This is a genre that I typically do not read but was captivated by the synopsis and cover art. I am so glad that I read this book as I learned many things that I would not have otherwise known had I not read this book. The way that Scott Warren wrote this book had me captivated from the first couple of chapters. I have not read any books by this author and cannot wait to read more of the books in this series. I will now take more chances on books that are outside of my typical go to reads and this one was wonderful and had I decided to not read it, I would have missed out on a terrific read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Carlie Del Gallohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCarlie Del Gallo2022-10-30 08:41:002022-11-01 12:26:17Chevalier (War Horses Book 1) by Scott Warren – Review by Carlie Del Gallo
This is the first book in the series and with the name, I really was surprised by what I found out reading the book. First, I thought that the leading female being called Madame gave me a few different thoughts. Could she be a ballerina, she by all means in my mind had an authoritarian role and was elderly. This was not the case at all she isn’t even 30. She is working with police and talking with a ghost throughout the story. The author does give you a list of characters and pronunciations of everything, which I was grateful for. This is set in the 1900’s and the Madame is met with some people that don’t believe in what she does. However, she doesn’t let that bother her and she gets involved with this case. It takes so many twists and turns that I didn’t even know where the book was going to go. It was the first time in a long time that I was able to completely loose myself in a book. I completely enjoyed this book. It was well written and the characters had superior development. I am eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series. 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 Bohls2022-10-26 10:50:002022-10-27 11:30:02Ghost Talker (Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries Book 1) by Byrd Nash – Review by Barbara Bohls
Dex is a used car salesman who works hard to make ends meet to support his wife Reagan and their two sons. Although he hates his job, he chooses to make the most of it until something better comes along. Dex’s life seems normal until him and his family are suddenly kidnapped by strangers in the middle of the night. They are taken to an underground bunker and Dex is tortured and asked questions that he is unable to answer. When he cannot answer the questions, his kidnappers decide that Dex is of no use to them, and they now intend to kill Dex and his entire family.
Dex must act quickly to save himself and his family before it is too late. As Dex struggles to save his family from these vicious killers his entire life is changed. Not only is he fighting pure evil but in doing so he uncovers the terrifying truth that there is something far more sinister at work. Dex discovers that there are supernatural beings hiding amongst us and they intend to take over the world. The problem is that these beings are hiding amongst us in plain sight disguised as normal people. So, who can Dex trust to save him and his family?
I was completely blown away by this book and how well written it was. The author does an amazing job of capturing the reader’s attention from the first few pages which makes the book impossible to put down. The characters were well developed, and each scene was written in so much detail that it makes the reader feel as though they are there. Not only were the scenes written vividly but the author did a superb job of capturing each moment of action and suspense in a remarkable manner that few authors are able to do. The character of Dex develops throughout the book and as you read you learn more about him and what he can and will do to save his family from the danger that surrounds them wherever they go. The action is explosive and non-stop throughout as Dex, his family, and friends are on the run trying to save themselves and the world as they know it. I especially loved the author’s notes and thoughts written at the end of each chapter. I found it unique and interesting to read what his thoughts were while writing each scene. I cannot recommend this book enough and look forward to reading more from this brilliant and talented author!
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 Barnes2022-10-25 09:35:492022-10-27 11:22:40The Intruders by Brett McKay – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Mama warbler has six eggs of her own in her nest when a cuckoo suddenly drops an egg into the warbler’s nest. A friend of mama warbler suggests that she kick the cuckoo out of her nest, but mama warbler will not do any such thing, saying it is just one more egg. Not only do cuckoo babies eat six times more than warbler babies, but they are large and smell bad. Mama warbler must make several trips everyday as she continues trying to keep all her babies fed. When a cat climbs the tree and tries to attack the baby birds in their nest, the cuckoo bird protects the other babies in the nest with his stinky smell.
I loved this book and found that it taught some valuable lessons not only for children but for each of us. It may have seemed cruel for the mama cuckoo to abandon her egg into the warbler’s nest, but it proved to be beneficial for the warblers. By the mama warbler accepting the cuckoo egg and not giving up on it, the reader is shown that we are all deserving of love and acceptance regardless of what makes us different from others. This book also shows the reader the deep love a mother has for her children whether they are biological or not. Once again, the author has done a beautiful job of creating a story that is both educational and fun. I highly recommend!
