The Past Returns is the fifth book in the Marcy Series by Linda Burson. WOW! So just when I am starting to really wrap my head around everything that has happened in the series so far, Ms. Burson hit me with The Agreement and had my mind reeling with the direction the story had taken. This book picks up pretty much where The Agreement concluded- so if you haven’t read that book, or the rest of the series, I really recommend that you do because there is a bridging/continuing storyline that will be a little confusing if you don’t have all the facts. I am impressed that this far into the series, Ms. Burson still has the ability to pull me into her storyline and completely surprise me. As I said in my last review, the more books I read in this series and the way it continues to evolve and deliver unexpected twists- the more in awe I am of her as an author and just how brilliantly thought out, and fantastically written, this book/entire series really is. This story has secrets, shocks, emotions, a love triangle/three-way, interesting family/relationship dynamics, romance, suspense, drama, misunderstandings, jealousy, frustration, trust issues, tension, dilemmas, and a large dose of fate. Marcy, Brad and Liam are working out the finer points and logistics of The Agreement that was reached in the last instalment. These quite complex individuals are quite endearing and have easily drawn me into their tale, making me emotionally invested in them and the outcome of their story. The story is written in such a way that it is believable, exploring some of the more complicated situations that can occur in relationships when the heart wants what the heart wants- the character situations and their interactions are realistic and relatable, even if I haven’t experienced that myself before. And as I have come to expect from Ms. Burson, she doesn’t make it easy for her characters- they have to ‘work’ for their happiness, while she also throws in a few twists and interesting developments that had me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what would happen next. The characters, and the storyline really have come a long way since everything that happened in book one, and I have enjoyed watching the story and characters develop and grow over the course of the five books so far. What is in store for Marcy, Brad, Liam, and baby Evan- and how will The Agreement work out in the end? The story is set to continue in the next book and I have already taken the plunge to find out what will become of them all….. Well Done!
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 Hayes2018-07-25 07:39:192019-01-30 07:40:22The Past Returns (The Marcy Series Book #5) by Linda Burson – Review by Angela Hayes
Misfortune of Time is the sixth book in the Druid’s Brooch Series by Christy Nicholas. This is a historical fantasy- with paranormal elements, drama, adventure, action, romance, magic, and much, much more. I really love all the attention to detail and the vividly descriptive storytelling that Ms. Nicholas excels at- it brings her stories to life and makes them very realistic, believable, and relatable. As with the other books in this series that I have read, this is really well written, very polished, and thoroughly researched. The story is fascinating- and really captured my attention right from the first few pages. The character/s are complex, fully realised individuals who were cleverly crafted- with interesting and likeable or detestable natures- as the author is easily able to sway you one way or another. As you can probably tell, I haven’t read the book in this series in sequence- instead picking them by random. So, even though this is the sixth book in the series, you really can read it as a standalone- as all the books I have read in this series appear to be standalone stories, with the ‘Druids Brooch’ being the connecting element. Having said that though, if you love a great fantasy with lots of historical elements, then you would most definitely enjoy the other books in this series as well- and you would be missing out by not reading them. In this book we meet Etain, who lives in Ireland in the 11th century, she’s a pagan who has to keep this secret, especially from her devoutly religious husband, who also happens to be a priest. There is much more to Etain than she appears- for a start she is 150 years old and is able to harness the magic of her Druids Brooch to remain ageless, but is also be able to change her appearance when necessary. Her husband is an abusive pig, but she remains in her situation in order to look out for a loved one. But, a situation occurs which threatens her life and Etain has no choice but to flee- and I felt that it was at this point in the book where this story really took off…….. Where does she go? What does she discover? And when the past comes back to haunt her, will she make the right decision? All this and much more can be discovered between the covers of this spellbinding story! The best of the bunch, so far!
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 Hayes2018-07-24 07:38:362019-04-06 08:28:41Misfortune of Time (Druids Brooch Series Book #6) by Christy Nicholas – Review by Angela Hayes
This series is an adrenaline-fueled, fast-paced, thrilling ride from the first page right through till the last word. The book/series contains a shocking, fascinating, dark, and powerful storyline/s that will make you feel like you are sitting on a knifes edge while reading them. What a great introduction to Mr. Miller’s work- three books in one. If you like a fantastic psychological thriller- then this is the book/series for you.
