This is a true romance book with all the twists and turns of what young love can be. This book is about second chance loves and has a triangle situation. The main female in this story goes through one of the most horrible things a woman can go through and during that time she leans on the shoulder of one while being in a relationship with another. She leaves town for years when all of a sudden these two men show back up in her life and she must finally decide who she wants to be with. The comforter or the one that shares her history. I picked who I wanted her to end up with and, well, that didn’t go my way at all. This book is so well written that I didn’t even mind her not picking my front runner. The author ties this story up with a great bow and you just know after finishing it that the other guy is going to have an amazing story in book two. This book had me constantly turning the page and feeling real raw emotions for what the main female went through. I highly recommend reading this book and keeping some tissues next to you cause your heart will ache right along with all the characters. 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 Bohls2022-10-01 08:40:392022-10-02 13:07:01I Loved You Yesterday (Trading Heartbeats Trilogy Book 1) by Julie Navickas – Review by Barbara Bohls
So adorable! The artist is so talented. It is such a great Halloween collection with amazing, creative, fun drawings! I love to color and Halloween, and this is the best of both worlds! Fun for all ages, kids, teens and adults!
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 Dawkins2022-09-30 17:13:222022-10-02 12:47:44Dainty Damsels by J.N. Sheats – Review by Helen Dawkins
I found this to be an entertaining cozy mystery. Beck is a bookstore owner/new private investigator. Her old college roommate hires her to investigate her father’s murder. The cast of characters is quirky, suspicious and very mysterious. Everybody has a motive and Beck will figure out who did it. The drama, adventure, and humor will have you reading this in one sitting. I would definitely recommend this.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2022-09-29 11:10:142022-10-02 12:32:21An Inheritance to Die For (Cozy Mysteries To Die For Book 4) by Judy Moore – Review by Shelly Kittell
My heart hurt for Emma learning exactly how and why her mom died. You can tell this family is tight knit and that they’d do anything for each other. I love the happy ending to her last case she was involved in. With Emma and Dora both finding closeness again with that case bringing them together. Even Tim and Tony being such a huge part of their lives and becoming family in the process.
Finding the newspaper articles from her mom, I knew something fishy was going on when the writer pushed her out of his office without giving her anything.
I was relieved when the “watcher ” was revealed and it was someone who was protecting her from the same people that hurt her mom. She is very aware of everything and I loved how she made and left baskets of food for her “watcher”. Like he thought he was all sneaky and not being seen.
Since I did read these out of order I am glad this book gave some back story that I was missing out on from reading a later book first.
This is such a great series to read to suck you into the mysteries of Emma’s life. I also loved on this one how the “narrator and Dear One” chime in with some input to give more back story when needed.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Devon N Pulliamhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDevon N Pulliam2022-09-28 12:08:072023-08-05 14:36:51Notebook Mysteries ~ Emma (Notebook Mysteries Book 1) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Devon Pulliam
There’s a reason people don’t believe in monsters and it’s not because they don’t exist!! Boy are you in for a treat with this set!! I am LOVING it!! I could totally see this set put into a movie!! And if it ever does, know I will be watching it asap!! Anyways, to the book!! This is Makayla’s second year in the paranormal academy system. THANKFULLY, she doesn’t have to ride the bus the first day and her brothers can drive her. After finding out last year that she wouldn’t be going to any other school, because she’s being watched, she must make the best of it. She doesn’t know what is in store for her that year until her and her class are called back early. Thinking that she will get some time in the local village she’s excited to get there. Boy is her first day, yet AGAIN, an adventure though!! Maybe she’s seeing things, but getting to the library is strange. With the one and only transfer position withheld last year, she has all the same classmates, so they meet up on the way. Maybe they won’t be separated this year. Maybe classes will go back to normal. Hopefully?? Upon arriving at the school they learn about some changes, good and bad. But at least they are letting her have a bit more freedom! Which is good because the school is participating in an academy competition with the other schools and she can use all the help she can! If they can win they can bring some desperately needed funding and prestige back to the once sought after school, but if they lose the school could close down forever! Then what would happen to her?! No one WANTS to go to Grave Digger Academy anymore. Most are thrown into it like Makayla, without any say in the matter. So if she is kicked out of the one place that took her she dreads what might come next!! But she is determined to save the school, learn as much magic as she can, and find out more about her family history and all the weird things that seem to be attracted to her! But something is off about the competition and the map. The map changes after the competition is already under way. There was to be no interference and no one is allowed on the map except the competitors and their helpers if they choose to bring them. When their own shovels in their back yard throw her in the wrong direction she knows something is up. Will she help win the competition and in turn help save the school? Where is this shovel taking her?! Why does it always have to happen to her?? Makayla is out of options and must do something desperate to not only save herself, but the school. Will her plan backfire and in turn everything burn down around her? And who is messing with not only her, but the competition?! Man oh man I can’t wait to read the rest of this set! I am invested to see what happens next!! You COULD read this book alone, BUT I wouldn’t recommend it. Some stuff happens in the first book that is referenced in this book and you will be a bit lost. Anyways, grab this book (and the others!) and unearth the mysteries to the Grave Digger Academy!