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 Barnes2022-10-23 12:36:432022-10-27 11:08:16Just One More Egg (Science Folktales Book 6) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Queen’s Destiny is the first installment in the Blood Prophecy series. It follows Amber, who is taking a new job at a Seattle Museum. Chloe, her ner coworker/witch. As well as vampires and wolves. This Paranormal Romance has it all; wolves, vampires, magic, prophecy, fights, etc. It can be easy to get a little lost with the consistent time jumps going back to add information to each character’s background and while I wasn’t the biggest fan of that, I still found this fun to read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Brittanyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBrittany2022-10-22 23:40:562022-10-27 11:14:18Queen’s Destiny (Blood Prophecy Book 1) by Barb Jones – Review by Brittany Angel
Amber and Chloe become instant friends when the two end up working together at the same museum. When Chloe discovers that Amber is having a series of very strange dreams, she convinces her to let her help. Amber’s dreams become increasingly more vivid as time goes on and in many, she has visions of being told that she has a prophecy to fulfill. Unbeknownst to Amber, a vampire has waited hundreds of years for his beloved Queen to be reborn and the prophecy to finally be fulfilled.
This book was well written and sucks the reader in from the first few pages. The characters were well written, and each scene is so descriptive that the reader feels as though they are right there with each character in that time and place. I loved the multiple storylines that gave background information on each character and what events transpired up until present day. I highly recommend!
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 Barnes2022-10-21 11:57:132022-10-27 10:57:14Queen’s Destiny (Blood Prophecy Book 1) by Barb Jones – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61385993-the-intruders” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”The Intruders” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1657374992l/61385993._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61385993-the-intruders”>The Intruders</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7076673.Brett_McKay”>Brett McKay</a><br/> My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5058781269″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /> The intruders- Dex is a car salesman, he used to have a better job, but he walked away from that because he was gone from his family for too long. So he quit, got a local job, then something horrifying happens. His house is broken into, him, his wife, and two kids are kidnapped. These intruders seem to know everything about Dex’s life. His parents, their passing, his childhood best friend and his passing. They get Dex to spill his heart but it doesn’t seem to be enough. Dr H(the main kidnapper) wants to know everything and who is in charge. Dex makes a deal, his wife And children have blankets, pillows, and food and he will give them the information Dr H wants.<br />Dex and his family are able to escape thanks to Connor, but now they have to live life on the lam, they have to watch out for these groups that are kidnapping and torturing people. The silver eyed people are running for the government and it has to stop or this chaos will still continue on.<br />Really enjoying the authors notes at the end of each chapter because it gives you an insider of what they were thinking writing that chapter. I also enjoy that the very first chapter was the last, but now it’s not. So when you get to the end, re read the first chapter. This was such a fantastic read and so fast paced! I really enjoyed this and cannot wait to read more! <br/><br/> <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6813301-tori”>View all my reviews</a>
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Torimittonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTorimitton2022-10-21 10:19:282022-10-27 10:56:57The Intruders by Brett McKay – Review by Tori Mitton
This is the second book in the series “Fae and Crystal Thorns”, and it is everything I hoped for mixed with twists and turns I did not expect! Chloe and Quintus, I enjoyed thoroughly, I loved how their relationship evolved and how it also affected how they were to other people as well. I loved Chloe’s character development the most, and Kay L. Moody did an excellent job at showcasing her journey throughout the book and why her personality as well as character traits were changing. For the most part of the book, everyone including Chloe and Quintus are trying to figure out how to beat the mortals and save Farie from iron poisoning. Not only will saving Faerie help the Fae, but it will also help the mortal realm where people, including Chloe’s sister, are feeling iron poisoning, but have no help of a cure. Lots of action, mystery, and some romance! Can’t wait to see what is in store for everyone in book three.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Helen Dawkinshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHelen Dawkins2022-10-20 19:34:032022-10-21 09:50:23Shadow and Crystal Thorns (Fae and Crystal Thorns Book 2) by Kay L. Moody – Review by Helen Dawkins
The Virus of Beauty is Book One in the Virus of Beauty Series. In the first book we are introduced to teenage wizard, Wilf, who would rather play soccer than use his magic because he is terrified of magic. When his father dies suddenly, he finds himself thrust into the political battle between wizards and witches in the Magical Realm. As a virus starts spreading throughout the witch community turning all the witches beautiful, Wilf must overcome his fears of using magic to help his friend Katryna who has contracted the virus.
This book was an intriguing read as it put an interesting twist on the concept of beauty. In the world of witches, the uglier you are the more powerful you are as a witch and beauty is considered a sin. This gives one a lot to think about in a society where so much emphasis is placed on being beautiful and perfect. The characters were well developed, and I found the character of Wilf interesting because as a wizard he had no desire to use magic. I loved Ermintrude’s no nonsense approach to things. A must read for anyone who loves books about witches, wizards, mystery, action, and adventure.
