting as the story itself. I recommend this book to teachers and children alike.
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 Mayberry2022-09-13 11:12:382022-09-15 08:08:17Dinosaur Friends: 2 books in 1: A Present for the Volcano and Saving Conifer’s Eggs by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Cindy Mayberry
This is a short story based around the rest of the Notebook Mysteries series. I loved this Christmas theme in this book and it gives the story a completely different feel to the stories, while keeping the characters that we know and love. The authors way of describing the scenes and telling the story is so good that you actually feel like you are there witnessing things first hand. It is a story that is full of twists and turns that will keep the reader guess and as with the other stories you can’t figure out the story until the author is ready to reveal it to you.
I loved the mixture of the excitement of the Christmas season, the planning of family parties and arrangements as well as the danger than lurks with the meeting of a stranger and a new mystery of a haunted house to solve and unravel. Emma is yet again on the case, doing what she doesn’t best in her own unique way.
A very real, raw, and unfiltered story of the author’s journey to find love. After packing up her entire life into just one suitcase Lynda sets off on a journey to faraway lands where she hopes to continue her writing. What she never expected was to fall in love with a young Turk and ultimately end up living in Istanbul. Nor did she expect to live through a worldwide pandemic that resulted in lockdowns and deaths around the globe or find herself living close to a war zone. In the aftermath of so much change, and surrounded by chaos, Lynda suddenly finds herself dealing with anxiety that leaves her questioning her life and her decisions.
I found that I could relate to Lynda on so many levels as I read her memoir. As an empath myself I know how trauma can have a very adverse affect to our bodies on both a mental and physical level. It is imperative to take care of our mental health otherwise it will manifest itself in our physical self. I too love sweets and chocolate but not dark chocolate because it is revolting. Did someone say chocolate, yum. I, as well, have been referred to as a cougar because I fell in love with, and married a man fifteen years younger than myself. When my husband and I first got together we had friends that poked fun at us and those that mocked us because of the age difference. This left me with doubts, and I became paranoid about what strangers might think when they saw us together in public. I am happy to say that after 11 years together, married for 8 of those, that our relationship is still going strong. I could also strongly relate to the getting older thing and feeling as though I was living life backwards. I went to college in my late 30’s, got married in my early 40’s, and now at the age of 51 feel as though I can live my best life. I no longer care what others think and have learned to sever ties with those that are toxic. I have come to terms with my past trauma, have taken the lessons I learned from it, and feel as though I can fully move forward and pursue my dreams.
I loved the author’s writing style and how she says it like it is without filtering anything out. It made me feel as though I was sitting there with her, having a conversation, and getting to know her. I admire her strength and how she managed to find the positive in every difficult situation that she encountered throughout her life. So often life has a way of kicking us while we are down, and it can be extremely difficult to bounce back from it without being negatively affected. I also admire her for the courage it took for her to share her painful story with others to try to possibly make a difference in their lives. Thank you for being brave enough to share your raw and unfiltered story with us! You are a true inspiration!
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 Barnes2022-09-13 10:32:472022-09-15 08:04:56Destiny’s Daughter (Intimate and Unfiltered Book 3) by Lynda Filler – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Felines and Fatalities is the second book in the Kitty Beret Café Mystery series by Ruth J. Hartman. It’s a fun cozy cat mystery- this book has lots of humor, cats, a cat Café, crime and much more. Ellie gets persuaded to host a cat show for rescue cats. While at the cat show something mysterious happenes. With a nose for mystery, Ellie gets swept up in the investigation and is soon on the hunt for the killer. What happens at the cat show? What goes on? This was a cute, adorable, crime filling cozy mystery. It had me laughing and liking the characters and the felines. A good read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kimberly Dawn Wilkinsonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKimberly Dawn Wilkinson2022-09-13 10:32:372022-09-15 08:04:50Felines and Fatalities (A Kitty Beret Cafe Mystery Book 2) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Kimberly Wilkinson
Nick and Julia O’Connor are on the trip of a lifetime to Venice after one of Julia’s photographs has been chosen to be in an exhibit there. While touring one of the local museums Nick is inexplicably drawn to a portrait of a beautiful young woman in Tintoretto’s work of art, Paradise, the world’s largest oil painting. When the woman in Paradise starts to speak to Nick, he feels as though she is his soulmate and becomes compelled to save her from being trapped in the painting.
