Our Unexpected Hope by Michelle Sullivan is a wonderful contemporary romance that’s packed full of emotion, which is definitely something I have come to expect when reading one of Ms. Sullivan’s novels- my emotions will always get an absolute battering, and of course this story was no exception. I loved ‘Our Next Chapter’, so I was excited to read this book to see how the characters, and storyline, evolve. Although this can be read as a standalone, it does kind of follow-on from our next chapter- so it would be advisable to read that book first, then embark on this read. Quinn is the daughter of Karalyn and Dez, from ‘Our Next Chapter’- and I was so happy to finally get to know her, especially since her ‘being’ played such a pivotal part in the last book- so to see her relationship with her parents now(especially Dez, and if you read ‘Our Next Chapter you’ll know why this was so special for me), and then following her and Noah through all the highs and some lows, of their story, really was quite moving for me! Quinn and Noah really are perfect for each other. I joined their cheer squad fairly early on in the story and was cheering them on the whole way. That’s not to say that this was a simple and straightforward journey for them- but I laughed, cried, and felt everything right alongside them. There were heart-aching details, tender, touching, spicy, and romantic moments- that all added up to make this book every bit as good as “Our Next Chapter”! Another memorable story from Ms. Sullivan.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2018-10-20 12:13:312018-10-20 13:39:33Our Unexpected Hope by Michelle Sullivan – Review by Angela Hayes
“What do you know about the Silk Road?” “Are you referring to the old Silk Road trading routes? If you are, the Silk Road was an ancient network of trade routes connecting the East and West which for centuries was central to the cultural interaction between them. The Silk Road also refers to both the terrestrial and the maritime routes connecting Asia with the Middle East and southern Europe. Today, of course, it’s the new China Railway Corp route to England. It will cut ground shipping to half the time of the maritime routes. The cost of shipping goods into Europe will fall considerably making Chinese exports/imports even more viable to its trading partners in Russia and Europe.” “Hmmm.” “Why do you ask?” “I heard Ivanov’s men talking about the Silk Road. I’m not sure of the significance, but it’s too much of a coincidence to ignore. Let me search around and see what I come up with.”
Silk Road is the sixth book in the Code Raven series by Lynda Filler. As we have discovered in the previous book/s, this series centres around the Raven Group, which is a top-secret, special ops team who help to keep the world a safer place- and the series chronicles the action-packed missions they embark on. This latest mission may just be the most challenging one yet. The story starts with Luke whisking Samaar(Luci) away to the Maldives for a much-needed break and Zach headed to Washington Dc after a call from his friend Mike, a former Navy SEAL buddy, who needs his help. Himanish is in Geneva doing what he does best, keeping tabs on everything, and starts to put some worrying pieces together. Children are going missing from all around the world, mostly from remote areas, leaving their families devastated. So, when these abductions hit closer to home for members of the team- Luke Raven will do everything in his power to get to the bottom of it all and return the children to their families. This truly is an international mission, taking the team from Canada to Paris, The Maldives, Geneva, Washington DC, China, Tel Aviv, London, and even to Kyrgyzstan in central Asia as they try to uncover who’s been behind a wave of human kidnapping. The team pulls together, digging deep, using all their skills, contacts and networks to follow the trail- as the case becomes more complicated than they ever imagined. We catch up with characters we know and love, as well as meeting some new ones. I love that each book in this series allows me to get to know the (recurring) characters a little bit better each time. I love watching the relationship between Luke and Samaar/Luci (and adorable Alice) develop more in this book. The little bit of romance and some touching and tender moments helped to lighten the darker topics covered in the storyline. This is definitely one of my favourites of the series, so far. The story was an action-packed adventure, with dramatic developments, danger, abduction, intrigue, suspense, human trafficking, drug cartels, life and death situations, high stakes risk, covert ops, high-tech gadgets, social and political issues, camaraderie, friendship, bonds, romance, depravity, heart-aching situations, and so much more I am really enjoying this series, which just seems to get better and better with each new instalment! I am really looking forward to my next adventure with the Raven Group!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2018-10-19 22:41:472018-10-19 23:51:14Silk Road (Code Raven Series Book #6) by Lynda Filler – Review by Angela Hayes
Redemption is the fifth book in the brilliant Ash Park Series by Meghan O’Flynn. This series just goes from strength to strength, each book delivering an intense, gripping, and polished read. As I have said numerous times now, I am so impressed with Ms. O’Flynn’s ability to spin an incredibly clever thriller- her books just get better and better as the series evolves. The amount of tension, suspense, shocks, and brilliant twists, surprises, and puzzling situations that she infuses into each story really makes me sit up and take notice- always unpredictable right up till the end- delivering heart pounding, stomach clenching, and mind-blowing reading. I read the instalments in fairly quick succession because I didn’t want to forget any of the details- so as each story unfolded, I was held in its grip, anxiously holding my breath, glued to the pages and clamouring to find out what happens….. and I’ve loved every single breathtaking moment. I suppose that this could be read as a standalone if you really wanted to- but, I strongly recommend reading the entire series (or at the very least books #1 and #4) before starting this one and I will explain- this story takes place 6 months after the events of the previous book and there were pertinent, tragic developments that set the tone and mood of this book and impacts on one of the major characters mindset, in a huge way. The author also takes us full circle, taking us back to where this journey began by revisiting events and storyline from book #1- so I feel that having all that information is also important because it gives you a greater perspective of events, motivations, and insight into the recurring cast of characters, backstory, and other pertinent information. All of which will enhance your overall reading experience of this book (and series as a whole)! Detective Edward Petrosky is a broken man. He was already heavily burdened by tragedy and pain from a traumatizing incident 10 years earlier, where his young daughter was brutally raped and murdered. Then the devastating events in the last book (#4) only compounded his feelings and self-loathing, as well as destroying the last remnants of his shattered soul- intensifying his guilt and self-recrimination. He’s in a major funk, down so deep he can’t see any light, feeling like he’s failed all the people he loved. But Ms. O’Flynn will push him to the limits, maybe even going so far as pushing him over the edge. He is thrown into a complex and multi-faceted investigation where the ghosts of the past come back into play. He’s thrust into the most intense situation to date! I can’t say too much more without giving away spoilers but suffice to say I gnawed off all my fingernails as I accompanied him through this shocking, thrilling and complicated story. I really, really, really, really hope that this isn’t the last we’ll see of the Ash Park Series (hint, hint, Ms. O’Flynn ?) Incredible!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2018-10-18 01:29:132018-10-18 14:20:51Redemption: An Ash Park Novel: Volume 5 by Meghan O’Flynn – Review by Angela Hayes
Love, Christmas: Movies You Love is a superb anthology made up of 26 wonderful stories from 26 very accomplished authors. This is a fabulous collection of Holiday Romances, all with a common theme which is “favourite Christmas movies”- and each author has chosen one of their favourite Christmas movies as inspiration for their story. The movies range from “The Holiday”, “It’s A Wonderful Life”, “A Christmas Carol”, The Polar Express”, “Miracle on 34th Street”, How The Grinch Stole Christmas”, and “A Charlie Brown Christmas”- just to name a few. Every story is unique to the author and different from its companions- all having their own tone, feel and flavour- but yet managing to complement one another by the use of the same inspiration. The stories range from contemporary romance, to regency romance, second chances… and more. We meet a variety of wonderful characters who bring their story to life, characters such as; Doctor, Princess, Single Mother, Navy Seal, author, children, furry friends, magical beings, Angel, broken characters, and many more . This book collection took me on a journey that had a little bit of everything, from mystery, suspense, romance, humour, drama, emotions, deception, twists, surprises, heart, soul, snow, mistletoe, family, friends, memories, miracles, a touch of danger in places, new beginnings, painful pasts, sparks, sizzle, and many endearing characters. I was excited to see several of my favourite authors had contributed to the collection- Mimi Barbour, Stephanie Queen, Tamara Ferguson, Melinda De Ross, and Natalie Ann and as expected they didn’t let me down, captivating me from beginning to end with their stories. Other authors who I am familiar with from reading some of their works in other Anthologies, but as yet haven’t had a chance to fully explore their books- but this has pushed me to make sure that I do so very soon. Then there are quite a few new-to-me authors who I will now be adding to my TBR to enjoy over he coming months. So, be prepared to be swept away into all the various storylines and situations as each story unfolds. There are many hours of stimulating, heart-warming, and enticing reading to be had. So, strap yourself in and get ready for take-off.