The series contains the following books- THE TWINS: BOOK ONE 4 Stars The Twins is the first book in a series of psychological thrillers, and debut novel by R.G Miller. The story takes us on a journey of innocence lost and cracks open a window onto the minds of two young serial killers. The book opens on two young girls, Jannifer and Stacey McHill- excitedly preparing for their thirteenth birthday with their beloved parents and friends. Their party was the stuff that little girl’s dreams are made of, a perfect, magical day- or so they thought. After preparing for bed that night, two home invaders turn their perfect world upside down- bringing unmentionable horrors into their once idyllic lives. Their parents are bound and tortured for hours, eventually succumbing to the trauma and injury inflicted on them. The twins are also tortured and subjected to unbelievably gruesome violence, but somehow manage to survive the ordeal. In an almost catatonic state they are admitted to a psychiatric hospital under the care of Dr. Susan Patterson, a specialist in Abnormal Psychology. They remain at the hospital, in her care for the next three years- until their maternal Aunt Jackie, ignores the Doctors advice and takes them to Harlem to live with her. On the girls sixteenth birthday, a mutilated body is found on a rooftop in Harlem and the days that follow only bring more deaths- the killings shocking even the most hardened officers of the NYPD. It is up to Detective Iris Williams and her new partner Andrew Taylor, to investigate the murders, hunt the serial killers and try to bring them to justice before they can kill again. But these two young girls are more clever, dangerous and elusive than expected- bringing the hunt to Detective Williams own doorstep. Can Detectives Williams and Taylor find The Twins before they can kill again, or is it too late? Will the Twins escape? This book had an exciting, gripping, dark and thrilling synopsis- I avidly read every word of this intense story. And although I did enjoy the overall story, I felt that the author didn’t build enough suspense or tension in the story. Don’t get me wrong; I was interested and entertained- but with the anticipation and promise of a spine chilling, twisted and heart pounding read- I felt a little let down when it failed to deliver on the potential. The author writes really well and has obviously done a lot of research on anatomy, CSI procedures and police investigative procedures, as well as psychiatric conditions. The scene setting was intricately detailed in some areas, but in others they were skirted over or barely got a mention- which gave some portions of the book a rushed and slightly lurching feel. The author also explores a lot of other topics in the book from PTSD, sexuality, addiction, grief and vengeance; to erotic placidity, anger management and Excited Delirium; just to name a few. There seems to be nothing off limits or too taboo. The author had the potential to take this story into the literary stratosphere- but again, the promise was there, but it just didn’t quite make it. I do congratulate Mr. Miller for an entertaining and intriguing debut novel. I really did enjoy the story- I just wanted more.
STACEY: BOOK TWO 5 Stars Stacey: The Twin is the second book in the trilogy ‘The Twins’ by R.G Miller – it is a gripping psychological thriller that is extremely intense, dark and disturbing. This instalment of the story begins a few weeks after the last book left off- where the citizens of New York were held in the grip of terror, as two of the youngest serial killers the world has ever known, went on a sadistic killing spree across the city- triggering the biggest manhunt in the city’s history. Detective Iris Williams, the lead investigator on the case, had used every resource at her disposal to try and apprehend Jannifer and Stacey McHill. But the two young girls proved to be more dangerous, cunning, and elusive than anticipated- leaving a trail of gruesome murders in their wake. Even their psychologist Dr. Susan Patterson is at a loss as to what the two may do next; advising Detective Williams that “If you have to kill one, kill the other also.” After finally tracking down the pair, Iris and her partner Annette end up in a bloody and nightmarish confrontation with the twins- Iris is forced to shoot Jannifer McHill, which results in her death. Stacey McHill is apprehended and locked up in a facility for the criminally insane. Iris couldn’t bring herself the shoot Stacey as well and hopes that this decision won’t come back to haunt her. Now, there is a new threat prowling the streets of Harlem, in the form of a sadistic rapist and murderer who is targeting middle aged women. Fear begins to grip the city once more and Iris and Annette are assigned the investigation- tasked with solving the case as quickly as possible, before any more lives are lost. As they are in the midst of this investigation, an electrical blackout provides Stacey McHill with the perfect opportunity to escape and so once more she is out in the city somewhere, bristling with anger and hell bent on revenge for her sister’s death. Dt. Williams, Dt. Toni and the rest of their precinct are all targets, and Stacey will do whatever it takes to wreak her vengeance on them all. Iris and Annette now have two psychotic killers loose in the city and must use all their experience, training, skills, grit and determination to track them down and get them off the streets. With the body counts mounting and their investigation being thwarted at every turn by the cunning and resourceful killers, the chase begins to erode Iris and Annette’s confidence and has them on the back foot. Will the detectives be able to solve both cases before more lives are lost? As the lines are blurred between being the hunter and the hunted, this story will fray every one of your nerves and leave you gasping, as you frantically devour the pages to try to discover what will happen next. This book is much darker and more twisted than the first. The storyline and characters seemed to be more developed and we got a lot more information, backstory and details in this book. It is fast paced, and it had me hanging onto my seat as I was thrown headlong into the thrilling story. There were moments where I was in shock and awe at the gruesome details that were depicted- there probably should be a warning at the beginning of the book- because some of the scenes are horrific, truly dark and entirely disturbing. It ends on a cliff-hanger that had my mind reeling as to what would happen in the next book. This book is even better than the first, Mr. Miller has really hit his stride with this instalment.