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 Barnes2022-10-16 11:56:432022-10-17 11:40:13The Virus of Beauty (The Virus of Beauty Book 1) by C.B. Lyall – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Excellent, excellent book. I loved every part of this book, especially the female main character, Sin. Elemental Fire is the first book in the Hidden Realms series by E.G. Manetti. This checks all of the boxes for me, paranormal romance, fantasy, a strong female main character, investigations, magic, adventure, danger, and more mythical creatures (which some I ended up looking up, and goodness the author did AMAZING describing them because the google images I looked up was exactly what I envisioned when reading.). I was hooked right from the beginning, and I could not put it down, ended up reading it in one sitting. The character develop was A+++, the setting was also painted magnifically, both for the Hidden Realm and Terra. I loved the story of Sin, the way she was raised, her powers of being able to see through glamour, her career choices, her previous men choices, literally loved everything about this woman. I also, thoroughly loved Rad, and even Moreso- loved Rad and Sin together! The chemistry between the two was so intense and electrifying. There is plenty of action and danger, as well as some mystery in addition to the relationship of Rad and Sin. I CAN NOT WAIT UNTIL BOOK 2 is RELEASED! Will definitely recommend to everyone I know!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Helen Dawkinshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHelen Dawkins2022-10-15 19:14:342022-10-17 11:18:40Elemental Fire (The Hidden Realms Book 1) by EG Manetti – Review by Helen Dawkins
Vandal is a tank mechanic with the Chevaliers Private Calvary who finds himself fighting for his own life inside the company’s oldest upright tank. Battling nausea, while also battered and bruised he finds himself teaming up with his fellow Cavaliers to battle against off-world mercenaries.
This book was intense from the first few pages. With a unique and raw writing style the author sets the tone for the action, suspense and adventure contained throughout. The characters were raw and real, especially Vandal who was relatable as a tank mechanic. It was interesting to read and expanded my mind into the world of military machines. A great read!
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 Barnes2022-10-15 11:38:252022-10-17 09:50:52Chevalier (War Horses Book 1) by Scott Warren – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60508978-from-brick-darkness” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”From Brick & Darkness” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1646337864l/60508978._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60508978-from-brick-darkness”>From Brick & Darkness</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14445458.J_L_Sullivan”>J.L. Sullivan</a><br/> My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5045033542″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /> Bax is a teen who is looking for any type of memory, note something from his father who walked out when he was young. He doesn’t want to bring up his father, to his mother who is working all of the time. Bax is given a ring for his father. The ring has this magic!<br />Seriously go read this right now! So so good! <br/><br/> <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6813301-tori”>View all my reviews</a>
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Torimittonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTorimitton2022-10-14 09:33:242022-10-17 09:45:50From Brick & Darkness by J.L. Sullivan – Review by Tori Mitton
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61720591-friends-with-benies” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Friends with Benies: An AMBW Paranormal Romance (Paris in Springtime Book 7)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1658794709l/61720591._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61720591-friends-with-benies”>Friends with Benies: An AMBW Paranormal Romance</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7086223.T_B_Bond”>T.B. Bond</a><br/> My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5041603756″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /> Wednesday is a mage, Ryker her best friend is a panda shifter. They have done everything together. Mama Xiao sets them both up on a singles cruise to find their mates.<br />Ryker is absolutely hilarious and so protective of Wen as she is of him. Wen is scared that Ryker will be taken from her from his mate. It was a beautiful whirlwind and I’m so happy for the ending I was rooting for them! <br/><br/> <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6813301-tori”>View all my reviews</a>
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Torimittonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTorimitton2022-10-12 12:12:002022-10-17 09:30:11Friends with Benies (Paris in Springtime Book 7) by T.B. Bond – Review by Tori Mitton
This isn’t your typical fantasy book, it is way, way more than that. Hassan has such a huge character development throughout the story and the way the author relates the characters culture into the book has helped me understand more than what I thought I knew. This book is very relatable from the emotions that characters feel in the book. The way the author wraps the fantasy around the adventure peeks your interest and keeps you turning the pages. It really helps by putting the fantasy into reality, if that make sense. The flow from normal to fantasy is breath taking. The creatures in the story were so well written that it makes you feel like they really could exist in the world today. This is not my normal genre but I am very thankful that I stepped out of my comfort join because this book hit on some feels that I didn’t know I was missing. It is a must read for anyone looking for an escape. 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 Bohls2022-10-11 11:11:352022-10-11 12:46:08Ice Dance by Vik Azeem – Review by Barbara Bohls
Moby’s father, a US Marine, leaves her a birthday gift before leaving for military deployment for a year. When Moby opens her gift and discovers it is a flute, she is a bit disappointed because it was not what she was hoping for. Moby is even more disappointed when she tries to play the flute and discovers that it is broken. She puts it to the side and instead tries to focus on school where she wants to make friends and get on honor roll.