The collection contains:
A Wonderful Life By: Mimi Barbour
A Royal White Christmas By: Leanne Banks
Brianna’s Season For Miracles By: Joan Reeves
Jingle With My Princess By: Mona Risk
Can She Get Home For Christmas By: Rebecca York
Mistletoe Inn By: Jacquie Biggar
A Miracle On Christmas Tree Street By: Alicia Street
The Holiday (Christmas) By: Nancy Radke
Love Letters From A Snowman Katy Walters
Holiday Affair By: Stephanie Queen
Almost Christmas in Connecticut By: Aileen Fish
A Christmas Creek Carol By: Rachelle Ayala
The Polar XPress By: Dani Haviland
Love Actually (By The Sea) By: Traci E. Hall
The Ref-er-ee By: Taylor Lee
Her Mr. Miracle By: Donna Fasano
A Christmas to Remember By: Cynthia Cooke
A Joyous Holiday Inn By: Susan Jean Ricci
Two Hearts Home for Christmas By: Tamara Ferguson
Christmas With the Clouds By: Suzanne Jenkins
How Gavin Stole Christmas By: Natalie Ann
A Sharla Brown Christmas By: Ev Bishop
In the Spirit of Christmas By: Alyssa Bailey
Finding Love on Christmas Vacation By: Stacy Eaton
A Christmas Getaway By: Jen Talty
Boyfriend Wanted for Christmas By: Melinda De Ross
This book is a perfect way to spend some of the holidays, curled up beside a fire place, or relaxing by the pool- there is something here to please everyone.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2018-10-17 12:50:402018-10-17 16:24:32Love, Christmas: Movies You Love (The Holiday Series Book #2) Anthology by Mimi Barbour, Leanne Banks, Joan Reeves, Mona Risk, Rebecca York, Jacquie Biggar, Alicia Street, Nancy Radke, Katy Walters, Stephanie Queen, Aileen Fish, Rachelle Ayala, Dani Haviland, Traci E. Hall, Taylor Lee, Donna Fasano, Cynthia Cooke, Susan Jean Ricci, Tamara Ferguson, Suzanne Jenkins, Natalie Ann, Ev Bishop, Alyssa Bailey, Stacy Eaton, Jen Talty, Melinda De Ross – Review by Angela Hayes
The Plot by Melinda De Ross is an intriguing and suspenseful story that took me on an action-packed ride and had me anxiously flipping pages to discover what would happen next. Ms. De Ross is a new to me author, so I wasn’t sure what to expect going into the story. But I was pleasantly surprised by what I found when I dove in. This story was quite absorbing and pulled me in quite quickly. I didn’t expect to become quite so invested in the story or the characters- but I did. I Really felt for Yoko (and her friend) and what they’d been through. I was rooting for her right from the beginning. Then add Mark into the mix and I was hooked. The story has drama, some mystery, suspense, danger, intrigue, Chinese Triads, human trafficking/sex slavery, abuse, survival, revenge, secrets, romance, trust, and hope. What Yoko Hirano had suffered through for 4 years, no person should ever have to endure. Taken from her home in Japan, she finds herself in New York, where she’s forced into prostitution at the hands of a vile human being. This has left Yoko suspicious, cynical, wary and ashamed. She may not be in the clutches of the Triad anymore, but her experiences haunt her every single day. She has worked hard to put herself through college, to earn a degree and build a better future for herself. But, her driving force is her need for vengeance- and the plans she has to bring the Triad to its knees. But in the meantime, she needs a job to get by, until she has her qualifications. This leads her to a high-end antiques and collectables store, working for the ruggedly handsome owner. He stirs feelings in her that she’s never experienced before. But she doesn’t believe in love, romance or ‘happily-ever-afters’. And he wouldn’t want her anyway, especially if he knew about her past. Mark Chandler might own the antique store, but there is much more to him than meets the eye. He has some surprising secrets of his own. He is drawn to Yoko from the moment he lays eyes on her and can’t help but wonder what caused the sadness he sees in her eyes. He’s determined to find out and help her if he can. What happens when he discovers the tragic details of her past? Will it put an end to their budding relationship? Will Yoko discover what Mark has been hiding? Will She manage to follow through with her plans and take down an entire criminal organisation? This book was more than I hoped for and much better than I had expected. Well worth the read! I will definitely be exploring more of Ms. De Ross’s work in the future.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2018-10-16 23:01:192018-10-17 00:28:48The Plot by Melinda De Ross- Review by Angela Hayes
The Alterations Trilogy is a thought provoking and interesting read by Jane Suen. I would categorize it a science fiction story that is a little mysterious and suspenseful. It is a very quick, easy read.
The trilogy consists of: -Alterations (Book #1) -Game Changer (Book #2) -Primal Will (Book #3)
An overview of the series: We meet Ellen, Gigi and Lilly who are all desperate to change aspects of themselves, in the hope of finding happiness. This is where Dr. Kite offers a procedure that he assures them will change their life. The procedure involves having an implant imbedded into them; the implant then controls their mind and alters them from the inside out. Will Ellen lose the weight she’s so desperate to rid herself of, find the self-respect she’s after and get a little romance in the process? Will Gigi find the true love she been yearning for? And can Lilly finally cast aside all the bitterness she harbours from her nasty divorce? An implant sound like such a simple way of fixing a multitude of problems. Could it really be that easy? Is there a catch? As we progress through the story and follow the women and Dr. Kite through their experiences we discover that there is a little more to the story than first meets the eye. With unforeseen issues, a couple of faulty chips, plots, and hidden agendas this trilogy kept me avidly reading to discover all the suspenseful and dramatic details. This was an interesting concept and gave me a lot to think about. The plot is quite complex and even with each book being a very quick and easy read, the story never lost momentum, but I would have liked a little more depth and character details/backstory- especially in the first book. But as the series progressed and the story evolved, I did enjoy it much more. I look forward to seeing what Ms. Suen does next.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2018-10-15 01:27:452018-10-15 07:54:36Alterations Trilogy (Alterations, Game Changer, Primal Will) by Jane Suen – Review by Angela Hayes
Who is the first book in the Stalker Series by Megan Mitcham. As the first book in a new series, this story has really set the bar quite high for the rest of the books, setting the whole series off to a fantastic start. This story is a steamy psychological thriller that twists and turns and kept me guessing right through till the end. The intrigue, suspense, danger, tension and dramatic effects were really well developed, then tended and stoked to an intense level and skillfully drawn out by Ms. Mitcham. She definitely had me devouring the pages to try to figure out what was happening, what would happen next, and who the stalker was. Larkin Ashford has built her fashion empire from the ground up. She’s competent, creative, smart, and a shrewd business woman. She doesn’t believe in love or long-term relationships, as her past has left her quite jaded when it comes to romance and the ways of the world. Her mother died when she was young, and she has a strained relationship with her emotionally distant father. She spends almost all her time building her business and making it the success that it is. She does have a few really close friends that are uplifting, loyal and supportive. Things get quite interesting when the Board of Directors of her company strongly suggest that she needs to have a man beside her for her to be taken seriously, and even go so far as to advise that she needs to get married before she takes her company public. She resents this as she’s always been fiercely independent and feels that doesn’t need any man, either personally or professionally. But the Board are placing an enormous amount of pressure on her to conform to their wishes, so Larkin has no choice but to give the matter some serious consideration. As all of this is transpiring, strange things begin to happen, starting with grim floral arrangements that are accompanied by horrible messages. Then one night she’s alone on her rooftop, taking some personal time, when a mysterious stranger grabs her and pulls her away from the ledge. She’s terrified and takes off running as soon as he releases her. But she can’t stop thinking about him and soon realises that he grabbed her away from the edge because he mistakenly thought she was going to jump. But, if he doesn’t have a sinister intent, who is he and what was he doing on her private rooftop? It soon becomes apparent that she has a stalker- who is it and why are they stalking her? The danger soon escalates, taking a perilous turn. Will Larkin figure everything out before it’s too late? Who is the mysterious stranger and what does he really want? These two have electrifying chemistry right from the beginning, but what is his intent towards her, and is there more to their feelings than overwhelming lust, or will everything result in some painful memories, or worse? This book has a really captivating and beautiful cover, I spent quite a while just looking at it before finally opening the book. It is quite striking and made me want to find out more about the story. The first chapter was a little slow and I did worry for a little bit that the story wouldn’t live up to the promise of the blurb (and cover). But it soon became apparent that I had nothing to worry about, as the pace picked up and the story took off. I really couldn’t put the story down, I was determined to find some sort of clue and figure the whole thing out before everything was revealed. I had so many scenarios running through my mind, and even though I came close to guessing a few of the twists, I never really could have predicted the outcome. It was a deviously clever puzzle that I enjoyed unravelling, keeping me reading well past my bedtime just so I could wrap everything up. The epilogue in this book sets up the next book and it looks set to be awesome!! So now I really can’t wait to read Book #2 in the series, “WHY”- Genevieve’s story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2018-10-14 14:06:312018-10-14 14:33:02Who (Stalker Series Book #1) by Megan Mitcham – Review by Angela Hayes
