Another cute story by Lois Wickstrom where she incorporates life lessons for kids into it. Chester doesn’t want to clean his room (what kids does) and so he compromises and says he’ll go clean the sandbox first. While out there, he meets the Messy Kids and whatever Chester does, they can do it bigger and better than him. They follow him into his room to clean and initially, they shove everything under the bed, but when Chester’s mom comes in and tells Chester that he knows better than that, the Messy Kids use their strengths to help Chester clean his room the right way. As always, I love that Wickstrom weaves lessons into her books and I love the illustrations.
This is a really cute story about Colleen and her dad and his job of holding up the sky. Colleen’s friends and their parents don’t actually believe that her dad holds up the sky so she invites them over to see. They still don’t believe her so her dad stops holding up the sky and begins to play with them. Nothing immediately beings to happen so Colleen begins to doubt her dad; however, subtle things start to go wrong so Colleen has to fix it. I really enjoy how Wickstrom is always able to weave life lessons into her stories. The illustrations for this book are fantastic as well.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Megan Kimleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMegan Kimley2023-06-23 12:52:072023-06-29 07:36:02Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Megan Conley
This is the story of Desert Flower, a young girl who is living through the worst horror in our native history. Set in 1871, her life as an Apache begins with losing both parents to smallpox. As she grows she survives through wars, boarding schools, reservations and famine. In spite of the hardships she was born into, she becomes a strong and proud young woman who fights to save her family, her tribe and her land. This is a beautiful novella that only hints at the devastation inflicted upon our native tribes told through the eyes of an Apache teen. Family, honor and tragedy all form the development and growth of a girl to maturity. Five stars!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christina Fordhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristina Ford2023-06-23 12:25:022023-06-29 07:35:56Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) Audiobook by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Christina Ford
Toby Dorr is an amazing author to come forward with her side of the story. It must be hard for years to hold in all this and make a story of it. I give you 5 stars for that because it might not be easy. This story made me feel like loved it and did not agree with it. Love will always conquer any struggles in life and love will do crazy things but to free a person who needs to reflect in life, I have to put that down. This story did touch my heart because all she wanted to do is to be with her love and he did too.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Charlene Gonzalezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCharlene Gonzalez2023-06-23 09:44:372023-06-29 07:35:50Living with Conviction: A True Crime Memoir by Toby Dorr – Review by Charlene Gonzalez
Beautifully written This inspirational story follows Neyah and Abby as they form a bond through being pen pals. They discover that life has many challenges no matter where you live and what your circumstances are. This story reminds the reader about walking a mile in someone else’s shoes, and also that we are not alone. A great book for early teens and above. Recommend.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rayne Easthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRayne East2023-06-23 06:51:482023-06-29 07:35:43Fetching Dreams by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Rayne East
Enemies to lovers This is book 4 of the Hidden Valley Elite series and this is the conclusion of Skylar and Damon’s story. There is no holding back in this story for Damon. He goes all in. Skylar has to face some hard truths too. I loved this book and I love the whole series. The writing just draws you in. This author is a firm favourite. Bring on the next book. Highly recommend.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rayne Easthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRayne East2023-06-23 06:48:422023-06-29 07:35:37Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite Book 4) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Rayne East
This was a decent read but why Bailey must listen to her over-involved, controlling brother Dayton, only 18 months older with his own set of issues? When I began this read, I seriously thought the main characters were teenagers because of how they acted, not those in their early 20s. While I understand the concept of this story is to see the maturity of Bailey grow and her becoming a decent human, I just didn’t enjoy how she began her growth journey and didn’t fully evolve her growth into an likeable character. I felt Dayton kept overstepping the brother role and hindering Bailey from actually self reflecting and learning on her own. The character I did enjoy was Tanner and I kept wanting him to run far, far away from the toxicity of Bailey and her brother. But alas, this is a feel good book so we must root for Bailey and Tanner to succeed in love and hopefully Bailey will hit a maturity level that matches her age soon or kick her brother to the curb and be her own individual self. I also enjoy Marnie and her ice cream matchmaking skill. That was a cute addition to this story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Bethany Rollinshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBethany Rollins2023-06-23 05:43:272023-06-29 07:35:27Ways to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper – Review by Bethany Rollins
5 Stars Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite Book 4) by Isla Vaughn
Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite Book 4) is a Enemies to Lover’s/Dark Romance that will have you turning the pages till the end. I highly recommend reading this series in order as each book plays off the last plus you get to know the characters better and whats been going on. Going in I kinda had an idea of how everything was going to play out. Some I was spot on while others no where close. Damon and Sky are both playing a deadly game when it comes to their hearts. Neither one wants to admit to the other how they really feel. Emotions run high in this conclusion to Damon and Sky’s story. Afraid I’ll give something away im going to highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I’m sad this series is over because I want more but super excited about this Author’s next series.