Nick’s wife, Julia, is naturally concerned because Nick has recently suffered a concussion from a hockey injury, and she fears his hearing voices is a side effect of his brain injury. Nick tries to prove to Julia that he is not suffering from delusions and that this woman is his soulmate from a previous life which he lived in the 16th Century. Julia wants to believe her husband and even she is unable to explain how he understands a foreign language that he has never spoken before. Julia is unsure how to help Nick and begs him to get help from his doctor. When he ignores her pleas, Julia decides it is best to cut their trip short and return home. Unfortunately, Nick has now disappeared, and Julia is frantic to find him.
Nick’s obsession with the woman in the painting has consumed him and he seems to have forgotten that he is currently married to Julia in the present day. His focus is on learning more about this mysterious woman in the painting and he starts to investigate who she is. Through a series of blackouts, he learns this woman is Isabella Scalfini, a beautiful aristocrat that he had fallen in love with in 1589. As the blackouts continue, Nick is drawn back to his time with Isabella and the fate that brought her to her soul being forever trapped in Paradise. His obsession with the beautiful woman in the portrait leads him to uncover a secret religious Order that has been condemning souls to the painting for centuries. His beloved Isabella pleads with Nick to free her from the painting so he sets out on a mission to destroy the painting and save his beloved soulmate, only to discover that it is the Painter that he must destroy. However, the Order will never allow anything to happen to the painting and therefore have it heavily guarded. Nick now finds himself running for his life as the members of the Order are determined to destroy him so he cannot divulge the secret of the painting.
This book was very well written and both the past and present were beautifully interwoven together. I enjoyed reading the flashbacks as Nick was drawn back to his previous life in 1589 and his time with his beloved Isabella. My heart broke for Julia as she felt such deep concern for Nick and was worried about what was happening to him. She loved her husband and wanted to believe him but was also worried about his declining mental health. Then he just vanishes without a trace, and she has no idea of his whereabouts or if he is even still alive. How gut wrenching for poor Julia to be put through that. Nick was conflicted between his past love, Isabella, and his present-day love Julia which must have been confusing for him. Yet, at the same time, you just want to shake Nick and tell him to get a grip. How is he going to save a soul trapped in a painting? Why put your life in danger and that of your wife’s for a woman in a painting. I wanted to scream at Nick to get a grip, go back to his wife, and leave the country. Forget the painting, the Order, and get out of Venice while you can. I am anxious to see what will happen in book 2 to learn what became of Nick and Julia. Did their marriage survive? Does Nick still think about Isabella? Was Nick really suffering delusions? What will become of the souls in Paradise?
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 Barnes2022-09-13 09:21:202022-09-15 08:04:39The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls Book 1) by Rob Samborn – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
I have loved following Emma and her adventures for quite some time now. I personally loved this one. The change of weather in the book was very real and descriptive, plus holidays. And a mystery, How could I not love this latest mystery at hand for our dear Emma to solve?
As usual the author creates a mystery that is fun to solve, as well as, danger lurking around the corner the deeper you go. Emma was her usual self, but this time with holiday spirit at hand as well! I was wrong with the mystery, I thought I had t=it, nope was a bit off! This was a short adventure for our sleuth, but the story was full of intrigue, and clues that led to the conclusion! Loved the talk of Christmas decorations and cookies as well! I swear I could smell things baking in the oven! The author is very creative and quite good at weaving a tale of a mystery and strong development of characters in each book! Loved this one!
Never will tire of this wonderful author and Emma’s mysteries! I can never get enough of this series, its a wonderful collection! I highly recommend this book as well as the whole series! Must read all around!
A quick read with suspense and adventure! Emma and her friends try and catch a murderer and investigate a supposed “haunted house..” this book was a real page turner for me and I couldn’t put it down until I was finished with it. It’s set for Christmas time and it’s really got me in the mood for the holidays! I just wouldn’t be investing a haunted house 🤣 I loved the characters and I loved the plot. Highly recommend this book! I’ll be checking out more of Kimberly’s books because I really enjoyed this one!