Embrace the Passion is the third book in the Pets in Space Series. This fantastic book is an anthology of eleven enthralling romantic science fiction stories. Eleven talented authors each weave their own story, but all having the same theme of romance and sci-fi. All the stories are individual, with their own unique take on the theme, all creating their own identity, mood and tone. The stories and authors are:
– Heart of the Cat By: S.E Smith – Desert Hunter By: Anna Hackett – Quashi By: Ruby Lionsdrake – Star Cruise By: Veronica Scott – Operation Ark By: Pauline Baird Jones – Cats of War By: Carol Van Natta – Hunter of the Tide By: Tiffany Roberts – Stairway By: Alexis Glynn Latner – The Cats of Bajo Anteros XII By: E.D Walker – Out of the Shadows By: J.C Hay – After the Fall By: Kyndra Hatch
The book pulled me in right from the beginning and kept me entertained and turning the pages to discover what new world, situation, couple, or interesting ‘pet’ I would discover next. There were so many varied ‘pets’ in this anthology- I am in awe of the authors talents and the way they brought their stories to life. All the ‘worlds’, stories, characters, scenarios and creatures were totally realistic and believable, as each author brought their ‘world’/story to life. As each story progressed, I was drawn even further into the book and it was quite easy to lose myself in the book for a while, in a good way. I love that this anthology supports HeroDogs.org- who help place specially trained dogs with veterans. So, by purchasing this anthology not only are you getting a fantastic read, but also supporting a very worthy charity in the process! Some of these authors I am familiar with, and have contributed to previous instalments, but a lot of these authors were new to me which is always exciting to find new works/writers to add to my author list and TBR. If you enjoy really well written romantic science fiction, with wonderful worlds and entertaining characters- then this is definitely the book for you!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2018-10-13 22:23:362018-10-14 06:57:11Embrace the Passion: Pets in Space Anthology – Review by Angela Hayes
Painting Kuwait Violet is an intriguing women’s fiction story by Pamela Q. Fernandes. This is my first read by Ms. Fernandes so I was curious to see where the story would lead. Violet Baretto is a young, ambitious, intelligent and well-educated woman who takes a position as a maid in Kuwait, working for a wealthy woman, Sabah Dashti, to help her family pay their debts. But things are not quite that simple, and what ensues was an eye-opening look into the Patriarchal society, and a glimpse at the cultural and class divides, the social issues, racism, and more. This is a story that has some mystery, suspense, danger, and drama- as we discover when a woman-hating killer is thrown into the mix. This book felt like two stories rolled into one- the story of Violet and Sabah’s developing friendship and their quest for success, and the mystery that unravels disappearances, abuse, cover-ups, murder, and injustice. Although this book has an interesting premise and is well written, I would have loved more depth to the storyline. Over-all, it’s a good read.
Deadly Alliance is an exciting Fortis/Purgatory crossover novel by Maddie Wade and India Kells. When I heard that two of my favourite authors had got together and written a crossover novel, there was no questions asked, it was a no-brainer, I just had to read it!! I love the Fortis series by Maddie Wade, as well as the Purgatory series by India Kells- so the thought of combining the two was incredibly exciting for me. I must admit that I had a lot of expectation for this book and I am happy to say that the authors didn’t let me down- although I don’t exactly know what I had been expecting, because I went in blind, but they delivered much more than I had hoped for. From the gorgeous cover, to the incredible writing, to the action-packed and gripping storyline, and the fantastic characters- this book has it all!!! This is a romantic suspense- with action, adventure, emotion, danger, thrills, intrigue, mystery, undercover ops, drama, intense chemistry, tension, serial killer, teamwork, spice, and romance. The authors managed to hold the tension and suspense at an elevated level throughout the book- which kept me guessing and had me flipping pages to find out what happens. The brilliant twists and surprises also elevated the thrill level up several more notches. Shane Rhodes and Emme Wallace are highly skilled agents from the two different teams, who find themselves undercover and posing as a married couple in the hopes of flushing out a serial killer, whose body count is mounting. As one of the victims is Shane’s best friends’ little sister, the investigation has a personal aspect that drives Shane- and he’s determined to hunt down the killer. But the mission is a bit more complex than just solving a murder, testing them, and resulting in some electrically charged moments, intense action, and heart-racing suspense- that makes this story soar!! The authors styles compliment one another, as I couldn’t tell which parts were written by whom. The story was polished and really well blended, and the whole thing felt like it had all come from one mind- which is testament to these authors writing skills and compatibility. I am hoping that these two will team up for more crossovers/stories in the future, because this book works on so many levels and I love how the two worlds combined! But in the meantime, I will continue to devour everything that they produce, either individually- or together!! Brilliant!!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2018-10-10 07:17:412018-10-10 09:28:59Deadly Alliance (A Fortis/Purgatory Crossover Novel) by Maddie Wade & India Kells – Review by Angela Hayes
Our Next Chapter by Michelle Sullivan is a beautiful second chances romance that’s packed full of emotion. Ms. Sullivan weave’s a tale that encompasses heartbreak, betrayal, pain, anger, regrets, confronting the past, confusion, drama, trust, hope, passion, friendship, and love. I always know when reading one of Ms. Sullivan’s novels that my emotions are going to get a battering, and this story was no exception. Karalyn James and Desmond Madden (Dez) were inseparable as children, there isn’t a childhood memory that doesn’t contain the other. They would often talk about their future, dreaming and planning their lives together- with the expectation that they would eventually marry, have babies and grow old together. Their bond of friendship developed and grew over the years and eventually turned romantic, then blossomed into much more on the night of Karalyn’s Graduation. This was a pivotal moment for them- their love had been sealed for eternity- or so they thought at the time. Because of situations out of either of their control, Karalyn moves to San Francisco, which breaks both their hearts. The plan was always that Dez would join her there as soon as possible, but fate had other plans. His betrayal cuts deeply, shattering her heart into a million pieces and leaving her alone at a time when she needed him the most. Karalyn moves on with her life as best she can, but a large part of her is stuck in the past, still grieving the shock and loss. Seventeen years is a long time to be in denial, and a long time to spend avoiding your home town. But, here she is after all these years finally back in the town that holds all her painful memories. She didn’t think she’d ever return but eventually relented for her brother who’s throwing a party. She also thinks it might be a good time to also put the ghosts of her past to rest. But what she doesn’t expect is to have all those old feelings come rushing back the moment she arrives back in town. Having to confront her past again after all this time will test her on many levels. But ultimately, she discovers that she never really moved on at all and her heart had always belonged to Dez. What happens when they come face to face after so long? And what happens when their truths are laid bare? With deceit, betrayal and manipulation in the mix- will the real truth finally come out? Will these revelations unite them once again, or destroy any shred of love they had left? These characters were amazing- so realistic, relatable and believable. I was rooting for them fairly early on in the story. This story took me on quite the emotional journey, which is something Ms. Sullivan excels at. I felt their pain and heartbreak and couldn’t believe what they’d been through- especially when everything that happened when they broke up is fully revealed- I was shocked and hurt for them. There were definitely a couple of characters that I wanted to hit after finding out what happened!!! Another wonderful story from Ms. Sullivan. I am looking forward to reading Quinn’s story next in “Our Unexpected Hope”.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2018-10-09 21:15:252018-10-10 07:39:34Our Next Chapter by Michelle Sullivan – Review by Angela Hayes
Give and Take is the second book in the Thorne Brothers Series by Lee Kilraine. I have loved Ms. Kilraine’s Cates Brothers series, so when I saw this pop up in my feed I knew I had to read it too. Even though this is the second book in the series, it can be read as a standalone without missing part of the storyline. Although it has definitely quirked my curiosity about the other characters, so I will absolutely be going back to get books #1 and #3 too, so I can catch up with this series. I really enjoyed this sexy, well written and erotic, contemporary romance. It had a really great pace and was so quick and easy to read. I zipped through it in an afternoon. I have found that Ms. Kilraine has a talent for writing complex, quirky and endearing characters. She is a great storyteller who easily pulls her reader into the story.