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 Daughenbaugh2023-06-23 05:21:262023-06-29 07:35:17Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite Book 4) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh
Very gripping, emotional recounting of life as the granddaughter of a prominent chief. How she grows up, trains, is taught, I was drawn into the story and learning about her life and all things it encompassed. I am really curious to see where the other books take us.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kelli Harperhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKelli Harper2023-06-23 05:13:212023-06-29 07:35:10Talks Like Thunder (Red With Native Blood Book 1) by Randal Nerhus & Marjorie Carter – Review by Kelli Harper
Having read the first book in this series, the author did not disappoint in delivering a horrific continuation of the story of Alda and the dark magic that consumes its world. Similar to the first book, it’s sectioned into almost a collection of short stories that build an overall world and characters and creatures unimaginable. The author’s detail of scenery, however, provides a clear picture of the horrors encountered. It is a slow and somewhat tedious read, but the way it unfolds along the way makes it so worth it, full of unpredictable twists that will make your jaw drop. I’m both scared and excited to see what happens next and I’m really rooting for some positive gains after the huge setback revealed in this leg of the journey.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Wendy Waryhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngWendy Wary2023-06-23 04:33:042023-11-22 08:26:30Ghosts of Alda (The Obscured Throne Trilogy Book 2) by Russell Archey – Review by Wendy Wary
Brutal Nights is book four of the Hidden Valley Elite set, but it’s book two of Damon and Skylar’s story. You definitely need to read the first book to their story, but I would personally recommend reading the whole set, in order. There are people and events mentioned that you will have a better understanding of with that knowledge before hand. Book three left off with a HUGE cliffhanger and book four doesn’t make you wait long to see the consequences of that encounter. You won’t want to put these books down until you know how each one ends! I’m not at all sad to say that I have given up some sleep with the “just one more chapter” line that turned into 4am reading easily. A couple times. LOL. Skylar (aka Sky) only wanted to finish up her senior year, write for the school blog, help out her friend Gia with her senior mission, and to go off to college. When Gia’s big mission turns into an undercover blackmail, things get messy for Sky quick. How did things get so crazy so quickly?? Damon (aka D) can’t help but like Sky. She’s the only girl to ever turn him down. She sets his world on fire and makes him blind to stuff. Blackmailing Sky and fake dating Gia seems like a great idea. Where can he go wrong with that arrangement? He hates Gia though. She talks to much, her perfume bugs him, and she’s super clingy. But as things get messy for Sky he doesn’t want out of the arrangement. He could care less about Gia except that he wants Sky. Getting caught in a web of lies with Gia, Sky becomes her best friend’s enemy and with that more problems. The school is on Gia’s side and with that Sky is on the no fly list. D has to put things right with her somehow. With Sky’s present crashing around her and her past sneaking up behind her, Sky is crushed by the weight of everything. Danger is coming and she and her mom need to get out of dodge quick! But will they be to late? Will Damon ruin his whole future over two girls? Will he finally settle his own demons? Will Sky stand up for herself? Or will she crumble at her past flashing back into her life and mind? So many things happen and this book will have you on your toes thinking about what might come next! If you like new adult, romance, enemies to lovers, super tense, spicy banter back and forth, and mega drama filled books then you will love this whole set!! It is so good! I have read two sets from this author now and I love them both!! I can not wait to finish this one!! I know that there are more great reads in my future. Grab these books!! You won’t be disappointed!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jaimie Salmon-Colburnhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJaimie Salmon-Colburn2023-06-23 03:24:132023-06-29 07:35:03Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite Book 4) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63032568-walk-off” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Walk Off” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1666104426l/63032568._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63032568-walk-off”>Walk Off</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8581563.Bree_Kraemer”>Bree Kraemer</a><br/> My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5639282183″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /> Celia is living a good life with her daughter. She has a good job and great friends to make her life run a bit smoother. The last person she expects to run into is someone she let go of a long time ago. There is a huge secret she had kept from him and it looks like the time has come to let everything out. Kyle is living his dream life playing a sport that he loves, but he is missing out on sharing it with the one that he loves. Fate steps in and puts her back in his path at a mutual friends wedding. Will they pick up where they left off or will Celia’s secret tear them apart forever? This is a feel good second chance romance. You are definitely rooting for the couple to work things out and end up together. This is the first book I have read by this author and really enjoyed her writing style. She does a great job of bringing out the emotions of the characters and making you feel what they feel. I can’t wait to read the other books in this series. <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-Alba2023-06-23 00:12:432023-06-29 07:34:57Walk Off (Ground Rule Book 1) by Bree Kraemer – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba
A perfect YA Rom Com. Super fun and entertaining and just different enough to keep you wanting more. It is a quick read and lots of laughs, while Bailey is finding herself and what is important to her. It is a definite must read. I can’t wait to share this with my nieces.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Toni Sellershttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngToni Sellers2023-06-22 23:59:082023-06-29 07:34:50Ways to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper – Review by Toni Sellers
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/122996230-sacrifice-bunt” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Sacrifice Bunt (Ground Rule Book 2)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1677123780l/122996230._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/122996230-sacrifice-bunt”>Sacrifice Bunt</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8581563.Bree_Kraemer”>Bree Kraemer</a><br/> My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5639262431″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /> Zara is a great, strong female lead. As a sports agent she gets along with everyone and gets the job done closing out deals. The one person she can’t tolerate, or so she keeps telling herself, is Noah Ashe. He’s done nothing to her to warrant such hatred except for walk in on her naked, save her life and then vanish. Noah had his reasons for vanishing and he has yet to share that with anyone but his therapist. Maybe Zara will be the first? After Zara said no to being his agent it has become his mission to annoy her. Due to unforseen circumstances Zara is asked to step in at the tale end of a deal by her good friend and Noah’s agent. The last thing either of them expected was to share a kiss at the end of the night. Noah is all for moving forward and having a possible relationship, but is Zara? In my opinion this book is too short, BUT it is good! The author made both characters very relatable and really brought their personalities to life. It was fun to see Zara come to the realization that she had romantic feelings for Noah and that she felt less lonely when he was around. Although this is part of a series you can read it as a stand alone. <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-Alba2023-06-22 23:53:172023-06-29 07:34:39Sacrifice Bunt (Ground Rule Book 2) by Bree Kraemer – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba
This book was a DOOZY. A first for me from this author and DEFINITELY not the last. Wow wow wow. The characters were insanely good. The story line was perfectly attention capturing. I went on a vacation into this storyline and I was sad to come home when the last page ended… hot as sin chemistry and the best kind of dirty!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00April McCoyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngApril McCoy2023-06-22 23:15:462023-06-29 07:34:33Twisted Proposal (Central Florida Stories Book 3) by Victoria Saccenti – Review by April McCoy
Brutal Nights is the fourth book in the Hidden Valley Elite series by Isla Vaughn. It is a New Adult (High School) bully romance, with plenty of engrossing details, an enemies-to-lovers element, angst, drama, secrets, jealousy, friendship, lies, intrigue, chemistry, steam, emotion, dark games, agendas, danger, and more. This series just gets better with each new instalment, and this conclusion to Damon and Skylar’s story had me in its grip the whole way through. So much has happened, but Ms. Vaughn doesn’t take it easy on them- and toyed with my emotions in the process. As this is the fourth book in the series, and the second part to Skylar and Damon’s story, I highly recommend reading the rest of the series before starting on this book, or at the very least, read Book #3 so you are up to date on their little saga- and can jump into this book without feeling like you have missed something. I am excited to see what “Cruel Start” (Book #5) will hold… Bring it on! 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 Hayes2023-06-22 23:03:192023-06-29 07:34:27Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite Book #4) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Angela Hayes
There are some things I really enjoyed about this book. And there are some things that I did not enjoy about this book. The interaction between the sisters, even the fighting, is one of the things I enjoyed. That and best friend Craig were the most realistic parts of the book. How quickly and easily things were resolved is one of the things that I didn’t enjoy. Like Sahara sitting on her porch at the end of the book just days after taking down two rich and powerful men in the city. With her being a model and with all the press that would come from the arrest of the mayor’s husband and son, the paparazzi would be everywhere. Didn’t Melody forgive Lucas a little fast? He did lie to her. Sure he came around, admitted he was wrong, apologized for lying but just a couple of weeks after that she is agreeing to move in with him?