“To all the mothers out there. You’re braver and stronger than you know” having read this quote on the first page, instantly made me know that I was going to enjoy this book. And I did! I read this book in one sitting..I couldn’t put it down. The intensity had me hooked. I couldn’t imagine trying to survive during an apocalypse! Especially with my young daughter. Reading this had my heart racing because I kept picturing myself in Amy’s shoes and having to protect my child from actual life now. It’s terrifying. It’s heartbreaking. I cried so much at the end! Being a mother and reading this just had me in my feelings! And If you can bring out my emotions, that’s a damn good book to me! Highly recommend this!
I love enemies to lovers romance books so much! So I really really enjoyed this read! Greer and her mom move into her moms fiancés house..with his son Beckett. The men come from money so when Beckett sees Greer and her mom barging into his life..He thinks it’s just for the money. He doesn’t like them and he doesn’t want to like them. Until he realizes Greer and her mom are the complete opposites of a gold digger. They don’t want handouts. They don’t want help. They’re independent. And greers mom loves his dad so so much. But Beckett and Greer are constantly bumping heads. Is it because they can’t stop their feelings towards one another? Does Beckett care for her more than he leads on? Read this to find out! You won’t be disappointed! Great characters, great plot and all around great book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashley Sugarhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshley Sugar2022-09-13 07:49:062022-09-15 08:04:04Battling Beckett by T. Christensen – Review by Ashley Sugar
I enjoyed reading this mystery story. This is not my first book by this author but this series keeps getting better and better with each book in this series. I highly suggest reading the previous books in this series to help your enjoyment of the characters. Emma is back in another hard to put down mystery during the holidays. Emma is asked to help with an investigation regarding a haunted mansion. Will the holidays ever be the same? I enjoyed how well written this story is. The characters made the story realistic and I had no problems connecting with them. This is a fast paced story that has some twists and turns as well as suspense. There is great growth throughout the story. A really great story that I highly recommend. I can’t wait to see what is next for Emma.
Grave Digger Academy by C. A. King is book one in the Grave Digger Academy series. Though I’m not much into paranormal books, this was the perfect intro book for anyone. It was light and fun to read, quick and easy to follow. Makayla is going into her first year at a paranormal school. There is a lot of pressure since she is the seventh child and only girl. Makayla however ends up at the lowest of the low schools and it surprises everyone. Although it was not a choice of hers, it seems the school chose her, leading into a family secret that not even her father knew about. Gravediggers dig the graves, but grave diggers keep the bodies there. I’ll be interested to see how Makayla uses her abilities moving forward. The story is full of surprises, twists and interesting character development. I really enjoyed it from the beginning and look forward to the rest of the series!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kristan Andersonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKristan Anderson2022-09-13 07:44:382022-09-15 08:03:56Grave Digger Academy (Grave Digger Academy Book 1) by C.A. King – Review by Kristan Anderson
I enjoyed listening to this audible book. This is an author that I never hesitate to pick up and I was excited to pick up one of her audible books. This is a great fairytale story where the narrator brought the story to life using different tones of voice. I also enjoyed how they were able to keep me engaged. It had me coming back for more. This is a great story that will make you question fairytale magic. Does it have a place in life or is it just that a fairytale? The characters have great chemistry and are supportive of each other throughout. I highly recommend this audible, I can’t wait for the next one.
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 Wagner2022-09-13 07:30:032022-09-15 08:03:47Ashes Audiobook (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Bobbi Wagner
Emma is well-known for her sleuthing skills and Evan is in need. His father died recently, under a cloud of suspicion. The police closed the case saying it was a self-inflicted incident but Evan knows better. He asks Emma and her team to figure out the haunting that is taking place at his dad’s place.
This is a super short novella that reads pretty quickly! It has me in the Christmas spirit (no pun intended!)!!
I highly recommend this entire series. I read them out of order but I am now caught up for future adventures with Emma!
The world is lost to a disease that leaves the body as a zombie. It only takes a single bite to become infected and there is no cure. Amy will do anything to protect the one thing in the world that means the most to her, her daughter Lila. Every day is a battle for survival. The number of living souls is shrinking rapidly by the day.