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-Colburn2022-09-28 07:11:552022-09-28 09:48:08Grave Digger Academy II (Grave Digger Academy Book 2) by C.A. King – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn
This book is one of a series that can be read as a stand alone or with the other books. I read this as a stand alone but feel like I could have grasped more of the main characters situation had I read the whole series first. That being said, do not discredit this book. It is an amazing read and kept me turning pages to see what would happen next. The quick wit and banter the main characters have, is what my souls breaths for. I could tell going into this book that is was going to be a page turner. The depth of the characters is something that not all authors can reach. I felt these characters to my core and there is nothing I love more than a great story line with some amazing characters. I like feeling as if I am there with them or part of their friend group and this book gives you that. This was a well written story line that has you turning pages from the get go and not being able to put it down. I do recommend reading the other books in this series because I felt like I could have gotten even more depth from the characters that way. I do plan to go back and read the rest of the series. If they are anywhere as good as this book, I will not be disappointed. 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 Bohls2022-09-27 10:13:242022-09-27 12:26:05Defying Ella (True Platinum Series Book 4) by Morgana Bevan – Review by Barbara Bohls
Book 4 in the Forerunner Series continues with the adventures of Finn, Cub, and Kara. The Agneson clan is now scattered across the world. The focus is centered mainly around the adventures of Kara as she escapes to follow her dream of becoming a Viking warrior. She gains her place in the King of Dublinn’s ranks but soon finds that being a warrior is not what she expected it to be. Cub ventures off to Britany to join Rollo’s horde. Cub’s brother, Sorven, is fighting to survive in the Welsh mountains after being outlawed. Thorfinn is safe in a small fishing village but only temporarily because he gets kidnapped by an 8-armed giant.
The Forerunner series got better and better with each book as the stories of our intrepid Viking heroes continued. The attention to detail was superb and it was impossible to not feel as though you were there with the characters in that time period. The author did a fantastic job of creating characters that were lovable and easy to root for through their respective journeys. I loved reading about the Vikings, Norse Gods, and the supernatural. I highly recommend this series!
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 Barnes2022-09-26 12:21:392022-09-27 12:21:23Kara, Shieldmaiden of Eire (Forerunner Series Book 4) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Book Three in the Forerunner Series continues the stories from the first two books in the series. This book does not disappoint as it continues the stories of Finn and his supernatural friends, Kara, and Cub. Finn and his supernatural friends venture off into the dangerous and icy cold waters of the North in a snekke longboat. Kara is trying to escape being forced into an arranged marriage by proving herself as a as a brave shield maiden. Cub is desperately trying to escape slavery so that he can return to his family home. The adventures of our intrepid Viking heroes continue with more supernatural beings, folklore, and curses.
This book is full of action, adventure, challenges, drama, and danger. It does not disappoint and will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The author has done an amazing job of describing the Viking era complete with the myths, folklore, and traditions.