I. Williams: BOOK THREE 5 Stars I. Williams is the riveting and hair-raising conclusion to The Twins trilogy by R.G Miller. If you haven’t read the other books yet, I recommend that you do before starting this one- as they introduce the main characters and lay down all of the backstory- which will make this reading experience even more enjoyable. Ever since Stacey McHill escaped three months ago, Iris has been on stress leave from her job- her behaviour is erratic, she’s become paranoid, her anger management issues are worsening, she isn’t sleeping properly, has lost her appetite, has little regard for her personal appearance or hygiene, has stopped attending her psychologist appointments, is drinking- and slipping deeper and deeper into a depression. Iris feels guilty and ashamed that Stacey slipped out of her clutches again and it’s almost more than she can bear. She feels like the laughing stock of the whole precinct and the embarrassment is driving her crazy. Her deterioration is affecting her relationship and Annette is really concerned about her what will become of their relationship. You see, Iris though she had killed Stacey, by shooting her twice in the chest. But in her haste to get to Annette who had been injured, Isis made the rookie mistake of not checking to see that Stacey was in fact dead, nor did she hand cuff her. So, Stacey was able get away. That day plays over and over in Isis’ mind and her character was disintegrating under the effects of Stacey McHill’s cunningness. Going back to work Iris and Annette are placed on desk duty, which further undermines Iris’ mental state. All her emotional turmoil was wreaking havoc on her ability to function and do her job properly. But somehow Iris needs to find a way to keep it all together and muster all her strength as a new, sinister and quite baffling case begins. Babies are being snatched from all over the city, in broad daylight, and replaced with incredibly life like dolls. Who is taking the babies and why are they being taken? When Stacey McHill re-emerges and ramps up her terror campaign, Iris will need to keep her wits about her if she has any chance of saving her colleagues and the one’s she loves from the teenage maniac, hell bent on destroying them all. Isis is determined to catch Stacey, even if she has to break all the laws in the book to do so. Can Isis finally put an end to Stacey’s reign of terror, or will Stacey once again prove to be a formidable and elusive opponent? Once again Mr. Miller didn’t disappoint, he has hit this one out of the park. What a way to end a fantastic series. I was completely engrossed in this fast-paced story, I couldn’t put it down- I had to find out what happened, and I was rooting for Iris and Annette to finally win out over Stacey. Mr. Miller pulled the whole series together and wrapped it up really well, with this story. I finally got the closure I was looking for.
This series is such a chilling read, and I loved every moment! I really am looking forward to seeing what Mr. Miller will offer us up next.
Thank you, Mr. Miller, for an intense, riveting and twisted ride.