Necrosis is a quick read about a mother’s love and a zombie apocalypse. It has detailed descriptions woven into the story that gives you a movie-like experience as you read along. It is a great short read so if you like zombies and survival stories this is a must read.
This book is amazingly written. The details and the historical events that are written about really make you feel like you are there with the characters. I did not read the previous books in this series and you don’t necessarily have to do that but I would highly suggest it. I feel that if I had read the previous ones first, I would be more connected with the characters and the story does progress through each book. Just something to think about before starting this book. The characters are easy to connect with and the adventures that they go on make you feel like you are right there with them. I don’t think I can do the writing style justice. It is amazing the way the author is able to describe things and the amount of detail that is given, is just WOW!!! The multiple perspectives given during the book also helps to bring you further into the story line. The action, suspense, fantasy world, and that is not even the personal emotions you will feel, like heartache, love, and laughter; had me not wanting to put this book down. The author does give a synopsis of what has been happening in the other books and does an amazing job of helping the reader try to keep the names straight of all the characters. I would still suggest reading the other books first. I can only imagine the connection to the story line and characters you would have having started at the beginning. This book did not disappoint and has maybe given me a new genre to discover. I will definitely go back and read the rest of the series. You will continue to turn the pages to see what happens next and before you know it the book will be finished, leaving you wishing for more. Reviewed by @bbohls
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Barbara Bohlshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBarbara Bohls2022-09-13 06:45:272022-09-15 08:03:26Kara, Shieldmaiden of Eire (Forerunner Series Book 4) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Barbara Bohls
This ebook was my favorite in the series yet. A mystery that revolved around a Dickens Christmas. I loved the action, the mystery and the plot. The whole family seemed to be involved this time. The characters are so individual and so relatable. There was so much going on and it all came together to run so smooth. The tone of the story is entertaining and very engaging. This is one of my favorite YA cozy mysteries. A perfect read to come out for the holidays.
This is the second book in the Crown of Stones series by C.L. Schneider. It took me entirely too long to pick up the second book in this series, but thank goodness I did!!! Ian is back with a vengeance and I am right there with him. He is on a quest to restore all that was lost, and get back what was taken from him.
Ian is one of those lone-wolf type characters that is both real and unique at the same time. He is a tortured soul you just can’t help but root for, he remains true to his character and is a steady rock amidst so much chaos that is occurring in his realm. Now that he has finally come one step closer to understanding the pain and terror he has gone through, it is his turn to become the hero, albeit unwillingly. But he’s not entirely alone, as he rallies together with others who can come behind him on his quest.
A little bit of horror, some violence, spectacular fight scenes, well detailed use of magic and it’s elements, real struggles and awesome character interactions. This series has it all! Thank you to the author who continues to provide awesome tales to devour.
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 STEPHENSON2022-09-13 05:35:132022-09-15 08:03:10The Crown of Stones: Magic-Scars (The Crown of Stones Book 2) by C.L. Schneider – Review by Taylor K Stephenson
I chose this book as good girl meets ex crush bad boy intrigued me. I must say I wasn’t disappointed and it was a great read. The characters were great and came to life in the text.
I was a little thrown by the POV swapping between 3rd and 1st person – it took a little bit to get used to it and for the majority I kind of ignored it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Michelle Galeazzihttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMichelle Galeazzi2022-09-13 05:24:512022-09-15 08:03:04A Love Restrained by Becky Flade – Review by Michelle G
5 Stars Fractured Worlds: Courage in the Apocalypse by Courtney Konstantin
Fractured Worlds is a collection of 19 Post Apocalyptic/Dystopian stories by some pretty amazing authors. One of the things I loved most about this collection is the cause it’s supporting. The Gary Sinise Foundation. These authors are giving 100% of proceeds to this wonderful foundation for Veterans and First Responders. Makes my heart so happy. There’s several authors I’ve read and several new authors. Each story is well written and the characters are amazing. Each one shows us how they come together with lots of courage and perseverance. How they overcome adiversity and simply fight for survival. Several of the stories stood out but Courtney Konstantin: Babysitter of the Apocalypse is a wonderfully written fast paced story that you don’t want miss. Her style of writing and attention to detail along with fully developed characters made my burst. If you’re a fan of Post Apocalyptic/ Dystopian then this collection is for you. Remember this is for a great cause
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dawn Daughenbaughhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDawn Daughenbaugh2022-09-13 05:12:202022-09-15 08:02:54Fractured Worlds: Courage in the Apocalypse by Courtney Konstantin – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh
This book is redolent with references to A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. The story has a mystery, entwined around family drama, and probate issues. There is also romance in the air, and an unusual family that works well together. The main character fights against the sexism and classism that she faces. All in all, an excellent installment to the series and a wonderful stand-alone read!