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 Barnes2022-09-26 11:23:002022-09-27 12:20:54On Viking Seas (Forerunner Series Book 3) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Book Two in the Forerunner Series continues the story of young Finn who we were first introduced to in Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse. Finn is not alone in his journey as his father accompanies him as he learns the true meaning of being a Vardoger. Finn’s mother and siblings also play a very critical part in this story. Young Finn is still trying to grasp being half boy and half witch, and the battle he fought with the witch in his earlier story. Finn soon learns there are plenty of surprises he must face in the Nine Realms and finds he is suddenly faced with going up against another mystical being, the Werebear.
Book two not only follows the story of young Finn as it unfolds but introduces us to several other characters and tells us their individual stories. These stories set us up for the third Book in the Forerunner series which I cannot wait to read next!
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 Barnes2022-09-26 10:44:352022-09-27 12:17:41The Vardoger Boy (Forerunner Series Book 2) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Book One in the Forerunner Series is set in Ninth Century England and tells the story of young Finn who is living a regular Danelaw life. He goes about his day doing chores and following his brothers around as they tell grand tales of supernatural beings and ghostly curses. At the time the ghostly tales were being told young Finn never expected to have a real witch’s curse come alive and forever alter his life. After a mishap, he suddenly becomes a Vardoger and becomes haunted by his own forerunner ghost. Finn is a normal boy by day but at night he turns into a ghost that even his own clan members fear. He finds himself caught between the world of Midgard and another realm, known as the Realm Between. Finn finds that he must summon up the courage to defeat his numerous enemies and fight for his own life because of the numerous murder plots against him.
I loved the historical elements of this story and learning about Viking life, legends, food, weddings, and folklore. The author has clearly done a great deal of research which shows in the detail brought to life throughout the book. I enjoyed reading about Finn and seeing how his character grew and developed throughout the story. I especially loved the supernatural element that was crafted so well in the storyline because it added an extra element to the story. Very well written and a must read for anyone who enjoys both history and the supernatural.
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 Barnes2022-09-26 10:32:482022-09-27 12:17:33Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse (Forerunner Series Book 1) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Two people with intense esteem issues. He rescues and she needs rescuing from dirtbags like her husband and her family. The tension, the drama and the story all come together. This author writes a fantastic story that grabs you whether its by book or audio. These two narrators do an incredible job of bringing it all together in a way to make it even more real and original. The power just comes off in droves. I love this audio.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2022-09-25 17:00:302022-09-26 08:35:46Rock Bottom (Satan’s Devils MC Book #7) Audiobook by Manda Mellett – Review by Shelly Kittell
Emma is the first book in the Notebook Mysteries Series. The book is set in 1881 Chicago, and centers around the rebuilding of Chicago after the fire of 1871. Sixteen-year-old Emma spends most days working early mornings at her family’s bakery. She has a thirst for adventure and is determined to explore the City of Chicago beyond the usual areas of her home and her family’s bakery. She decides to approach her Papa with the idea of helping the delivery boys who work for her family bakery with their deliveries on the days she does not work at the bakery.
Although Papa is reluctant, he knows that Emma is a strong and determined girl who can take care of herself. This was something he made certain of after Emma was kidnapped and brutally beaten at the tender age of six years old. From that day forward, Emma was determined to never become a victim again and learned to defend herself. With the help of her Papa, who enlisted the help of several experts through the years, Emma learned self-defense skills such as knife throwing. With those skills, Emma felt prepared to venture out into Chicago and learn more about the city she lived in.
With her little black notebook in hand, Emma sets off on a series of adventures while helping with deliveries through various Chicago neighborhoods. What started out as an adventure and a way to explore different areas of Chicago soon turned into a series of mysteries that needed to be solved. With her keen sense of observation and trusty notebook Emma soon realized there was some odd goings-on within some of the neighborhoods. The more she observed and took note of, the farther she delved into the dark side of the criminal underworld. Before long, the mystery came full circle and brought her back to her own family and the death of her mother during the Chicago Fire of 1871.