However, no matter how hard Moby studies her grades are not good enough to get on honor roll. Feeling discouraged by how things do not seem to be working out for her, Moby picks up the flute and decides to give it another try. When Moby discovers the reason why the flute did not work for her before is because her father had left her a note in it, she begins to understand why her father gave her the flute as a gift. She decides to practice playing music on it and through her playing the flute she learns valuable lessons about hard work, patience, and perseverance.
This was a beautifully written book that teaches some valuable lessons about the importance of never giving up and believing in yourself. The illustrations were extraordinary and exquisitely done. A heartwarming read about self-confidence, courage, and how you should never give up on your dreams. A must read for all ages!
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 Barnes2022-10-11 09:19:192022-10-11 12:45:00Moby Plays the Flute by Eeha Bhatt – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
This book is the second book in “The Cool Thing” Series. At the beginning it is rather slow, but it picks up pace pretty quickly. Lots of trashy, dark humor that will literally make you laugh out loud at times. The dialogue is amazing in this book, makes you feel like you are actually there for the conversations. There are lots of old characters, but also plenty of new ones that are just as weird, funny, and dark. Finally, we have some great exploration from the characters! This second book is by far better than the first!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Helen Dawkinshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHelen Dawkins2022-10-10 23:10:152022-10-11 12:41:52Lab Spill (The Cool Thing Series Book 2) by Robert Rife – Review by Helen Dawkins
Savage Secrets: I absolutely love Elena and Marco! From Frenemies to Lovers! Even though you can read this book as a standalone, I recommend reading the other books in order before this one. There is vital information about Elena’s starting predicament that may be confusing if you do not know the background information from the other 3 books. After finding that Elena is alive, Marco will not stop until she is his and in his arms. As teenagers, Marco and Elena were always back and forth teasing and punishing for no reason. They both had crushes on each other but kept it a secret, as Elena was promised to marry Enzo. In this book, it tied up several of the sub-plots that go on throughout each book. Marco is the sexy tattooed badass, while Elena has become an independent badass of her own. Her being away from everyone and in hiding for the past 4 years causes several issues with the two main characters, trust being the main problem. As Elena, is not sure who to trust, and Marco is pissed that she left without asking for help. The main Mafia situation in Savage Secrets is focused on the Russians, the Boss Yuri in particular. Very action packed but with lots of romance and love. Definitely cannot wait to read the 5th book in the series.
Ruthless Heir: Ruthless Heir, Book 5 in the Mafia Elite Series throws a huge loop than the other pervious books. At first, I was not sure how I would like it considering it is bringing in two new characters that have not been introduced yet. The love story focus is on Luc and Summer. Luc being Lil’s long lost half brother, who has no idea he has a sister, let alone Mafia. Both Luc and Summer come from hard difficult childhoods, which is one of the things they bond over. The book focuses on Luc’s training to become the new Mafia Boss for the Brambilla Family and the new girl who he has dragged along with him, Summer. She is also on the run from another less powerful Mafia Family, the Amato’s. She keeps her cards close to her in hope that she Five Chicago Families do not turn her over. At first, Summer is there against her will, but slowly everyone, including Luc falls in love with her. As Summer and Luc work together every morning, their love connection grows so beautifully. Summer and Luc both fit excellently into the Five Mafia Families and are a great addition. Amy McKinley does a spectacular job at mixing adventure, mystery, romance and spice. I know I will not be disappointed in book 6!
Collateral Damage: Collateral Damage is book 6 in the Mafia Elite Series. While each book can be a standalone, I highly recommend reading the other books in order before reading this one. Collateral Damage focuses on the love story of Trey La Rosa and a young woman named Hailey Carmichael. Trey has absolutely no time to find a woman as he is in his residence for becoming a surgeon and is also the Mafia’s doctor. Trey recently lost his last girlfriend, and he is not looking to ever lose another person he loves. The two main characters meet at a function and Trey is slowly pulled into helping Hailey. As they continue to work together, his feelings grow enormous for her, and he is not willing to lose her for any reason. Amy McKinley never disappoints, and that is also clear in this book. This series is one of the best series I have read in a long time. There is an excellent mixture of spice, romance, and action. Her details on each man will make your mouth water. In the other books, Trey is on the outskirts, and I am glad that in this book we get a up close and personal look into his life
Rivals: This has taken my favorite spot in the Mafia Elite Series! While you can read this book as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the previous 6 books in the series. The story focus on Nico La Rosa & Mia Tucci.