This book moved fast and kept you guessing throughout. I had the stalker wrong, not gonna lie. I guessed it was Keith, just keeping Sahara dependent on him. Turned out not to be. It was a good twist. Maybe I just watch too much true crime. This just ended too pretty for me, too nice, too neat. But a really good read!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00M Policicchiohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngM Policicchio2023-06-22 23:02:512023-06-29 07:31:41Stalked by the Devil (To Kiss a Stalker Series) by Stacy-Deanne – Review by M Policicchio
Underneath the Whiskey is a compelling, gut wrenching story about a man trying to be who he is expected to be by everyone in his life but it comes at the cost of his own sense of self. It contains things that can be triggering including addiction, attempted suicide, conversion therapy, and cheating.
I honestly didn’t want to like Ben. I am usually not interested in stories that include cheating, but this is a very well-written story that is honest and raw. The reason events happen makes sense. Ben goes through so much but doesn’t recognize the trauma as he was doing it for what he felt was the good of his family. Each of the characters starts out appearing one way, but as the layers get peeled away, their truth is revealed, sometimes for the better and sometimes not. Ben’s journey absolutely broke my heart and I am so glad there is a happy ending. Definitely well-worth the pain to experience this story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katrinahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatrina2023-06-22 22:34:502023-06-29 07:31:34Underneath The Whiskey by Chelsea Lauren – Review by Katrina Evanochko
Ways to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper is a fast-paced clean, romantic comedy. It follows (very) imperfect Bailey as she discovers what it means to improve yourself. Bailey uses her brother’s recommendations – as outlined in his list of improvements for her. I enjoyed the book far more than I guessed I would as I have siblings too! Seriously though, if you want something with a snarky main character and diverse, interesting side ones then give this book a try!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Whisper Hymerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngWhisper Hymer2023-06-22 21:57:422023-06-29 07:31:27Ways to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper – Review by Whisper Hymer
Oh, Gia. I spent so much of this book angry at her, regardless of her list and her high school dreams of “success”. Skylar and Damon have been discovered, and Gia is pissed. She has managed to stay popular despite Damon not being with her, and she uses her newfound popularity to be absolutely awful to Skylar.
Sky has decided the only way to right her wrongs is to stay completely away from Damon and take what Gia dishes out. Damon has no desire to stay away from Skylar at all, and approaches it the way he approaches everything. How will it end for Skylar and Damon? WILL it end, or will they continue to be drawn to one another?
Damon matures greatly in this story, and it was really a pleasure to see. The fight he puts in for things to be the way they should be has him digging deep into what he really wants.