I loved this book and thoroughly enjoyed following Emma on her adventures through Chicago. The character of Emma is well written, and the reader cannot help but admire her strength, courage, determination, and zest for life. Emma is a girl who knows what she wants and does not allow anyone to stand in her way. She has a sense of fashion that is well ahead of her time and is not afraid to flaunt her bold style, regardless of what others might think or say about it. She does not allow anyone’s opinions or judgement to change who she is. These are all qualities you cannot help but admire in young Emma. I absolutely loved the author’s writing style in this book. It was unique and interesting to have Dear One pop into the story every so often as the Narrator told Emma’s story. It was a style of writing that added interest to the story and was unlike anything that I have ever read. Bravo to the author for thinking outside the box and adding this unique writing style to the story!
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 Barnes2022-09-23 12:30:472022-09-27 12:12:20Notebook Mysteries ~ Emma (Notebook Mysteries Book 1) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Euphoric Wonderland is an eclectic collection of poetry that delves into the world of mental health, tributes to rock stars, slam poetry, and even superheroes. With a flow much like listening to music this personal memoir was a delight to read. The raw emotions the author felt during the writing of each poem could be felt as I read through each one. Whether the author was feeling an emotional high or at an all-time low, those emotions were expressed so vividly that I felt and experienced them on a deep level.
As someone who has battled through mental health issues I could relate on a deep level and felt a connection with the author. I was brought to tears numerous times as I read through several of the poems. This book will make you laugh, make you cry, and will undoubtedly leave you feeling things while looking at the world through a different point of view. An uplifting and inspiring book that you will want to read more than once!
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 Barnes2022-09-21 12:16:342022-09-23 09:41:40Euphoric Wonderland by Ryan M. Becker – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Sofi is shocked when it is revealed that her parents were once in a biker gang before she was born. It is a side to them that she never saw and that was kept well hidden from her. As dark family secrets are revealed she is shocked to learn what a rival biker gang, The Wolves, did to her family many years ago. Sofi decides it is up to her to seek revenge on The Wolves in the only way she knows how. As a writer her pen is her weapon, and she decides to expose The Wolves for all their crimes and take them down by writing a story about them. Sofi dons a new persona as Dior and infiltrates The Wolves by dating a Wolves Member named Buzz.
Buzz is the temporary V.P. of The Wolves while his dad, Mud, the Prez, is in prison. He does not know any lifestyle other than the biker life because that is how he grew up. Dior’s initiation into The Wolves is rough but she is determined to stay the course and follow through with her revenge. Things get complicated when Dior falls hard for Buzz and sees a side of him that his biker friends do not get to experience. Buzz also finds himself falling for Dior and sees a life and world outside of the biker lifestyle that changes how he sees the lifestyle he lives. Dior finds herself enjoying the sense of camaraderie and the feeling of invincibility that comes with the biker lifestyle and starts to identify as one of The Wolves. Will Dior find herself falling hard into the biker lifestyle and give up everything else she knows to be one of The Wolves so she can be with the man she loves? Or will Buzz give up the only lifestyle he has ever known to be with the woman he loves?
This book was full of action, suspense, romance, love, lust, and bloodshed throughout which made it impossible to put down. I loved the character of Sofi, AKA Dior, and admired the courage it took for her to infiltrate a biker gang to expose the truth. I was impressed with the lengths that she went to prove her worth to the Wolves, while also being simultaneously sickened by the abuse she was subjected to. Buzz initially came across as the typical bad boy: cold, abusive and a real lady’s man. That is the kind of man that most women are not attracted to, but Dior saw through his persona and witnessed another side of him. The chemistry between Dior and Buzz was undeniable and I had to read until I knew what would become of them. Would Sofi/Dior get revenge? What would happen when the truth was revealed? Would love really conquer all? Whose lifestyle would win out? This book is a must 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 Barnes2022-09-20 17:37:332022-09-22 09:22:53Huntress by Karina Kantas – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