Fractured World: Courage in the Apocalypse Collection is a fantastic charity anthology, with all proceeds going to the Gary Sinise Foundation for Veterans and First Responders. This collection is full of engrossing apocalyptic/post-apocalyptic, and dystopian stories of overcoming seemingly insurmountable odd, survival, action, adventure, danger, drama, and even a little sci-fi to keep things very intriguing. The anthology contains works by nineteen accomplished authors who all contributed their own original story to the collection. I grabbed a copy as one of my favourite authors, Courtney Konstantin, has contributed to this collection and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to dive into one of her gripping stories. But I was more than pleasantly surprised by the whole collection of stories. There was not one story is this anthology that I didn’t like. They were all enjoyable and really well written. There are some authors whose work I have read before and have loved, but most are new to me. For a book worm like me, this was exciting, as I am always on the lookout to find more great authors to add to my TBR list. I really recommend this collection, snap up a copy and dive in, you won’t regret it… Happy Reading!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2022-09-13 02:44:462022-09-14 10:23:42Fractured Worlds: Courage in the Apocalypse by Courtney Konstantin – Review by Angela Hayes
I’m up in the air when it comes to Unearthly Magik. There were parts of it I liked and parts I didn’t like. One of those things I personally didn’t like was all the Spanish throughout. Having to constantly look things up just took me out of the story. A story that was intriguing to say the least. I enjoyed the story the author brought to the page, I just didn’t like the excess. I’m the same way with foreign language movies so it’s nothing against the author, just not my forte. A supernatural mystery with dark underground undertones. Who wouldn’t like that kind of thing. Ava, is a Gray Mage, who refuses to answer to a boss. Love that strong female lead! She takes odds and ends detective like work jobs. To get by with her two best friends and their business Black Cauldron Detective Agency. She also has some very dark connections if need be, but they always come at a price. Ava is tasked by her old boss, who she despises, to find the Laurent, an ancient book of spells and secrets of the magikal world. One that could cause massive issues in the wrong hands. Max, brought in my Tasis, to help assist Ava in finding the Laurent. Both are powerful Mages, the only problem is they don’t trust one another. So how can they work together? Best part is they have 7 days to find it. Going to various supernatural hang outs and events they start to piece together clues and leads to steer them in the right direction. Just a few bumps in the road along the way. Does the lack of trust get in the way? Is the man Ava knows better than she cares to admit in this deeper than he’s letting on? So many questions and so many answers to find. Can you figure out the mystery before it’s too late? Times ticking and they only have 7 days to succeed. There’s so much going on at points it can be confusing. However if you can get past all that you will find there’s a pretty good story in there. One worth giving a try despite my grievances.
When best friends Ava, Nadia, and Lucas decide to take their combined skills and partner opening the Black Cauldron Detective Agency they take all kinds of cases. Whether it be man hunting for the mage equivocate of a mafia boss or family pet they will take any supernatural case for the right price. The three of them receive a cryptic message asking for a meeting, deciding together it is not a hoax they accept. Their curiosity turns into something different when it is realized that they mystery client is Ava’s ex boss calling in a favor he is owed. The Lauret Grimoire, containing the knowledge about the different creatures and clans, not only that but their vulnerabilities as well, so much if fact it is believed it would be powerful enough to take out the Arch mage. Will the group be able to find the Grimoire before the information gets into the wrong hands and used against their enemies? Will the resources available be enough or will they be too late?