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 Hayes2018-07-23 07:32:292019-01-30 07:33:47The Twins (The Twins Series Books #1-3 Box Set) by R.G Miller – Review by Angela Hayes
Beach Love is the fourth book in the Love Collection by Natalie Ann. I didn’t realise when I got this book that it is the fourth book in the series- but after reading it, you could definitely read it as a standalone. I was intrigued by the secondary characters in this story and have discovered that they have their own story in this series- so I will definitely be going back and one-clicking the other three books to enjoy, as well. This book (and the whole series) is a wonderful contemporary romance, with interesting and endearing characters, and a sweet and captivating storyline. It is a short and easy read, I read it easily in one quick sitting. It was fun- with witty and funny banter, quips and innuendos. The characters had great chemistry which fogged up the screen of my Kindle. I also enjoyed ‘hearing’ the story from both the main characters perspectives, it definitely made things more fun and interesting. Melissa and Connor are great characters, who had an interesting history which added a little spice and drama into their second encounter, as well as the ones that followed. They really were made for each other and it’s funny how that when fate decides to throw two people together, there is very little you can do to fight it. I won’t go into too much detail as a lot of what I could tell you could spoil the story for you. I really recommend diving into this story blind and let the characters and author take you on a fun ride. The blurb does a great job of telling you what to expect, without spoiling the fun. I will definitely be reading the other three books and I look forward to reading ‘Intense Love (Book #5) when it releases on August 1st, 2018.
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 Hayes2018-07-22 07:28:292019-01-30 07:29:30Beach Love (Love Collection Series Book #4) by Natalie Ann – Review by Angela Hayes
The Blue Heart Mission is the captivating third instalment in The Kiko Ochisan Adventure series by Lina Vine. This series just seems to get better and better with each new book. It is a quick and easy fast paced thrilling adventure- with drama, action, political intrigue, and some mystery – the story, and series as a whole, is very detailed and descriptive, transporting the reader into the story. I really liked the first two books, but I think this has become my firm favourite of the series, so far. We met Kiko Ochisan in the first book, ‘In the Land of the Crane’, where she was a former Secret Agent for Japan. A lot has happened over the course of the previous two books and now, in this book, Kiko is pitted against the might of the KGB, and the powerful Black Hats- which will once again push and test Kiko in so many ways. What happens you may ask? Well, you really should get yourself a copy and find out all the gripping, action-packed details for yourself- you are sure to love Kiko and her adventure/s as much as I have! Even though this is the third book in a series, you could read it as a standalone. But I really recommend reading the entire series in the correct sequence, to get the full Kiko experience and see how this character has developed over the course of the series. I feel that this would help make your reading experience of this book so much more enjoyable. As with the first two books, this is a novella sized story which has a lot going on in a small space- but it never felt rushed or cut short in any way. A wonderful addition to the series, and I am really looking forward to seeing what Kiko does next in Death on the Flower Island, releasing in the Fall of 2018!
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 Hayes2018-07-22 07:26:122019-01-30 07:27:45The Blue Heart Mission: A Kiko Ochisan Adventure Thriller (The Kiko Ochisan Series Book #3) by Lina Vine – Review by Angela Hayes
The Agreement is the fourth book in the Marcy Series by Linda Burson. The series has a continuing storyline, so it would not be advisable to read this story without first reading the other three books. The more this story/series continues to evolve, the more in awe I am at just how well thought out, and superbly written, this entire series/storyline really is. Ms. Burson once again has infused her story with just the right amount of suspense, drama, dilemmas, emotion, humour, and believability to really keep things interesting. We once again witness these wonderfully complex and likeable characters traversing some of the complications that occur in relationships, their interactions are realistic and relatable- but Ms. Burson also throws in a few surprises that had me on the edge of my seat to find out how things would play out. The characters have really come a long way since we met them in book one, and I have enjoyed watching them develop and grow over the course of the series so far. But just because Marcy and Brad are now married, had their honeymoon, and welcomed their