It immediately sucks you in with an intense scene of Mia (daughter of the Mafia boss Joey, apart of the NY syndicate) being kidnapped by her own step brother, Ricco, and locked away in the rooms down under the Nightclub her family owns (that also holds women captive for sex trafficking). Nico La Rosa, the youngest of the La Rosa’s, a member of the Chicago Italian Mafia and the Five Major Families, isn’t looking for love, as he has very little emotional pull towards anyone that isn’t his family, or his work (major hacker & computer whiz).
His life gets turned upside down when Mia finds him and proposes safety from her family in exchange for marriage and help in taking down the Tucci sex trafficking ring & the family line completely. While Nico is very cautious & weary of alternative motives, he has an intense pull and sensation to help her any way he can.
Will they end up being a loveless marriage, a business contract moreso than anything, or will they fall for each other harder than ether ever expected possible?
Taking down a Mafia family isn’t easy, will they accomplish their goal? If so, at what cost?
Several twists & turns I definitely didn’t see coming. Spice is present and moderate, but definitely enjoyable! I love reading from both of Mia & Nico’s point of view!
Can’t wait until the new series that will follow the lives of the newly introduced NY Mafia family, the Verretti’s
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Helen Dawkinshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHelen Dawkins2022-10-10 22:49:422022-10-11 12:41:41Mafia Elite Series Box Set Volume 2 by Amy McKinley – Review by Helen Dawkins
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61418837-operation-pinpoint” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Operation Pinpoint” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1657475006l/61418837._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61418837-operation-pinpoint”>Operation Pinpoint</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7847192.Landra_Graf”>Landra Graf</a><br/> My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5033601481″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /> I wasn’t really sure about this one. But page 1 sucks you right in! The details are absolutely stunning. You have Ravenna who is trying to rescue her lover. You have Dravos who is trying to commute his current sentence. Dravos wants Ravenna, but how since she loves another? I haven’t been able to put this book down. I cannot wait to get more of this series!! <br/><br/> <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6813301-tori”>View all my reviews</a>
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Torimittonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTorimitton2022-10-08 11:31:542022-10-11 12:31:25Operation Pinpoint (Space Force Rejects Book 1) by Landra Graf – Review by Tori Mitton
Young Hester spends her days tending to the animals on her family’s farm and helping with chores that need to be done. The river, Sabrina, is her happy place, and she sneaks off to visit her whenever she can. Hester loves to listen to the river speak to her as Sabrina tells her to be wise, be strong and finds delight in watching the river nymphs dance. It was on one of these trips to visit Sabrina when she was a little girl that Hester met a young man named Aaron. He too could speak to the river and knew about the healing powers of herbs and flowers.
As Hester became older, she becomes more intrigued by this young man and wants to learn about herbal remedies so that she may help heal others as her grandmother had. She convinces Aaron to train her in secret because she knows that her mother would not approve of Hester learning something that she refers to as witchcraft. Hester knows that healing others with herbal remedies is what she wants to do with her life, but it seems that nobody wants that for her. Aaron has his own issues that he is trying to work through, so he feels that stopping the lessons is in Hester’s best interests. Hester begs and pleads with him, and he reluctantly agrees to continue helping her learn.
Hester’s mother has other plans for her and decides that she must get married and have children because that will settle her down. With the townsfolk gossiping about Hester and talk of her being a witch, her mom feels that she must get married immediately and arranges a marriage for Hester to an older, local fisherman. Knowing that this marriage will not be good for her, Hester flees to the only place she feels safe. She turns to Aaron for help, but he also feels that her getting married and leading a normal life is the best thing for her.
This book is loosely based on the true story of a woman in the early 20th Century who was trained in healing and accused of being a witch. The story contained many layers and was very well written with wonderful characters throughout. Hester was a remarkable young lady who was resilient, headstrong, determined and knew what she wanted. She would stop at nothing to get it, regardless of how much hardship she had to face to get it. Aaron had issues that he needed to resolve which made his character a bit hard to understand at times. It seemed he wanted to be Hester’s teacher but perhaps longed for more. Hester’s mom was another character that was a bit perplexing. She loved Hester and wanted the best for her but tried to force Hester into an arranged marriage to a man Hester loathed. However, when you think about the period this book was written in, it makes a bit more sense that reputation was important to the common class of the early 1900’s. That helps the reader understand that Hester’s mom really did feel that was the best choice for her daughter. A fantastic and haunting read!