Skylar is making herself miserable, but doesn’t want to buckle. She fights Damon as hard as ever, as he fights back. They make jabs at one another, barely restraining their attraction. This was such a good 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 Gilkerson2023-06-22 21:47:432023-06-29 07:31:20Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite Book 4) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Shea Gilkerson 6/22/23
This is the first non-fiction book I’ve read in quite a while, and I am absolutely blown away! The sheer amount of emotion that this memoir evoked in me is astounding. Toby tells her story sparing no detail and puts you in her shoes. I couldn’t read fast enough as she really has a great way of writing that just pulls you in and won’t let go. I truly appreciate Toby being so incredibly courageous, vulnerable, and forthcoming with this experience. It’s eye-opening in the most unexpected of ways. I highly recommend giving this book a chance even if it isn’t in your normal wheelhouse, it will likely knock you right off your feet.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shannen Kernhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShannen Kern2023-06-22 21:35:562023-06-29 07:31:09Living with Conviction: A True Crime Memoir by Toby Dorr – Review by Shannen Kern
I continue to love this series of the Hidden Valley Elite with my every being….Book 4 with the continuation of Damon and Sky’s story…I cannot help but have so much love for these two characters. Plenty of angst, drama, tension, spice and everything oh so nice. I am completely invested in this series, and I do highly recommend reading this series of books in order right from the beginning.
Damon and Sky have this love/hate relationship still stewing between them, especially when the aftermath of the downward spiral friendship between Sky and Gia comes tumbling down. Damon wants to protect Sky from the ugly lies and bullying that Sky is enduring. When Damon and Sky come together in a “fake date” relationship…..will true feelings between them come into play or will someone get hurt at the end? Will Damon be able to even protect Sky from who is coming back for her and her mother with a wicked vengeance?
Highly recommended read…..I loved this story of Damon and Sky and pick up to where what happens next. I love this author’s storytelling and I am already anticipating the next book in the series. A true must read.
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 Hoerner2023-06-22 21:32:122023-06-29 07:31:02Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite Book 4) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Lorralei Hoerner
Anticipation. Once again, I cannot get enough of the Hidden Valley Elite series. Isla Vaughn’s ability to weave such complex emotions and twists into an effortless story is mind blowing. Book four, the second book in the Brutal duet about Damon and Skylar picks up once again in the same moment the first book ended in. They are coming down from an intimate moment when her mom and Gia are standing in the doorway having caught them. What follows is nothing less than expectation with the fallout between Gia and Sky, fear of a teen pregnancy, and the overwhelming reality that while they try to label it all as fake it’s anything but. All along a greater threat is around the corner, Sky’s dad is set to be released from prison forcing both her and Damon to confront their feelings now or risk never seeing each other again. Damon on the other hand never cared as much as his brother about football and the NFL is more of a maybe for him but Skylar makes him see more beyond football. As everything builds to its climax Sky can no longer handle the guilt and tries to talk to Gia, leaving her with the parting words that “he’s getting out soon and we’ll be gone.” Admitting to Damon she doesn’t want to leave him he does the one thing he never wanted to do. Damon asks his dad for help, sees pictures of what happened when Sky was seven and some of the hatred, he holds for Raelyn is replaced with some respect. He realizes that Sky’s situation is very similar to Riley’s and her moms from the previous year, only no one is there to help Sky and her mom. Finally filling in Cole about everything with Sky, and her dad situation he gets a call from Gia……He’s there. Will Damon make it to Skylar’s in time? Can Skylar and her mom survive and stay safe? Will Skylar and Damon finally get a chance to drop the “fake” from their relationship? This series has truly become my number one go to for an escape from the realities of life. The world, while nothing more than reality, the characters are what keep you drawn in. Over the course of two books the characters both take a journey, growing and becoming well rounded. Leaving you routing for them to come out on top and get their happiness ever after. Once again, knowing that a happy ending is always coming doesn’t take away from the story, it leaves you in anticipation of how they achieve it when everything seems against them, even themselves sometimes. I already have a countdown for the next book in the series, Cruel Start, June 29th, 2023, which is like Cole’s duet with the Savage Start prequel, this book serves as the prequel into Phoenix and Aspen’s duet, book one Cruel Hate, August 31st, 2023.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ayla Phippshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAyla Phipps2023-06-22 21:26:452023-06-29 07:30:55Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite Book 4) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Ayla Phipps