This book is the beginning of a series and can be read as a stand alone. The fast pace, page turning action of the story line will have you sitting on the edge of your seat and dying to find out what happens. Levi has the element of fire meaning he can create, control, and cause fire to happen anywhere at any time. Brooke is your general run of the mill normal human girl with no elemental powers or so she thinks. The mystery that also follows the story line sets up for the other books to follow and I can’t wait. Levi is trying to protect Brooke which is forcing them to spend time together and what happens when people are forced to be in each other proximity in a romance book, yep you got it. The steam happens. This book has it all mystery, action, passion, forbidden love, protection, and chaos. I highly recommend this book to anyone who like paranormal and who like a good romance read. It will keep you high entertained and wanting more. I can’t wait for book two. 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 Bohls2022-09-20 06:46:342022-09-21 09:26:18Burn (Elemental Warriors Book 1) by Joanna Morgan – Review by Barbara Bohls
What a sweet romance! Yes, there is a mystery involved in this story that is quite interesting but Rafe and El have their own interesting tale. Second chance love is my favorite. These two have had feelings for each other for a long time but he is her brother’s best friend. The sweetness, tenderness, yet gritty drama makes for an intense, page-turning story. I was engaged from the start and had to keep going until I was done. The characters felt so real. They reminded me of people I have met and come across. Contemporary and fresh writing, along with their sexy, flirty banter, makes this one of my favorites. Well done, author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2022-09-20 05:29:182022-09-21 09:25:36Into the Light (Moon Harbor Series Book 3) by Kate McWilliams – Review by Shelly Kittell
This book is adorable. And who doesn’t love mermaids?! This book is about two friends playing by a lake (Fig and Maia). Maia can see the mermaid Trezzie, but Fig can’t. It can make this a bit strange when playing. Fig and Maia are playing with stones when Maia spots Trezzie swimming towards them. Trezzie places a small stone next to Maia, but when she shows it to Fig she says it’s to small for their tower. Maia thinks there is something about it because it came from Trezzie. When they look closer they can see that there is something on it, but they need a magnifying glass to see it better. Science to the rescue! Fig says she knows how to make one, and lists an item she needs. Fig doesn’t see Trezzie go into the lake and bring back an item, but it shows up next to her feet!! Fig makes a magnifying glass with the container and they can see what is on the rock. Maia says to show Trezzie, but because Fig can’t see her she lets Maia show her. It turns out that there is a fossil on the stone. Something similar to a Rolly-Polly. The bug that curls up with you touch it. The girls ask if there are more so they can each bring one home. Trezzie leaves and is gone a long time. Fig thinks she got lost and decides to head home. What happened to Trezzie? Does she come back? Do they get their fossils? Read the book to find out that and more!! This book was for my seven year old. She LOVES mermaids and this one is so cute! The story keeps her locked in until the end. And it’s fun to test out some of the science from the books! There are more than one book, but they can be read as stand alone with no problems. I love the added science in the book. That’s not something that is really taught at the younger ages so “sneaking” it in now can’t hurt!
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-Colburn2022-09-17 22:50:472022-09-21 08:53:06Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass: a Mermaid Science Story Reviewed by: Jaimie Salmon-Colburn
This is such a cute book! And I just love the idea of an UnBirthday surprise! Every year Caspin and his Grandpa share a special tradition of a surprise box under his bed for his birthday. This year there was 2!!!! What could that second one be? What could it mean!? He opens up the presents and of course is shocked at what he got. He doesn’t understand why those gifts, but he remembers from previous birthdays (other books in series) that sometimes the gifts are far from what he expects. He brings his gifts downstairs and on the way learns about the first one. After his grandpa explains the bigger gift his mother gives him a hint about the smaller one and rushes off. He smells something out in the hall that brings him to another surprise of the day. What will he do with his new surprises? And what adventures await down the hall? Read this cute children’s book to find out! My 7 year old liked this book. It wasn’t super long and it was a fun plot, so it kept her interest until the end. The illustrations are cute and younger kids can follow the story plot with the pictures easily. I would defiantly recommend this book to kids ages 4-8. Younger kids being read to and the older kids reading out loud. I would also recommend getting the other in the set, but you can read it alone.