baby into the world- doesn’t mean things will be smooth sailing from here on out. This story sees their relationship tested, and choices will need to be made. A new friendship is formed, which also brings unexpected developments and changes. As with all her books that I have read, Ms. Burson really writes incredibly well, pulling you into the story and keeping you hooked right through to the end. And again, I really lost myself in this fabulous story (in a good way). For me, that is the sign of a skilled writer. I have really enjoyed this series so far, each book slightly eclipsing the previous instalment. As I have come to expect from Ms. Burson, this story has a great pace and is easy to read, it evolves beautifully and unexpectedly the further into the story/series I go. I can’t wait to discover what she has planned for Marcy, Brad and the overall storyline… 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 Hayes2018-07-22 07:24:272019-02-22 15:23:55The Agreement (The Marcy Series Book #4) by Linda Burson – Review by Angela Hayes
A Kiss to Build a Dream On is the third book in the Chateau Rouge series by Jolie St. Amant. It is a captivating paranormal romance set in New Orleans. And again, as with the other books in this series, Ms. St. Amant’s vivid imagery and rich, descriptive details really brought all the sights and sounds of this colourful and historic city to life, right before my eyes. 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. Technically you could read this book as a standalone, but each instalment in the series is like a piece to a much bigger picture, all intricately woven along the same time-frame as the other books in the series. So, having said that, I really recommend reading ‘Dream A Little Dream of Me’ (Book #1) and ‘Hard Hearted Hannah’ (Book #2) to fully appreciate the rich tapestry that the author is creating. Each new book adding more ‘strokes’ and ‘layers’ to the overall picture. 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! I wonder who we get to meet in 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 Hayes2018-07-21 10:16:422019-01-29 10:21:08A Kiss To Build A Dream On (That Voodoo That You Do Book #3) (A Chateau rouge Novella) by Jolie St. Amant – Review by Angela Hayes
Rock Bottom is the seventh book in Satan’s Devils MC Series by Manda Mellett. I must confess that I wasn’t sure at first if I would like this story, because I wasn’t sure I ‘liked’ the lead character, Rock. But after reading a few of Ms. Mellett’s books, I knew that it deserved for me to at least give it a chance…. and now I am so glad that I did! After a bit of a slow start, where I was still up in the air about Rock- everything fell in place and I ended up loving it, and him. Yes, there were times I was ready to throttle him out of frustration, but he got his act together in the end! So, this is now my favourite of the series, so far! Even though this is the seventh book in the series, it can be read as a standalone- and not feel like you are missing out on anything. But after reading this one, you will realise what a great series this is and want to read the other books too. Becca and Rock are really great characters, and my heart ached for what they went through. There were some pretty graphic and horrific scenes in the book, and an unpredictability to the storyline, which had me reading with bated breath, devouring every page to discover what would happen next. There was a lot of action, some gritty and shockingly violent scenes, some touching and tender moments, some OMG revelations, some sizzle, and a story that has a lot more to it than it first appeared. 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 may not be enough! What will she do next? I can’t wait!
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 Hayes2018-07-20 10:13:082019-01-29 10:17:54Rock Bottom (Satan’s Devils MC Series Book #7) by Manda Mellett – Review by Angela Hayes
Why Not Me? by Ashley Erin is a great story- a romance with a second chance, love triangle aspect to. It is really well written and captured my attention right from the first chapter. There was a lot of emotion crammed into the story and Ms. Erin’s clever way with her words had me experiencing every one of those emotions along with the characters. Ms. Erin is a new-to-me author and I am surprised that I haven’t discovered her work before now, but I am glad that I finally stumbled on this book and have been introduce to an author whose work I will definitely be reading more of in the future. I have stalked her a little (ok, A lot ?) and have found that she has quite a few books to her body of work- which I will enjoy exploring as soon as possible. Allie Vincent thought she had her life mapped out- a great job, good friends, perfect boyfriend- until ‘he’ comes crashing back into her life after seven years, and turns her neat little world upside down. Old feelings resurface, the past and present smashing together. With these two men comes a difficult decision- what will she chose to do? A great read!