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 Barnes2022-10-07 16:12:412022-10-08 22:14:24River Witch by Cheryl Burman – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Baxter is a teen boy who has grown up poor and watched as his mother has worked hard to provide the necessities of life for them both. He cannot help but wonder how different life would have been if his father had been around and yearns for a relationship with him. Baxter spends his days either at school where he tries his best to fit in, or with his best friend Jason playing video games. Although content with his life, young Baxter cannot help but dream big and hope for something extraordinary to happen in his life. Little did he know that is exactly what would happen, but unfortunately not in quite the way he had expected.
When Baxter returns home one evening, he finds an old man with glowing purple eyes standing on his doorstep. The man creeps Baxter out but tells him that he has a ring that is intended to be a gift for Baxter’s father. Reluctantly, Baxter takes the ring thinking that perhaps it can be sold, and the money used to help his mother. When he starts having weird dreams about the ring, he realizes the ring might be worth keeping. When Baxter accidentally rubs the ring and produces a powerful dijin he feels that his dreams may finally come true. Although happy to have a dijin to fulfill his wishes, Baxter desires more and learns he can summon an Ifrit which is even more powerful than the dijin. Now all of Baxter’s wishes will become true but at what cost?
The Ifrit turns out to be a sinister demon that feeds on Baxter’s subconscious thoughts and will go to any length to make Baxter’s dreams and fantasies come true. Before long the Ifrit has left a trail of death and destruction in its wake. Baxter’s life is turned upside down as it all points to him. Now it is up to Baxter, Jason, and their friend Ashley to find a way to stop the Ifrit and banish it from their world forever. Will they have what it takes to stop Ifrit?
I loved this book and was drawn into the story from the first pages. I loved the character of Baxter and felt myself rooting for him as he struggled to fit in. I understood his desire to want more and loved the magic ring that could produce a dijin to help him fulfill his dreams. I found myself shaking my head as he unleashed the Ifrit and knew that nothing good would come of him being so greedy and wanting more power. I loved the characters of Jason and Ashley and admired how they stood beside their friend and helped him out even when times got tough. This book was well written with a great storyline. Not only did it take some twists and turns, but it had some hidden, underlying messages about power and greed. A fantastic read!
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 Barnes2022-10-07 15:02:412022-10-08 22:09:13From Brick & Darkness by J.L. Sullivan – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
I have read many books by Anise Storm and when I saw that this was her next book that was coming out, it was a no brainer that I would want to read this book. I was NOT disappointed it! This book had me on the edge of my seat from the first sentence to the very last. The book revolves around Evelyn, a girl who in her teens was tutoring a troubled teen and in the course of that fell in love with him and when he left was severely heartbroken. It also revolves around a Damian, who has grown up on the wrong sides of the tracks, who has had a severely troubled life who cannot seem to get Evelyn out of his head. When these two reconnect, there are sparks flying! I was reading so fast as I needed to know what happened next! If you want/need a great mafia, dark romance then this is the story for you!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Carlie Del Gallohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCarlie Del Gallo2022-10-07 05:25:382023-08-05 14:19:53Breathe Underwater by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Carlie Del Gallo
This is the final books in the Mafia Elite Series. It is the conclusion of everything the author has been building up for. With all of these books you get amazing characters and scenes with so many details that you feel like you are living the situations with the characters. These books make you not want to do anything else but read them. You will get swept away with the mystery, adventure, and steamy love that happens with the characters. I highly recommend that you read Volume 1 first, so you have an understanding of the characters that you will be meeting in these books. You will want to know the background of the people you are going to fall in love with. The strong female leads in these books will satisfy your inner feminist and the broody hot alpha males will appeal to your inner hopeless romanticism. It is literally the best of both worlds. You will be sitting on the edge of your seat and feeling all the emotions that these charters will go through. You will need tissues for the tears, need to scream with the anger, need to gasp with the revelations, and most importantly you will feel included. It is easy to feel like these characters are your friends and honestly I came away from reading this series feeling like I was part of the mafia. That is how you know these are amazing books. This is a definite must read of the year!!!