I can not wait to read books 2 and 3!!! I LOVED this book! I love most supernatural books, but I love seeing the character’s at a young point and then watching them grow. In this book we are talking about academy age. So your reading about young witches and different skills they can have or already do. Just like everything you have to learn the skills you are meant to have and then develop them. Makalya is entering her first year of the paranormal academy system, but first she must pick where to go! She gets three choices and if none of those accept her, she goes to the back up academy that no one EVER picks themselves! When she gets no word on the first day of school she has to find her own way with a slip from the library. Talk about a crazy adventuress first day! She’s thrown into a sink or swim maze to find where she needs to be. Unfortunately all three of her picks didn’t accept her and when she finds her path it is right to Grave Digger Academy!! All of her other six siblings went to great top schools. What is she to do, being the first of the family to be put into the worst of the worst!?? She hears of a way out of the school and being transferred to another school, but there is no way she will ever earn the top of the top marks in a curriculum that she’s not even interested in learning! She has more than one scolding about her interests, but looking for answers about illegal witchcraft and her being the seventh born are at the top of her priorities right now. As school progresses she’s half learning about grave diggers and what they do, but it’s not until she is thrown into a bet with another student that she wishes she paid more attention! Something is off at the Gave Digger Academy and she’s only just beginning to learn some of it. Will she make it through the year? Does she even want to, when she has to face her family once she returns home?! With the crazy start to the year, how will the year end? They is certainly a lot to learn about the corpses and how temperamental they can be! Will she survive the dangers of the school or will the headmaster expel her before she can get any real answers. Why does she have more questions than answers?! Mystery, danger, adventures, and lots of witches! Read this young adult paranormal fantasy to learn more! I’m off to get book 2!!
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-Colburn2022-09-17 17:39:372022-09-21 08:48:31Grave Digger Academy (Grave Digger Academy Book 1) by C.A. King – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn
Oh goodness, this being the final book in the series is bittersweet and good. I have read this series from the start. It has been one of my favorites. I have come to love following the adventures of Cam and Freya during this time. As their journey is slowing in this book, I find the drama and adventure still just as exciting and gripping as it was in the first book. The author has tied up all the loose-ends every well. Everything is being wrapped up so you almost feel like you are sending off a friend. This series has really shown how these kids worked together to get through hard times, especially during the pandemic, which basically wiped out the world. The series should us a lot lot courage, bravery, and strong men and women. I would definitely recommend reading these books in order.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2022-09-17 14:41:062022-09-21 08:46:50Sessrúmnir (Antipodes Series Book 5) by T.S. Simons – Review by Shelly Kittell
Felines and Fatalities is Book 2 in the Kitty Beret Café Mystery series. When Ellie, owner of the Kitty Beret Café, agrees to put on a cat show for rescued cats she was not expecting anything more than an adventure involving cats in cute clothes. Things suddenly take a turn when Ellie stumbles onto the corpse of one of the cat show judges in a storeroom on the first day of the cat show. Now Ellie, along with her detective friend, Simon, are involved in a murder mystery that they set out to solve. Of course, no mystery can go unsolved without the aid of Ellie’s beloved rescue cat, Templeton, who is clever enough to help dig up clues of his own. When Templeton starts bringing mysterious items to Ellie, she is baffled by what they mean and who at the cat show these items belong to.
When the news spreads at the cat show about the death of one of the judges some of the reactions from the contestants are not quite what Ellie expected. Some of the contestants are happy about the judge’s death, which of course bumps them up to the top of the suspect list. Is it the sisters who constantly bicker? Is that the secret that one of them is hiding? Is it the begruntled cat mom who terrorizes everyone in her wake? Ellie, Simon, and Templeton are determined to uncover the identity of the murderer in their midst. As they start to uncover clues about each of the cat show contestants, they are stunned by what they discover.