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 Hayes2018-07-20 10:01:552019-01-29 10:03:45Why Not Me? by Ashley Erin – Review by Angela Hayes
Must Have Faith is the second book in the Darling Cove Series by Deborah Garland and is a fantastic second chance romance. This story is every bit as great as the first book, and I really loved getting to know Faith and Greg so much better. We met them in the first book “Must Love Fashion” where they played secondary character roles. Greg is Gwen’s brother (book one) and Faith is Gwen’s childhood best friend (book one). Faith Copeland is an executive producer with CNN and Greg is a Police Officer with the Darling Cove Police Department. Faith and Greg have a history- they were once very much in love and engaged to be married. Then out of the blue Faith calls off the wedding and leaves for Afghanistan on a 3-year assignment- leaving Greg a shattered man. But when Gwen and Andrew’s wedding photographer leaves them in the lurch, Gwen persuades Faith to use her photojournalistic talents and step in to save the day, putting Faith and Greg together in the same room for the first time in 10 years. Seeing each other again brings up a lot of memories and feelings- and sparking the intense chemistry they once shared. But with so much hurt, secrets and time between them- things are not going to be easy. What caused Faith to call off the wedding so abruptly? Why did she leave for Afghanistan? What has happened in the 10 years they’ve been apart? Is there a chance that they could rekindle their romance and be together again? Well, Ms. Garland certainly made these two jump quite a few hurdles in the pursuit of happiness. Some of the angsty, push/pull, indecisions, and constant obstacles- really drove me crazy. I wanted to jump in there and sort them out. But it was all worth it in the end. The story had amazing chemistry, sizzling encounters, funny moments, emotional times…. and lots of good fun reading! I am really looking forward to getting “Must Be Crazy” (Book #3 in the Darling Cove Series), which releases in October.
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 Hayes2018-07-18 10:11:002019-01-29 10:12:52Must Have Faith (Darling Cove Series Book #2) by Deborah Garland – Review by Angela Hayes.
Angels and Demons is the first book in the Saint’s Justice MC series by A.C Bextor. Even though this is the first book in a new series, I really recommend reading “Empires & Kings” and “Saints & Savages” – which are books one and two in the Mafia series. The reason I recommend that you read these two books first (even though they are part of a different series) is because there are characters, information and circumstances that cross over and I feel are pertinent to this story- and having all that information will help you better understand and appreciate this story. This is only my suggestion, because I think it would enhance your enjoyment of this book. What happens when you throw a church secretary in with a bunch of bikers? Well, you get a brilliant story, of course! Mia Zanders is 25 years old and has a modest, predictable, routine and comfortable life. What does it matter if she longs for something ‘more’. She has a nice apartment, a good job as the secretary at a church, has a charming ‘boy-next-door’ boyfriend, and a sister she loves. But, her sister is engaged to the son of a powerful family- and when threats are made against the family, every member is put under protection, including Mia by association. This places Mia into the Saint’s Justice MC clubhouse and opens the door to a world she had never imagined. Elevent (El) is the President of the Saint’s Justice MC and has taken on a protection detail as a favour to the Russians, and as a way to bring in some much needed funds that will help his club out of some financial difficulty. He never expected that the person they’d be protecting would have such a profound effect on him and the rest of the MC. She has an innocent air of vulnerability, but a body made for sin. He needs to remain professional and do his job, but the longer she’s under his roof, the harder that becomes. What happens, you ask? Well you really should read all the riveting details for yourself- you won’t be disappointed. This is such a complex, sexy and brilliant story by Ms. Bextor. The tension, suspense, sizzling chemistry and intensity was beautifully developed and engineered by the author. She has a real knack for keeping you on the edge of the seat, while needing to devour every word in this scintillating tale to find out what happens. It has a fast pace and is strewn with surprises and some shocking twists, which only enhance the exciting atmosphere of the whole book. I was hooked from the beginning till the end, and read it all in one sitting. I can’t wait to see where this series leads! Bring on book #2!
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 Hayes2018-07-18 10:08:012019-01-29 10:10:40Angels and Demons (Saint’s Justice MC Series Book #1) by A.C Bextor – Review by Angela Hayes.
The Black Lotus Affair is the second book in The Kiko Ochisan Adventure series by Lina Vine. This series is incredibly enjoyable. I am so glad I stumbled on to the first book, scrolling through my feed. This book has a bit of a mystery- it’s really fast paced and will whisk you away into a really great adventure which Ms. Vine has infused with action, intrigue, drama, and wonderful details. I really liked the first book, but this one allowed me to get to know Kiko a little better, making this book even more interesting, for me. We met Kiko Ochisan in the first book, ‘In the Land of the Crane’, she’s a former Secret Agent for Japan. In this story, Kiko is drawn into a mystery to uncover what’s behind the maimed bodies with strange markings that have been discovered in Tokyo. With a link to one of the victims, a mysterious stranger, the secrets of the Black Lotus Society, murder, danger, and more- this story really takes off and Kiko will have to use all her skills to make it out alive. As with the first book, this is a novella sized story which has a lot going on in a small space- but it doesn’t feel rushed or cut short in any way as the author choreographs everything into a smooth, and captivating read. 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 Hayes2018-07-17 09:39:022019-01-29 09:40:54The Black Lotus Affair (Kiko Ochisan Adventure Series Book #2) by Lina Vine – Review by Angela Hayes.