Wyatt Thorne is the strong silent type, which is understandable considering his traumatic childhood and the fact that he didn’t speak for the first six years of his life. But he has his brothers, and together they have formed Six Brothers Construction. Wyatt puts his architectural skills to good use in the brother’s venture. He’s organised, and a bit of a control freak- so when his brother offers some of their office space to a struggling business he’s got no choice but to come to terms with the perky, free-spirited and quirky woman who comes with the arrangement- and she is set to drive him crazy- but will it be in bad, or good way?
Rhia Hollis has a lot to prove, not just to herself, but to her overachieving family. She has a reputation as a party girl, so she’s determined to make a success of her Event Planning Business. The new office space is just the boost she needs. But working in an environment with Wyatt will test perky attitude, because he seems to be quite resistant to her being there. These two are complete opposites, but we all know what they say about opposites attracting. What ensues makes for some great reading! The ending was great, and Ms. Kilraine wrapped everything up brilliantly. I am looking forward to reading the other books in this series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2018-10-08 23:03:122018-10-08 23:46:57Give and Take (The Thorne Brothers Series Book #2) by Lee Kilraine – Review by Angela Hayes
“This woman will argue with the grim reaper when the time comes, I have no doubt.”
The Boss Man is the fourth book in the Manly series by Teddy Hester. I have to be honest here and say that although this book was a little slow to get going, I really did love what came once the pace picked up. So, I felt that it still deserved a 5 star rating, despite the fact that it didn’t immediately grab me. The author has woven a wonderful storyline with interesting and loveable characters, intrigue, some drama, mystery, suspense, spice, humour, and romance. Jack DePaul is the construction world’s latest boy wonder. At 27, he’s building a highly successful business with his innovative ideas. This latest project brings him to Texas, where his skills will be put to the test in every way possible. There is a lot riding on the outcome of this job- and it has the power to make or break him. He has a critical deadline to meet, so the last thing he needs are any distractions. But, distraction is what he gets, in the form of a beautiful, headstrong Texan who’s about to give him a run for his money. Will she end up costing him the project, as well as his heart? Jillian Vickers has a business degree, manages her family’s organic citrus farm, as well as running a popular blog. Her latest article is an in-depth look at the new green energy project that is in the pipeline. She’s determined to get as much information as she can to put into the blogpost. But interviewing the new trouble-shooter goes a bit awry and she ends up agreeing to work for him in exchange for the opportunity to interview his team members. She’s attracted to him from the beginning, but he’s only there for the short term, so anything that starts will have a use-by-date. Can she put her heart on the line for a short fling? What happens when things go missing from the site and sabotage seems to be the order of the day? With so much at risk, what will the future hold? This was such a fun read. The banter, quips and antics had me smiling and laughing out loud. He story is told from a duel perspective, so we really get a great feel for both the lead characters. The chemistry between these two was fantastic, there are some sexy, sizzling moments that singed my kindle. I would definitely recommend this book to all lovers of romance!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2018-10-08 22:52:072018-10-08 23:45:54The Boss Man (The Manly Series Book #4) by Teddy Hester – Review by Angela Hayes
Hidden is the fourth book in the gripping Ash Park Series by Meghan O’Flynn. This story has just taken this series to a whole new level of intensity. I am so impressed with Ms. O’Flynn’s ability to spin an intense thriller- her stories just get better and better as the series evolves. The amount of tension, suspense, and clever twists that she is able to instill into her story makes for excellent and mind-blowing reading. I picked up this book as soon as I had finished book #3 and didn’t come up for air until I had read every word. I was glued to the pages from beginning to end and absolutely loved every mind twisting minute. This book could be read as a standalone, if you wanted to, but there is a recurring cast of characters and snippets of backstory and other information that pops up in this book- so reading all the books would give you a much bigger picture and provide a greater perspective- which will give you an even better reading experience. All the books are fantastic, intriguing and suspenseful, so you really have nothing to lose! Detective Petrosky has been a favourite character of mine throughout the series so far, and knowing a little of what he’d been through made him so much more realistic and relatable. I felt for him and hoped he’d find some peace and resolution from the heart crushing event that haunted him. All through this series I’ve wanted to delve into his story a little more, and in this book, I got way more than I bargained for. I wanted to run, look away, hide my kindle and not read any further at times because it was quite dark and harrowing – but at the same time the gripping nature of the story, and the superb characters had me needing to know what happens- and so I read on, my eyes glued to every word. There were shocks, surprising developments and some clever scene setting by Ms. O’Flynn, that really amped up the intrigue, shock and awe. This investigation had Petrosky risking everything with this ‘latest’ case. All I could do was hang on to the edge of my seat as I was swept along for the ride. I finished reading this book A while ago now, and I keep thinking about it still. I am wondering what the next book has in store for me? Brilliant!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2018-10-06 15:02:262018-10-06 15:02:26Hidden (Ash Park Series Book #4) by Meghan O’Flynn – Review by Angela Hayes
Georgia Pine is the third (and Final) book in the Southern Promises Series by K.G Fletcher. I adore this series and can’t believe that it is finished! I really hope I am wrong because I am not ready to say goodbye to these fabulous characters and the wonderful stories that Ms. Fletcher has created. Each book slightly eclipses the last, making this a very memorable series. I didn’t think it would be possible for me to love a story or the characters more than I loved the last book, Georgia On My Mind (Hart and Gia’s story)- but once again Ms. Fletcher proved me wrong and had me falling in love with the story and the characters before I’d even got one chapter in- when she had me in tears before I had even gotten to the end of the first chapter, I knew I was in for an absolutely captivating story- and she certainly delivered everything I had hoped for, and more! This book could be read as a standalone, but I can’t recommend the other books highly enough- they really are worth the read and help set the tone and feel for the series as a whole. We met Jessica in the previous book and my heart had ached for what she experienced- so I really wanted her to find true happiness in this book and I was intrigued to see what Ms. Fletcher had in store for her. In this book we find Jessica a year on from the life changing events of the previous instalment. She’s newly divorced, still reeling, and quite lost. She’s had no time to really grieve for the end of her marriage as she has four adorable little girls who need her now more than ever. But she’s been struggling since her world fell apart and she’s not sure how to stitch it back together again and get everything back on track. She feels like she has failed her daughters and herself, as all her life she’d been expected to be perfect, her parents settling for nothing less from their beautiful daughter. She’d been the perfect daughter, the perfect cheerleader, the prefect sorority girl, the perfect friend, then the perfect wife and mother- but that was before her perfect world crumbled out from under her leaving her overwhelmed by disappointment and uncertainty- responsibility and expectation weighed heavily on her shoulders. Feeling extremely vulnerable and out of her depth, she gave in to her emotions, and was completely shocked when a tender giant came to her rescue. He brings some much-needed confidence and balance back into her life, and her world becomes brighter with him in it. Tim McHill has had a huge fall from grace and has retreated across the country to live a simple life, keeping a low profile. He lives in the shadow of his former life expecting that his past will catch up with him eventually. He has no intention of letting anyone in, he’s purposely shut everyone out. But seeing this beautiful, broken young mother falling to pieces tugs at his battered heartstrings and brings out his caring and protective nature. He finds himself drawn into her life, bonding with her cute daughters in the process. All of a sudden, his life has new meaning and he looks forward to the future. But what happens when his secret is discovered? When mother nature throws a dangerous curve-ball, will they find a way through the storm, or will it destroy any chance of a future? What happens when his true identity is revealed for the world to see? All this and more can be discovered between the covers of this delightful book! The story is soooo romantic- very touching, heart-warming, emotional, funny, suspenseful, heart-stopping, sweet, adorable, passionate, and fun. Like the other two books in the series, this is really well written, and the characters are so endearing, I became hooked right from the beginning. It was so easy to read that I zipped through it in a few hours. These complex characters had me so emotionally invested in them and their wonderful story- they really had a beautiful connection and incredibly sizzling chemistry- their story is full of sexy, steamy and swoon worthy details that really sizzled off the pages. Then there were the adorable girls who added an extra element of adorableness to the whole story. I loved how Tim connected with them right away and how wonderful he was with them- it made my heart go pitter-pat!! But there was also a bit of a mystery to the story, with Tim’s past- and some danger, suspense and a little drama were added, which took this story to a whole new exciting level! This is such a brilliant addition to the series, and most definitely my pick of the three. I really hope we get to see more of these characters in the future- I would love to read Stuart’s story, and Jacques and Elizabeth’s story also. Hint, Hint- Ms. Fletcher!! TOUCHDOWN!!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2018-10-06 14:45:512018-10-06 14:45:51Georgia Pine (Southern Promises Series Book #3) by K.G Fletcher – Review by Angela Hayes