This was my first book by this author, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I really enjoy reading in my spare time and typically it takes me a chapter or two to really find my groove. That was not the case with Underneath the Whiskey. I was immediately drawn into the story from page one. It was SO unbelievable how quickly everything played out in my mind. This is an emotional rollercoaster that takes your heart and puts it in a vice. On paper, it can sometimes seem easy to make decisions especially when you’re not involved, but I was completely and utterly invested in Benjamin’s life. I’ve already grabbed a couple of other books by this author because her writing style is stunning! As always, you should check the potential triggers that she has lovingly put in the front. Trust me on this one, don’t pass on picking this book up. It’s a must read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shannen Kernhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShannen Kern2023-06-22 21:19:402023-06-29 07:30:47Underneath The Whiskey by Chelsea Lauren – Review by Shannen Kern
Rose is a wolf who is on a mission. The witches are now controlling when wolves can shift and have their freedom. She is trying to find a way, and that is to try and to become the leaders wife of the coven. Titan has to have a child and in order for that, he must wed. Once he meets Rose, he starts their adventure in this book. It’s a really great read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashley Hastinghttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshley Hasting2023-06-22 20:48:172023-06-29 07:30:40Twisted Bond by Danielle Jacks – Review by Ashley Hasting
Loved having the list of things her brother has to “improve” Bailey, but didn’t like how they didn’t go in numerical order (just my opinion, felt it was weird). Loved how Bailey is blind to true love and then finds it. Enjoyed the team work aspects of saving Froyo.
Felt parts of the book were stagnant, but overall, i would definitely recommend it and/or read more books by Cori Cooper- felt like Shopaholic or similar (I am not a heavy romance reader) and I appreciated the banter between Bailey and the rest of the characters.
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 Crain2023-06-22 20:48:002023-06-29 07:30:33Ways to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper – Review by Jennifer Crain
You’ve got Benjamin, who has his own business, family, and wife. As his business continues, he needs more help. Here he meets Caden. This young man ends up crushing on Benjamin, who shows his true self to Caden. Now Benjamin feels the closet should be no more, but has to work on his past. It’s such a heart wrenching book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashley Hastinghttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshley Hasting2023-06-22 20:37:242023-06-29 07:30:27Underneath The Whiskey by Chelsea Lauren – Review by Ashley Hasting
This is my favorite book I read this year. The author wrote the story in such a way that I had to keep reading. The characters were not only relatable but so well written that at times I thought Tessa and Simon could be real friends of mine. The story starts in and air plane where Tessa and Simon meet each other but don’t have a chance to build a connection. If it weren’t for Simon making sure Tessa finds his business card in her purse. A world traveling romance of two strangers who become so much more, that are pulled apart due to a tragic incident. Something that any of us could experience in the world we live in today. The connection and love shown throughout the story made me believe again. I’m looking forward to reading more books by this author!
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 Melano2023-06-22 20:24:092023-06-29 07:30:21My Goodbye Girl by Anna Gomez – Review by Betsy Melano
A historical romance that had me hooked into reading the book to the end in no time! I’m sure this is the first time I’m reading a book written by this author. I enjoyed the way she wrote about the characters so that I could connect with them but specifically with Helen. Conway describing Helen as a ray of sunshine, something clicks for him to find ways to show Lady Helen that she needs to be open to finding love again struck close to home for me. I enjoyed this romance for the hope and the strength to carry on after a tragic event. Another good series & author to look for in the near future.
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 Melano2023-06-22 20:01:132023-06-29 07:30:15Earl of Griffith (Once Upon a Widow Book 6) by Aubrey Wynne – Review by Betsy Melano
Living With Conviction: Unexpected Sisterhood, Healing, and Redemption in the Wake of Life-Altering Choices by Toby Dorr
4 out of 5 Stars
Every story has multiple sides. This is a story that has been told many times but this time is straight from the source. I was surprised many times while reading this book. This was an interesting read that gives you an understanding of how life can change due to a mistake. If you are into this type of stories you should give it a try.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Aranza Cardozahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAranza Cardoza2023-06-22 19:51:022023-06-29 07:30:10Living with Conviction: A True Crime Memoir by Toby Dorr – Review by Aranza
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The Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom