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 Bohls2022-10-06 13:12:182022-10-08 22:03:13Mafia Elite Series Box Set Volume 2 by Amy McKinley – Review by Barbara Bohls
This book is an amazing start for a new series. I love, love, love mafia books, they are my favs. So, having read a bunch of them, this one rates right up there with some of the best ones I have read. There is the push and pull between characters. There is growth of each character. There is also the amazing set up for future books. I cannot wait to read the next one in this series. How do you work the mafia and keep your mouth shut? How do you keep your head down when that is the last thing you want to do? What happens when feelings start to get involved where they shouldn’t be? These are all the questions that I asked myself while reading this book. Those questions made it a major page turner and kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. I didn’t put this book down. I actually didn’t even go to sleep until I had finished it. If you love the cocky alpha males of mafia and the feisty good girl that makes their cold hearts melt, this is you next book. Highly recommend this amazingly well written mafia love story!!!
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 Bohls2022-10-05 13:38:352022-10-06 08:19:34Boss’s Vendetta (Sicilian Gods Book 1) by Via Mari – Review by Barbara Bohls
Operation Pinpoint is Book 1 in the Space Force Rejects Series. Ravenna Joyner is a captain with the Space Force. Dravos Trax is a Hurudian that has been imprisoned by, experimented on, and tortured, by the Space Force. Ravenna is on a mission to find and rescue her one true love. Dravos has been offered the chance at freedom by helping Ravenna on her mission. When they are teamed up to find the missing Space Force vessel, Perseus, Ravenna and Dravos find that they have both a mutual hatred while also feeling a mutual attraction to one another. Putting all feelings aside, Both Ravenna and Dravos must try to deny the attraction they feel for one another and focus on the mission at hand.
When the missing vessel Perseus is found with its entire crew dead Ravenna and Dravos must fight to save their own lives. They are forced to work together when they discover that they have both been betrayed by the other Space Force Ops commandos in their effort to cover up the murders of Perseus’ crew. As they search for answers to gain their freedom Ravenna and Dravos only find more unanswered questions which put their lives farther into danger.
This book had a combination of mystery, suspense, danger, aliens, romance and even a few sexy scenes. The characters of Ravenna and Dravos were well developed, and the relationship builds up between slowly through the book as they learn to trust one another. A must read for anyone looking for a good sci-fi romance.
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 Barnes2022-10-04 12:07:032022-10-05 07:43:08Operation Pinpoint (Space Force Rejects Book 1) by Landra Graf – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Haunted Christmas is the latest book in the Notebook Mysteries Series. Our young sleuth Emma is busily preparing for the upcoming holidays. Still working part-time in the family’s bakery gives her the opportunity to work on some holiday baking while still having the time to solve the odd mystery here and there. When Emma is approached by a friend who wants her to investigate a haunted house Emma is skeptical. She does not believe in ghosts, but her friend is unable to believe it could be anything else after hearing rattling chains and seeing things that are not there. Add to that a mysterious death ruled as a suicide and Emma starts following a trail of clues that unravels further mysteries to be solved.
Once again, the author has done an amazing job of creating an historical mystery full of twists and turns. Young Emma is as tenacious and determined as ever to get to the bottom of another mystery while danger lurks around every corner. The author does an amazing job of describing each scene in such detail that you can feel the cold in the air, feel the ice under your feet, and feel the sense of danger lingering in the air. The Christmas backdrop to the story and the baking made me excited to start prepping for the upcoming holidays. I could almost smell the delicious scents of fresh baked goods coming from Emma’s family bakery. Huge thank you to the author for including recipes at the end of the book for some of those delicious baked goods I could smell throughout the book.
Although this book can be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the entire Notebook Mysteries Series. A great addition for anyone looking for a cozy historical mystery with a holiday backdrop.
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 Barnes2022-10-04 11:10:412022-10-05 07:41:46Notebook Mysteries ~ Haunted Christmas by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
This was a good biker gang dark romance. There are a few times where it was a little over the top and not believable, but for the most part the author kept to the true natures of gangs, of all kinds, not just a biker gang. I did enjoy it being a biker gang dark romance vs the normal mafia type dark. Sofi, aka “Dior” is the female main character that starts off as not so innocent but definitely not gang material. She loves her dark make up, smoking pot with the occasional pill, and rocker music, especially Iron Maiden, but she is by far not a killer or drug dealer. She learns that her parents, her prim and proper parents used to be in a biker gang, and not just in a gang but the leaders of a highly respected gang the Tyrants in London. Sofi and her brother John find out a few other family secrets, which push her brother to suicide. This enrages Sofi, she wants revenge, she wants to kill the reason for her brother’s suicide; that person is the father of her new BF (Buzz) who is also the head of a rival gang in London, the Wolves. Sofi gets in deep, almost too deep. Sofi (Dior) encounters many hardships while trying to enact her revenge plot, but she also falls in love. Can she get out? Does she want to? Is this all worth it? There are many twists and turns I did not expect, and ultimately the ending completely blindsided me. While there were some faults in certain situations, I overall loved the book and would recommend to anyone who loves a good dark romance.