Joker’s Fool is the eighth book in Satan’s Devils MC Series by Manda Mellett. This book could be read as a standalone without feeling like you have missed anything- but as there are recurring characters in each book, including this one, and this story revisits situations and scenes that occurred in other books- I really recommend reading the other books, as having all the character information and backstories will only enhance your reading experience of this story. As with all the other books in this series, Ms. Mellett has written a wonderfully detailed and emotive story that won me over right from the beginning. I was always intrigued by Joker and Lady’s Man in the previous books, and the little hints and glimpses we got only fueled my curiosity all the more. This is an M/M romance which is the first for this series, but it’s definitely not lacking in any of the detailed elements and spicy romance we have come to expect from Ms. Mellett. These two characters are so easy to love and their story is really wonderful. My heart ached, especially for Joker and what he had been through. As I expected, there is more to their story than meets the eye. This book covers so much from hate, pain, denial, rejection, fear, friendship, unconditional love, camaraderie, brotherhood, feelings, romance, surprises, and more. So, if you love a really well written, riveting MC story- with complex, quirky and loveable characters, and an original plot- then this is definitely the book for you. Be warned though, you may discover that one of Ms. Mellett’s addictive books will definitely not be enough!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2018-10-05 06:52:342018-10-06 06:53:16Joker’s Fool (Satan’s Devils MC Series Book #8) by Manda Mellett – Review by Angela Hayes
“These twelve boys were inseparable as they grew up, always together and causing a ruckus. To keep them out of trouble, Mom Gregory had the perfect playground built in her backyard, including a massive tree house. She included a large wooden round table, telling them the story of the Knights of the Round Table. They played knights every chance they could, at first with cardboard shields and swords and then with plastic costume pieces. The neighbors grew accustomed to seeing the boys running through the neighborhood, fighting enemies and for their honor. The boys adopted a knightly code to always be honest with each other, no matter what, and that all decisions are to be made by unanimous vote. They pledged always to be there when one of them was in need. Pricking their fingers and sealing the pact with a blood oath, they kept their promise from childhood into adulthood Years later….. they formed Camelot Enterprises. Each Brother found the role that fit them, from Camelot Security to Camelot Bar and Club, Camelot Construction to Camelot Law Firm. The Brothers have maintained their promise to each other and are just as close as when they were boys playing knights. The round table may have gotten larger, but the pact they made as boys still stands.”
The Only One is the first book in the Brothers of Camelot by Necie Navone. Ms. Navone is a new to me author, but one whom I will definitely be following and reading much more of in the future. This was a surprising find, I didn’t expect to like it quite as much as I did. I loved the cover and the blurb intrigued me, so I knew I would enjoy the story- but I wasn’t prepared for the characters and the story to grab me quite as much as they did. I found Ms. Navone to be a wonderful storyteller, weaving a superb story that plucked at my heart strings, while creating characters who really took on a life of their own- coaxing me into their world end enticing me farther and farther into the book, making me need to know how everything works out. Because of this, I found myself reading long into the night, finishing the book in one sitting, just so I could find out what happened. It was easy to forget the world around me while I was glued to the pages, the story had me firmly in its hold….. and I enjoyed every minute! The book is quite funny, with funny references such as the Henry Peter Longfellow scene, Bella’s cussing attempts (such as, Fudge Boogers) and quite a few funny anecdotes, banter, and teasing. The story was fun and romantic- but there was also an element of suspense and drama that kept things very interesting. Ms. Navone has a sexy and inviting style that really brought the story to life and added some park and sizzle to the whole thing. I loved meeting Bella, Drake, and the rest of the cast- and I can’t wait to read the other Brothers of Camelot’s stories! This book has set the whole series off to a wonderful start! Bring on the next book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2018-10-02 18:39:032018-10-02 18:39:03The Only One (Brothers of Camelot Series Book #1) by Necie Navone – Review by Angela Hayes
“Fifty-three years ago, a vampire took the podium at a G20 summit in London and decided to show the world exactly how real he was. Needless to say, no one human came out of that building alive. Since the Insurgency, the entire United States’ justice system restructured itself to target monsters. Both Valerie and Deron had undergone intensive training to combat vampires. To fight like them, hunt like them and think like them in order to take them down. Although the NYPD did more than their share of wiping the scum off the face of the earth, it seemed like the vampires’ numbers only doubled. With every leech they took out, two more appeared in its place. But Valerie and Deron kept on going, kept chugging through the endless days and nights. Giving up wasn’t an option for either one of them.”
Releasing the Demons is the first book in The Order of the Senary series by L.D Rose. This was the authors debut novel, although she has since written more books. It is a wonderfully original paranormal romance that is a little bit like a cross between X-Men, Buffy, and Blade. There is plenty of action, violence danger and adventure as the story unfolds. This was a great story- well written with a multi-layered plot that kept me engrossed the whole time. The hidden agendas and sinister forces added an extra element of tension and intrigue- while the vampire/human conflict gave the whole book a slight dystopian feel for me (in a good way). Blaze Knight is a genetically engineered mercenary with paranormal abilities- a hybrid who is on a mission to eradicate vampires and protect the human population. He is tormented by his memories of torture and unimaginable horror at the hands of his vampire captors 5 years earlier- as he endured 7 months of hell, wishing for oblivion, before finally being rescued. Now he wreaks his revenge while still trying to put what happened behind him. Circumstances occur that thrust him in the life of a feisty NYPD detective, and his world is tipped on its axis. Valerie Medeiros is a highly trained Detective, who along with her partner, works to keep the vampires from decimating the humans in the city. The human crime rate was non-existent, but the same can’t be said for the vampires. She lost her sister in the most gruesome way and that fuels her quest against the vampires. When bodies begin to stack up, and things take a perplexing turn, Blaze enters the scene, and danger ramps up that will threaten everything. Blaze is one of 6 brothers who all have unique abilities. But, what happens when the hunters become the hunted? Will Blaze and Valerie make it through, or will the sinister forces win out in the end? An original take on the Vampire genre! I look forward to reading the rest of the series!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2018-10-02 18:37:442018-10-09 07:27:04Releasing the Demons (The Order of the Senary Series, #1) by L.D Rose – Review by Angela Hayes
The Boss is the first exciting story in the Fire’s Edge series by Abigail Owen. If this book is anything to go by, this series is not only off to an amazing start, but is also set to be phenomenal. This is a dragon shifter story with a difference- it has its own original and unique spin on dragon shifters that makes this story stand apart from others in the same genre. This is a wonderful paranormal romance, that also has an action-packed, sexy and suspenseful story woven through it. The story pulled me in right from the beginning and I became completely invested in the characters and the outcome of their story. I couldn’t have put it down, even if I had wanted to- my need to find out how everything played out had me devouring the whole book in one afternoon- and I absolutely loved it!!! This may be my first read from Ms. Owen, but it most certainly won’t be my last, as I have already gone back to one-click more of her works for me to enjoy. I really can’t wait to see where this series goes and discover more about these brilliant characters!! Delaney Hamilton has moved across the country hoping for a fresh start, finding a great job co-managing a beautiful vineyard/winery and a place to stay. But her hopes of leaving the past behind are shattered when the fires that were plaguing her in Vermont start up again. She contemplates moving again, but decides that she’s done running, as it didn’t seem to work, anyway. Waking up with a fire burning all around her is a scary and confusing situation to find herself in. and what she doesn’t realise is when the sexy firefighters arrive to douse the fire, her world as she knew it is about to change, forever! Finn Conleth and his crew were working in the area when they get alerted to a fire burning at the winery. They arrive on scene to put out the flames but find so much more than they bargained for. Finn is haunted by a traumatic experience, losing his mate in the process. This hardened his heart and made him vow never to take another mate, as he couldn’t endure any more pain. He is the leader of the Huracán’s – who are a crack team Enforcers who tackle any trouble caused by dragons, especially fires. The last thing that Finn expects when they arrive at the latest fire is to find someone who not only threatens his heart, but who also sparks his protective nature. He knows there is much more to her story and what has been happening to her- and he’s determined to get to the bottom of it all. But danger is stalking Delaney which soon threatens everything he values. Will he get to the bottom of it all? Can he keep them all safe? Will Delaney help him regain the part of himself he’d lost all those years ago? What does the future hold for these two? This story was so much more than what I was expecting- from the incredible storytelling and wonderfully written tale, to the complex and lovingly crafted characters, then there were more than a few heart-in-my-mouth moments that had me scrambling to get answers, as well as some incredibly sexy and smokin’ hot scenes that left sizzle marks on the pages- making this book everything I could ask for and more! It’s emotional, touching, romantic, sweet, and HOT- a ‘Must Read’!! I highly recommend this book and Ms. Owen! I can’t wait to get my hands on the rest of this series!!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2018-09-30 08:53:002018-10-03 09:12:05The Boss (Fire’s Edge Series Book #1) by Abigail Owen – Review by Angela Hayes
Moments That Define Us is the prelude (Book #0.5) to Gray Ghost Series by Amy McKinley. I have read all of Ms. McKinley’s books and have loved every single one. She is a fantastic writer who is able to weave a captivating story that hook me every time. I have loved the Gray Ghost series and so I was quite intrigued by what this prelude would contain. To say I am blown away would be an understatement! I already loved the characters- but after reading this and seeing where they came from and some of what they have been through, makes me admire and love them even more! The story is quite intense and emotional. There are scenes that made my heart ache- but the main thing I got from this book was a whole lot more respect and admiration for the team, because having been through what they had, it would have been easy for them to give up, or to take the easy road- but they didn’t, and that takes massive strength of character to rise above and fight for what you believe in. The sense of duty, honour, loyalty, camaraderie, and tight-knit team work was apparent right from their early years- and has only gotten stronger as they got older. I love how this book really sets the stage for the rest of the series and gives such an amazing insight into the characters beginnings. This may be a small story (novella), but still manages to pack a punch. Ms. McKinley fits a lot into a small space, making the whole thing seem like a much bigger book- in a great way! I am so looking forward to the next Gray Ghost book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2018-09-29 08:42:182018-10-03 09:14:49Moments That Define Us (Gray Ghost Series Book #0.5) by Amy McKinley – Review by Angela Hayes
That Voodoo that You Do is Book #1 in The Chateau Rouge Series by Jolie St. Amant. It contains the three books of the series in this one fantastic edition. I have really enjoyed this series and exploring New Orleans and the stories through the eyes of the characters and Ms. St. Amant’s exquisite writing. Her attention to detail, rich descriptions, and original storylines bring everything to life and kept me engrossed the whole way through. This is a great way to familiarize yourself with Ms. St Amant’s style and The Chateau Rouge series- getting three books for the price of one means you are able to flow directly from one story right into the next. “That Voodoo That You do” contains:
-Dream A Little Dream of Me (Book #1) -Hard Hearted Hannah (Book #2) -A Kiss to Build A Dream On (Book #3)
Dream a Little Dream of Me is the first book in the Chateau Rouge Series by Jolie St. Amant. It is an incredibly clever, unique and engaging paranormal romance that captivated me from the very first page. Ms. St. Amant’s vivid imagery and descriptive details painted a picture of New Orleans that brought all the sights and sounds of this colourful city to life right before my eyes. The story had a mysteriousness about it, it captured my attention and enticed me further into the book. I couldn’t put it down till I had finished every word. Josey Jacobson owns Chateau Rouge, a hotel steeped in history on a busy street in New Orleans. The story is set in the lead up to Halloween which ads an extra air of excitement to the story. Josie and the Chateau are not what they appear. There is so much more to Josie and her lovely old hotel and as the story unfolds there are quite a few surprises to be found. Archer is in the city for a music festival and is a guest at the Chateau. He is the sexy and charismatic lead singer of a well-known band, who finds himself drawn to the Chateau and its beautiful owner, Josie. There is also more to his attraction than first comes to light and discovering all the details was such a fantastic ride. The story is a short, quick and easy read. It is told form several POV’S, which allows the reader to get a much bigger picture of what’s happening, as well as extra elements to the intriguing backstory.
Hard Hearted Hannah is the second book in the Chateau Rouge series by Jolie St. Amant. It is a wonderful paranormal romance set once more against the backdrop of a city steeped in rich history that is New Orleans. Ms. St. Amant is a talented writer whose attention to detail and vivid descriptions transported me into the story to see all the sights and sounds as the story unfolded. Hannah Montgomery works for the Charleston Lifestyle Magazine, but she’s also the boss’s daughter. She has a reputation for being a heartless Ice Queen- but she hadn’t always been so hard hearted. Having your heart broken can do that to a girl. After enduring the pain of heartbreak Hannah vows to never let it happen again, and so she builds a hard, cold barrier around her heart. With plans to attend the Voodoo Festival in New Orleans to hear her favourite band perform, Hannah is not impressed when her father insists on the magazines photographer accompanying her on the trip. She is concerned because he’s the only one who has made her heart flutter for a very long time. Julien isn’t any more impressed with their situation than Hannah is. She is so a snippy, dismissive and cold. Julien could remember a time when she was happy, kind and caring. Those days are long gone. It’s going to be a torturous trip And so, their mysterious weekend begins. What happens in New Orleans? With supernatural forces drawing them together, will these two find a connection? Can Julien melt the ice around Hannah heart? Will Hannah let down her defences and take a chance on love again? This story was cleverly woven through the same time frame as the first book, so we get to see characters we know and love- as well as meeting new ones. This is a sensual story and having New Orleans as the backdrop really added an extra element of intrigue and interest. This is a novella length book, so it’s a very quick and easy read. It’s a sweet and captivating read. The paranormal elements are really well done- subtle, but memorable.
A Kiss to Build a Dream On is the third book in the Chateau Rouge series by Jolie St. Amant. It is a charming and captivating paranormal romance set in New Orleans. This series is fast becoming a favourite of mine, and even though the books are short novella sized stories, they pack a lot in a short amount of space and feel like a much longer novel. In this book we meet Chloe Deveraux who accepts a new job interstate and leaves her unhappy marriage, husband, home, and life behind- to start fresh in New Orleans, a city she’s long held a fascination for. Her new job is at the Chateau Rouge- where she’s the new P.R manager and Chloe will be staying at the hotel while she settles into the job and city. She is so excited about exploring the city, wanting to experience everything the New Orleans has to offer. Her new beginning really kicks off when she has a drink spilt on her in the bar on her first night in town. Jared Peterson is an IT and computer guru with his own software firm. He’s in town on business, which happens to be at the Chateau Rouge, where he is also staying. When he accidentally spills a drink on a gorgeous woman at the hotel bar he is surprised to recognise his high school crush. Chloe hasn’t changed in the years since he saw her last, but she doesn’t immediately recognise him. He’s been crazy about her in high school and he’s determined not to waste this opportunity to reacquaint himself with her, and hopefully it will develop into more. But Chloe is ready for a fresh start and to enjoy her freedom- not get tied down a man again. But as they spend time together, Chloe can’t help but feel drawn to Jared. Will she lower her guard and let him in, or will she allow her fears to prevent her taking a chance on love? This is a great addition to the series and I love how each book reveals a little more about New Orleans, and the history of the recurring characters and Chateau Rouge. Everything is so intricately connected. Small details that all blend together to produce the larger picture. I loved that with this story we got a bit more of Alcide’s story- he’s such a mysterious character, I loved uncovering those details about him. A story rich in history- with wonderful characters, an intriguing storyline, suspense, drama, mystery, tension, new beginnings, the paranormal, and a touch of Fate….. makes this a sweet and memorable read!
If you love a great paranormal romance set in a rich and exotic location, with endearing characters, and beautifully written & captivating story- then this is definitely the book for you!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2018-09-26 10:26:272018-11-08 09:56:32That Voodoo That You Do (Chateau Rouge Book #1) by Jolie St. Amant – Review by Angela Hayes
Blind Magic is the second book in The Sanctuary Chronicles by India Kells. OMG!! This Book, and Series is brilliant! I love everything about it, but especially the wonderful story that completely enchanted me right from the beginning and held me spellbound right through till the end. I couldn’t put it down, because I just had to know how things would play out- so I ended up reading it in one sitting! Ms. Kells weaves a breathtaking Paranormal/shifter story with werewolves, witches, spells, magic, suspense, intrigue, drama, mystery, and a really beautiful romance. This story could be read as a standalone, but I really recommend reading the first book before embarking on this one, because there are a lot of recurring characters in this book who we meet in the first book, and a lot of backstory and character information is also contained in the book one. Not to mention that it’s an exceptionally good story in its own right. The epilogue at the end of book one set us up for book two, and becomes the prologue in this book. I am still in awe of all the seemingly small details that are intricately woven throughout the story that turn out to have unexpected connections and deeper meaning later on down the line. The story is so superbly written, wonderfully detailed, with vivid descriptions that help to bring everything into being. I was completely swept up in Sera and Ian’s story and followed along expectantly the whole way through. We met Sera in book one as she is one of Valeria’s best friends. Apart from being a powerful witch, Sera is a renowned scholar and researcher, who spends a great deal of time with her nose buried in the books at Impossibilities Inc, the specialty store for witches and magical beings, where Sera works. She is incredibly intelligent, loyal, and kind- with a bit of a stubborn streak. She has worn glasses for quite some time, as her eyesight has been slowly failing over the years. She expects that at some point she will lose it entirely- but she is completely unprepared when blindness strikes quite suddenly. It comes as a great shock and she has been having trouble adjusting to never seeing again- especially since the last thing she saw before losing her sight was the dark and intriguing werewolf she can’t help but feel drawn to and would love to look at some more. Ian Macon’s world was shattered several years earlier when his wife and young daughter were killed by rogue Enforcers. His rage nearly made him feral. He was broken, alone and became bitter towards everything and everyone. Asher brought him to the Sanctuary and gave him a place there, where he could make a difference helping others. Ian is now the beta to Asher’s Alpha of the pack. He is strong, powerful and commanding in his own right, but still a shell of the wolf he once was. His one true mate died- so he will never again find that connection with anyone else, that bond died with his mate. But meeting Sera was like a beacon shining through his darkness, beckoning him into the light. But one thing I have learned about Ms. Kells is that things are never simple, there are layers and complexities yet to reveal themselves. There is definitely a lot more to Sera and her situation, which we discover and that comes into play in a huge way. Ian can’t fight his attraction, or his protective feelings towards Sera- and even though ‘mixed’ relationships are outlawed by the governing council, sometimes fate has a mind of its own. But, danger is stalking Sera, putting her and all those she cares about in serious peril. She will have to find answers and get to the bottom of everything before it’s too late. But will she have to make the ultimate sacrifice in order to save the one/s she loves? There were time through this story where I had my heart in my mouth, reading along anxiously as things played out! The suspense, mystery, tension and intrigue were superb! It was so well done, it was like having a movie play out in front of me. There were emotional points throughout the book, that really made my heart ache- but the last few chapters had me literally sobbing my heart out- I was so caught up in everything that was happening, the story broke me and flung my emotions all around the place, before Ms. Kells slowly pieced me back together again…. And I. Loved. Every. Single. Moment. Of. It! I can’t recommend this story highly enough! You really should do yourself a favour and grab a copy, because you’re sure to love it as much as I have! The next book in the series is “Dead Magic”- Finn and Violet’s story_ and I am so excited to find out about these two!! This book can’t come quickly enough!!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2018-09-26 10:18:202018-10-31 11:47:27Blind Magic (The Sanctuary Chronicles Book #2) by India Kells – Review by Angela Hayes
Self Love By T.L Clark is a great standalone story that took me on a journey full of emotion, angst, a little drama, interesting characters, self-discovery, personal growth, and much more. Molly is thirty-four-year-old florist who hasn’t had a lot of dating experience. Her experiences have left her somewhat dubious about the whole process. She has issues and is quite self depreciating- feeling fat and unattractive, she thinks she may never find love or settle down and start a family. A visit to the Doctor pushes her into making some lifestyle changes….. and so this story unfolds. We get to follow along as Molly goes through all the different stages of this journey, experiencing self- doubt, angst, and all the highs and lows. Molly is very realistic, believable and relatable. I think women everywhere have experienced what Molly has gone through and can relate to her feelings- I know I have and do. As I would expect from Ms. Clark, this story is beautifully written, engaging and connectable. The story had depth, and the character growth and development over the course of the story was pretty good, even though there were a lot of times where Molly frustrated me with her apologies and thought processes. She was a lot stronger than she believed. I look forward to seeing what Ms. Clark has in store for us next!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2018-09-25 10:33:502018-10-03 09:26:31Self Love by T.L. Clark – Review by Angela Hayes
Special Agent Charli is the sixth book in the Undercover FBI series by Mimi Barbour. I have read a few of her books now and she never fails to deliver a wonderful story that captivates me right from the beginning. I particularly loved this book, not just because the story was superbly written, full of intrigue, mystery, suspense, romance, sizzle, and some drama. But because the characters were just so incredibly endearing (well, except for the killer)- these characters really are the jewels in this story- they were so lovingly crafted into fully realised individuals with their own personalities, quirks and flaws. I was immediately invested in them and this fantastic story. I was so hooked, that I devoured the whole thing in one sitting. I could feel that the author put a lot of her heart and soul into this story and I feel the love she has for her own Poppa John, he is one of the best characters I have read. I just loved him, and even though he is a ‘supporting’ character, he really added something special to the overall storyline. Because of him, the story was sweeter, more emotional, tender and touching than it would have been without him. Don’t get me wrong, Charli, Blake, Alicia/Kayla, Angie, Star, and the rest of the cast are brilliant, and I loved them all- but Poppa John just elevated the whole story for me! There is a wonderful ‘feel good quality to the storyline because of him and the characters and their connection…. There were quite a few funny, lighter moments that helped to balance some of the more intense, heart wrenching and dramatic elements of the storyline. The funny quips and banter had me smiling like an idiot or laughing out loud. The story is told from several perspectives, which helps to give a more in-depth view of the whole thing. This isn’t my first book of Ms. Barbour’s, but it is definitely my favourite, so far! I am really looking forward to the next book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2018-09-24 10:25:242018-10-31 11:20:16Special Agent Charli (Undercover FBI Series Book #6) by Mimi Barbour – Review by Angela Hayes
Rescued by the Scot is the third book in the Romancing the Spies series by Laura A. Barnes. This has been an interesting and fun series to read. Although the stories contain quite a bit of drama and violence- and I was held in suspense quite a bit- there is also a charming quality to it as well. This story is an intriguing and action-packed historical romance that has kidnapping, hidden agendas, mystery, suspense, adventure, drama, betrayal, espionage, danger, action, seduction, chemistry, romance, and passion. This is the third book in the series, and could be read as a standalone, but having said that, this book may focus on a different couple than the first and second books, but there is a continuing storyline that bridges all the books, so I really recommend reading all the books to help build a better understanding of characters, backstory, and motivations. Zane Maxwell is a recurring character in the series, whom I was hoping we would get to see much more of. Well, we certainly get to do that in this story. Skye is a fantastic character and the chemistry between her and Zane was intense. They really were so great together. But, Ms. Barnes doesn’t make thing easy for them- they have to work for their happiness. We also get to catch up with the characters from the previous books, which I appreciated. I am hoping that this isn’t the end of the Romancing the Spies series- hopefully there is more to come. A wonderful addition to the series and my favourite of the three!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2018-09-23 10:22:572018-10-03 09:34:15Rescued By the Scot (Romancing the Spies Series Book #3) by Laura A. Barnes – Review by Angela Hayes