Unearthly Magik is the first book in the Black Cauldron Detective Agency series by Matilda Reyes. The story has a bit of everything which makes the story easy to immerse yourself into and get lost. I loved Reyes writing style – how she gave depth, substance, and visualization to both her characters and the world they live. I will note that there are some points in the story where blurs from the characters are in Spanish or a combination of English/ Spanish. While I felt the surrounding conversation gave enough context to infer what was being discussed this may be an issue for some. I can’t wait to see what the Black Cauldron Detective Agency get themselves wrapped up in next!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Sarah Kinghttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSarah King2022-09-12 22:27:302022-09-15 08:01:27Unearthly Magik (Black Cauldron Detective Agency Book 1) by Matilda Reyes – Review by Sarah King
Unearthly Magik (Black Cauldron Detective Agency Book 1) by Matilda Reyes – Review by Maryn Belling
An interesting first book in what has potential to be a robust series, Matilda Reyes’ centuries-old supernatural beings are living among us “Ordinaries” in current-day Manhattan.
The lexicon of the main characters is definitely Millennial or very late Gen Z. Other audiences will need to make allowances for the “bomb ass” parlance in a “bitching pair of leather pants” (and a variety of other ‘blue’ language). But our leading lady and her team know exactly how to navigate any environment in the microcosm of Manhattan, even overlaid with mystical and supernatural societies. Nadia works her both literal and figurative magic to deliver Ava a wardrobe that allows her to work and shine. Pockets are a must, no matter how sophisticated the ensemble or its destined event.
Fans of other series are well-served by setting aside their expectations in lieu of being enchanted by a blend of both canon and nouvelle magie.
Unearthly Magik, Black Cauldron Detective Agency Series, Matilda Reyes, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Paranormal, Supernatural
WHOOOOWHEEE That was one hell of a rollercoaster ride. Enemies to lovers is one of my absolute favorite tropes but this book….. this was the best Enemies to Lovers I’ve read in a long time. The author took me from highs to lows in seconds and the characters!!! The emotional development of the characters is superbly written. The storyline with the little extra danger thrown into it was a perfect fit. I also loved that the book didn’t immediately cut off after they got their HAE it went on and gave an extra little HEA. Great read!! Highly recommended.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenique Bornmanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenique Bornman2022-09-12 22:11:462022-09-15 08:01:11Battling Beckett by T. Christensen – Review by Jenique Bornman
This is my first time reading a book by C.L. Schneider, her character and world building pulled me in and sunk their teeth in. Amy is a single mother with a 9-year-old daughter named Lila. In 4 months, the world Amy had learned to navigate had crumpled. All that mattered anymore was the need to survive and to protect.
Amy’s life before necrosis was never easy, she stumbled through life, going from substance to substance, abusive boyfriend to the next. Then the virus hit the world it wasn’t a biblical event, or a nuclear mishap it was a virus that changed the host, one single bite transmitted it to the next person. An average time of 36-48 hours and they would be lost to the feral animal instinct to eat and survive. Now was her chance to do better, the world had been reset all sins have been washed away. Her compassion to help those that she thought she could put her and her daughter in danger more than Amy could admit but now it was just the two of them again. It was them against the world and Amy refused to let her anxieties take hold of her again, it could cost Lila her life and that was not an option. A stranger trapped in a donut shop in her hometown makes her realize the biggest truth. We’ll be a people with no past. Millions of faceless, nameless creatures wandering the Earth, all lost to history. Within the moments she was distracted hordes and hordes of the undead begin to fill the streets, a group of 75 passing her with more to come. Her daughter alone four blocks away surrounded by the undead reaching for her with feral instinct for their next meal. Amy runs into the hordes fighting to reach her daughter when gunfire rings out, the undead dropping rapidly. All logic had been eclipsed by a fierce, blind determination to save her child. Rescued for now they are taken to a massive, abandoned building, hundreds of survivors existing together with the mutual desire to live. An old childhood friend, Marcus, is there and Amy and Lila finally have a true moment to relax and rest. Three days to evacuate before bombs drop on the astronomical number of undead spreads throughout the city, the promise of a save location to wait out the apocalypse in the mountains and the hopes of a cure soon.
The promise of hope from her friend, the unwavering reality that the undead were once people. The details the author gives makes you see the images in your mind, description of an undead “Remnants of chipped, red polish speckled one lone nail on the left hand.” The living, the dead, and the undead were once all a person with dreams, and a story. Will Amy be able to protect the one good thing she has in her life; or will they both become a lost footnote in history.
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