PLEASE read trigger warnings if you have any!
Trigger Warnings I believe need to be stated: Rape (of multiple types), Kidnapping, Drug Use, Date Rape Drug, Guns, Murder, any many other adult themes.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Helen Dawkinshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHelen Dawkins2022-10-03 21:28:062022-10-05 07:37:55Huntress by Karina Kantas – Review by Helen Dawkins
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61114095-river-witch” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”River Witch” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1656255452l/61114095._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61114095-river-witch”>River Witch</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20379239.Cheryl_Burman”>Cheryl Burman</a><br/> My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5022312909″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /> If your into magic, potions, herbs and all the witchy stuff this is it for you.<br />Hester wants to learn to be a medicine woman like her grandmother. She learns the rivers and ocean have names. She learns what it will take to become like her grandmother. Truely touching and an emotional book. I loved every second. <br/><br/> <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6813301-tori”>View all my reviews</a>
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Torimittonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTorimitton2022-10-02 14:32:032022-10-05 07:09:09River Witch by Cheryl Burman – Review by Tori Mitton
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62031916-boss-s-vendetta” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Boss’s Vendetta: Dark Mafia Romance (Sicilian Gods Book 1)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1661010874l/62031916._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62031916-boss-s-vendetta”>Boss’s Vendetta: Dark Mafia Romance</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16229360.Via_Mari”>Via Mari</a><br/> My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5022295554″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /> If your into mafia, love, romance and much more than this book is for you! The Larussio family is the biggest mafia family. They are all over the country. You have protective brothers that basically run everything.<br />This book hooked me from page 1! It’s soo good <br/><br/> <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/6813301-tori”>View all my reviews</a>
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Torimittonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTorimitton2022-10-02 14:25:582022-10-05 07:08:56Boss’s Vendetta (Sicilian Gods Book 1) by Via Mari – Review by Tori Mitton
When Tam Paradiso learns that the man she loves, Christopher Marlowe, has been sentenced to death she decides to risk everything to save him. There are only a few snags in her plan which she must work around to save him. The first hurdle is that Tam is in present day Philadelphia and Christopher is back in the year 1593. Not only must Tam time travel back to 1593 but she must find a way to rescue Christopher from the White Tower after he has been wrongly imprisoned there. It seems that Christopher has gotten himself wrapped up in the middle of a political conspiracy and the result has been his conviction of a crime he did not commit. His impending death has completely altered the timeline of the future, so it is imperative that he be rescued, and the timeline be corrected.
Tam is a strong woman who is used to fighting her own battles, but this time has no choice but to take someone with her to help. Tam has recently learned that she is pregnant which complicates time travel and risks the life of her unborn child. With few choices on who she can ask to help, Tam is forced to choose her ex-boyfriend Theo, a banished Fae warrior. Will Tam and Theo be able to save Christopher and correct the timeline of the future?
The author did a great job with the dual timelines in this book, and I felt as though I was there in 1593 with the characters experiencing the conditions as they were in that time. I could smell and almost taste the foods they ate. I could hear the sounds of the busy streets and see the decrepit conditions many lived in. Each scene was so vividly described that I felt as though I was right there in that time experiencing everything that Tam, Theo, and Christopher were doing. I loved the character of Tam and admired the lengths that she would go to so that she could save the man she loved. Even if that involved enlisting the help of an ex-lover that she wanted nothing to do with. Theo was also to be admired for stepping up to help his ex-girlfriend save her new lover. Christopher was someone that you could not help but feel bad for after being imprisoned in such horrific conditions. 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 Barnes2022-10-02 11:50:182022-10-02 13:09:14Nightfall in Deptford (Crescent Moon Chronicles Book 4) by L.E. Towne – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
I am a huge lover of dark mafia romance novels and this one WAS AMAZING! The way that this author wrote this novel and was one of the best series books I have read to date. The way the story line was moving was one that was great and had me holding my breath at certain points and finding myself needing to read faster to find out what happens. This is going to be one series that as they start coming out that I will for sure add to my constant read list. The way these characters are and interact with one another was DIVINE and such a great read!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Carlie Del Gallohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCarlie Del Gallo2022-10-01 12:56:452022-10-02 13:01:26Boss’s Vendetta (Sicilian Gods Book 1) by Via Mari – Review by Carlie Del Gallo
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