Kingdom of the Damned: Provocation is the prelude to the Kingdom Journals by Tricia Copeland. It is a paranormal fantasy full of vampires, witches, history, drama, suspense, adventure and discovery. This book is so wonderfully descriptive and vividly detailed, bringing every scene to life before my eyes. The imagery is superb. Ms. Copeland is a fantastic author who delivers a complex and captivating story- I loved how she combined some history with fantasy and made it entirely believable. This is the prelude to the other books in the series- “ Kingdom of Embers” (Book One: Alena’s story), “Kingdom of Darkness” (Book Two: Camille’s story), “Kingdom of Honor” (Book Three: Jude’s story) and “Kingdom of War” (Book Four: Hunter’s Story- due for release in 2019) so you don’t need to have read the other books in the series first, but I can guarantee you will probably want to by the time you’ve finished this. Anne Scott was born a vampire and would have good reason to be full of hate and anger- her family were all killed by witches, forcing her to flee to a foreign country when she was only two. Living among humans wouldn’t have been easy, but she not only survived, but thrived. But then tragedy strikes again, devastating Anne once more. Heartbroken, she searches for meaning, for belonging and ends up on an epic journey of discovery, that fuels her passion for peace. Anne really is a fantastic character, but then I really wouldn’t have expected anything less from Ms. Copeland. All the characters were fully developed and interesting. The character growth over the course of the story was wonderful to see. I love the solid foundation that this book brings to the series, as a whole, and helps me to better appreciate it. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2018-09-22 10:23:572018-10-03 10:01:48Kingdom of the Damned: Provocation (Kingdom Journals Prelude) by Tricia Copeland – Review by Angela Hayes
Repressed is the brilliant third book in the Ash Park Series by Meghan O’Flynn. WOW! This book was intense, dark, disturbing, chilling, graphic, dramatic, and gripping!! This psychological thriller is a superb addition to the series and had me swinging between never wanting to put it down, and needing a break from the tension and suspense. I was glued to the pages from beginning to end, reading it in one sitting- and absolutely loved every mind twisting minute. The series has been such a fantastic read, and this book just took the series to another level. I didn’t think it could get any better, but I was wrong! This book could be read as a standalone, if you wanted to, but there is a recurring cast of characters and snippets of backstory and previous plot information that pop up in this book, so reading all the books would give you a bigger picture and provide a larger, more developed perspective- which in turn will enhance your overall reading experience. The books are all really great- quite intriguing and suspenseful, so you it’s really a win-win situation! I knew when I met Curtis Morrison back in book one that there was going to be so much more to him that what he was letting on, or what we were being shown- and man-oh-man this story really unveils him in a raw and revealing way! His story was startling, intense, emotional, and unforgettable! He has been through so much and come so far, but his past just won’t let him forget! After the harrowing events in the previous book, and Curtis and Shannon getting married and having little Evie, this book picks up with them adjusting to parenthood, Shannon trying to manage with Postpartum depression, and Curtis returning to work after a month off. Things are never simple in Ms. O’Flynn’s world, because it’s not long before we are once more swept into another brilliantly twisted tale. This is definitely the best of the bunch so far! Bring on book #4!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2018-09-21 10:22:542018-10-03 10:02:57Repressed (Ash Park Series Book #3) by Meghan O’Flynn – Review by Angela Hayes
Transformations is the first book in The Shifter Series by Cari Schaeffer. It is a paranormal shifter story with a bit of a twist. It has quite an original premise and is definitely not the usual shifter fare. I was intrigued by what the story would reveal, and curious to see where everything would lead. This is a tale of a feud between two powerful shifter families that has spanned many generations and hundreds of years. No one really knows exactly what happened to cause the war between them, but the battle lines are still drawn and tensions continue to this day! All of this is woven around a interesting coming of age story. The story is told from several points of view which really help to build the bigger picture. There was a lot of information and characters, and at times I did question whether ALL of the information and scenes were necessary, as some of the details seemed unwarranted and superfluous to the story. We meet Katherine Wolff (Kat) and her quirky, close-knit family. At seventeen, she’s one of the younger members of her clan. Her abilities have yet to emerged and she is both expectantly wondering what her ‘powers’ will be, and wishing that she could just be ‘normal’. It’s been many years since the Wolff’s have encountered their enemy, the Barotkoff family- but it’s expected that they will eventually strike again. When a handsome and mysterious stranger pops up with a warning that the Wolff’s are in peril, it doesn’t take long before things take on a dangerous turn. It turns out that the mysterious stranger is in fact part of their rival family. Christopher Barotkoff swears he is nothing like his family and only wants to help the Wolff’s. But can they really trust him? Is there something more to his sudden appearance? And when things start to heat up between Kat and him, can she trust him with her heart? The story had some great banter, funny quips and antics which added another element of entertainment to the overall storyline. This book has very long chapters and the story was a little slow to get going. I felt there was too much time spent on character introductions and exploring the Wolff’s family dynamics, and life. I didn’t feel like the ‘story’ actually started till about the 9th chapter. The book ends on somewhat of a cliffhanger and I will definitely be reading the next book, “Transgressions”, to see how everything turns out.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2018-09-21 10:14:562018-10-03 10:03:55Transformations (The Shifter Series Book #1) by Cari Schaeffer – Review by Angela Hayes
Marks of the Mazza is the first book in the Mazza Series, and incredible debut by Blake Blessing. It is a brilliant fantasy with a paranormal/reverse harem/polyamorous romance. There is also lots of action, adventure, danger, drama, suspense, and mystery. Here’s where I will come clean and admit that I usually avoid harem/reverse harem books as they aren’t really ‘my-cup-of-tea. But having said that, this book is certainly an exception to that rule…. the story has really won me over. It was the beautiful cover and the promise of an epic story that really convinced me to read the book. What I found when I opened the book is an exceptionally well written story that had me engrossed within minutes- so to then find that it’s also the author’s debut novel, just blew me away. The characters are not just fully realised individuals with their own personalities, but they are also incredibly interesting and endearing as well. I was very quickly and easily invested in them and the outcome of their story. There was a lot going on in the book, but Ms. Blessing choreographed everything into a smooth and captivating read. Isolde Bardot’s world as she knows it turns upside down from the moment she stumbles into the wrong ’Uber’. She discovers a whole world she never knew existed and that she has an incredible part to play in that ‘world’. The responsibility is somewhat daunting, as is the thought that she now has a Lusty Legion of men to bond with. It’s a confusing and dangerous time for her. For one, it doesn’t feel ‘normal’ to take more than one partner long-term. Then finding out magic is real and there are different realms too, has boggled her mind. But, there are plots afoot that have targeted Issy and her safety in these schemes isn’t guaranteed. So, she’s left questioning it all and feeling the weight of responsibility thrust upon her. I LOVED this book- from the gorgeous cover to the wonderfully exciting story and the fantastic characters- all showcasing the dynamic writing and incredible imagination of Ms. Blessing. OMG book two can’t come quick enough for my liking! I need it NOW!! I absolutely can’t wait! Highly Recommended Reading!!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2018-09-19 10:24:142018-11-08 10:07:44Marks of the Mazza (Mazza Series Book #1) by Blake Blessing – Review by Angela Hayes
Burning Britely by Deidre Huesmann is a great YA/coming of age story, full of self-discovery, angst, drama, friendship, expectations, emotions, and self-acceptance. I am familiar with Ms. Huesmann’s other work, and really liked the Modern Greek Tale series, and The Alpha’s Pride- but this book is something different – and again it just proves that Ms. Huesmann can work with any genre/subject and create an engrossing story. The book is a short story and is a very quick and easy read. It has a great pace and a smooth flow. The story and characters were interesting and quite relatable. I loved the strong character development and growth that occurred over the course of the story. For such a short story, the characters were fully realised, and the story had a depth that’s not so easy to achieve in a short amount of space- but Ms. Huesmann certainly succeeded where many have failed. I am not going to give away spoilers, or rehash the premise of the story- as the blurb does a better job than I ever could. But, I do recommend reading this book, especially to those who love a great YA novel that has all the angst and inner turmoil that come with being a teenager- exploring the characters ‘coming of age’.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2018-09-18 10:07:012018-10-03 10:05:45Burning Britely by Deidre Huesmann – Review by Angela Hayes
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Our Unexpected Hope by Michelle Sullivan