I loved this book and really enjoyed how the author made one of the rescued cats an integral part of the story as he helped to dig up clues of his own. It seemed that Templeton was clever and had a keen sense of who the murderer was before anyone else did. Ellie was sweet and caring but also had her own sleuthing skills that came into action when needed. I loved the subtle love story that started to unfold throughout the book between Ellie and Detective Simon. Templeton played a large part in trying to bring Ellie and Simon together as he played matchmaker between the two of them. Ellie, Simon, and Templeton made a great team as they worked together to solve the murder mystery. A cute and enjoyable 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 Barnes2022-09-17 10:18:332022-09-17 14:10:46Felines and Fatalities (A Kitty Beret Cafe Mystery Book 2) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
I absolutely loved this book. It doesnt take away from the other installments of the series. If you need action, and everything that goes along with it. And also probably a good cry. seriously go read this RIGHT NOW!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Torimittonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTorimitton2022-09-16 10:28:512022-09-17 13:38:30Kara, Shieldmaiden of Eire (Forerunner Series Book 4) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Tori Mitton
Julia and her beau Nick take a trip to Venice. The city of romance, art, wine. All the things. Julia is there for the art, Nick seems to be more into the drinking aspect of their trip until they go look at paintings. Nick starts hearing a voice, Julia thinks he needs to be checked for a head injury. Or does he? This book just kept going and it was such a great read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Torimittonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTorimitton2022-09-16 10:22:162022-09-17 13:36:52The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls Book 1) by Rob Samborn – Review by Tori Mitton
I have yet to read the previous books of this series, but I feel like I absolutely must. This book will have you feel every emotion you have on every.single.page. I read this while going through some things and let me just tell you this friendship has gone through it, and some how they all seem so much stronger. THANK YOU seriously. Now go get all the books and go read this RIGHT NOW
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Torimittonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTorimitton2022-09-16 10:15:042022-09-17 13:29:54True Colors (The Colors Trilogy Book 3) by K.R. Raye – Review by Tori Mitton
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
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
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
A short, but detailed story that tells the horrors of dating after a zombie apocalypse. Our protagonist is searching for love in a world that is full of the lifeless, cold, and undead. Although the undead try their very best to cover up their imperfections through their clothing and by covering them up with makeup she sees right through them. Pushing her fears and paranoia aside, she goes on date after date in the hopes that Mr. Right is out there somewhere but that she just has yet to find him. The only real bright spot in her dreary world is the cat in the window across the street that she has formed a bond with.
The author does a great job of world building and drawing the reader into the story from the first page. She so accurately describes the very real horrors of dating while using zombies as a metaphor. Time and time again throughout this short story I found myself relating to the protagonist as I recall back to my own dating experience. How many times did I go on a date with a lifeless “zombie” who tried so hard to hide his imperfections behind his sweet talk and the clothes he wore? This short story was interesting, unique, creepy, and fun to read. Another great and unique story by this 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 Barnes2022-09-12 11:57:152022-09-15 07:54:36Hungry Business: A Gothic Story about the Horrors of Dating by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
This book is a high 4 star read. The only reason it isn’t a 5 star read is because it took me a bit to warm up to Beckett. He is your typical nasty, rich kid that is just super mean. I feel that if it didn’t take as long as it did to warm up to him then I would have enjoyed the book more than I did. However, that being said, this could be the exact feelings the author is trying to portray. I loved Greer from the get go. She knows that Beckett literally sucks in the personality department but is still attracted to him. It made for almost a bully romance book but it wasn’t quite there. Which is another reason for the high 4 star rating. I feel like it was so close to being a bully romance that it should have a little more angst and then it would be set. I will say that it was an amazing read and I would highly recommend this to anyone who likes the sports romance, enemies to lovers, edging on the verge of bully romance genres. I was not disappointed with the story line, just the growth of Beckett but that is just my opinion.
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 Bohls2022-09-12 08:30:032022-09-15 07:54:07Battling Beckett by T. Christensen – Review by Barbara Bohls
Azreya is the tale of a young girl who was born marked by a demon. Fearing for her future, her parents take her to a shaman seeking guidance, he tells them to bring her back to him after her third birthday so that he can teach her to tame the beast within. Azreya then grows and helps him gain status within their community through her work as a seer, though he tales all the credit. When there is talk of the Spainish coming and impending war, Azreya sees two paths, one is her peoples salvation and the other leads them to their doom. Will they listen to the word of a young girl or will they all perish? This is the type of book you can finish in one sitting but it sits with you for longer. The mythology and mysticism in this was wonderfully written. Great for middle grade/YA readers!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Brittanyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBrittany2022-09-10 13:03:282022-09-15 07:47:55Azreya, Aztec Priestess: An Illustrated Mythology Legend by Tricia Copeland, Illustrated by Matt Maes – Review by Brittany Angel
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I Loved You Yesterday: Book One in the Trading Heartbeats Trilogy by Julie Navickas