The Navigator is A Mountains Trilogy novel by Phoebe Alexander. I loved the Mountains Wanted Trilogy- that series of books are one of my favourites by Ms. Alexander, so when I saw she had written another book as part of that series, I knew that I just had to read it. But I wasn’t sure how this story would fit in to the series and if there would be any connections between them, and because it has been a few years since I had read Mountains Wanted- I decided that this would be a great time to revisit those books before diving into this one! So, here I am, 5 books later- and I have to say that I still love those books so much and I am really glad that I reread the other 4 books before starting this one. But, you really don’t have to have read the other books to really enjoy this one- you could just read it as a standalone without feeling like something is missing (although you would be missing out on some really great books). This story touches and explores so many elements- each one on its own could be interesting- but combined into such a wonderful story- well, it’s like crack for a romance addict. The book is so much more than I thought it would be. The blurb is good, but it really doesn’t convey just how compelling the story is, or how heartfelt, meaningful and emotional this experience is. I mean, she had me at bearded man and Mountains Trilogy- but add in bisexual romance, Indian Heroine, interracial romance, older woman/younger man, and more- still doesn’t even begin to convey how much this story will imprint itself in your heart and mind. Not to mention the sizzle factor is off the charts! The story flows well and has a great pace. I read it in one sitting. I can’t wait to see what Ms. Alexander 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 Hayes2018-07-16 09:36:512019-01-29 09:38:45The Navigator: A Mountains Trilogy Novel by Phoebe Alexander – Review by Angela Hayes.
The Port Elspeth Jewelry Making Club by Holly Tierney-Bedord is such a well thought out and intricately planned story. The author has written extremely well- developing a complex and fascinating mystery, full of intricate details and rich descriptions. She definitely had me engrossed- right from the outset. Cadence Sommerset gets a whole lot more than she bargained for when she starts a jewellery making club as a way of raising funds for charity, but also a way for her to fit in and make friends, in this new town she and her husband were making their home. What unfolds makes for wonderful and intriguing reading. I tried to predict where the story would lead, but Ms. Tierney-Bedord managed to keep me guessing right till the end. I have read quite a few of Ms. Tierney-Bedord’s books now, but this is my first full length novel from her. I enjoyed getting to sink my teeth it this longer story and feel that it delivered everything I could hope for from a great mystery. The main characters were all fully developed, realistic and very likeable. The secondary characters were also well developed, with their own individual personalities. Ms. Tierney-Bedord has her own unique style and always delivers an entertaining and original story. The book is fast paced and flows smoothly. The story is a standalone, and a great addition to the other books in her body of work/s. So, allow yourself a few hours- curl up with a hot chocolate or a glass of wine and dive into this captivating read. Just like me, you’ll be happy you did.
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 Hayes2018-07-16 09:31:192019-03-26 07:12:14The Port Elspeth Jewelry Making Club by Holly Tierney-Bedord – Review by Angela Hayes
Beneath the Shine is the third book in A Prairie Tale Series by Lisa Sorbe. This book comes in as number three in this series of standalones. The other two books ‘One Fluttering Heartbeat” book #1, and “Found in Silence” book #2, are both wonderful stories too, so if you haven’t read them yet, you will most probably decide that you really want to get your hands on them, especially after reading this one. Betsy has what most would consider to be a great life, but her reality is far from perfect. She is really just going through the motions of life, putting on a ‘shine’ for the world to see- when she has actually been quite lost for a long time. She keeps a secret that she has never revealed to anyone- the memory of which plagues her days and haunts her nights- never letting her fully embrace life. I was very quickly emotionally invested in the outcome of Betsy’s story and rooting for her the whole way through. Adair is her good friend, and there is a lot more to him than my first impression. I really grew to love him as a character as well. I really didn’t like Clint at all, the whole way through till the last few chapters when he redeemed himself in my eyes. Her family are just awful, I wanted to abduct her and adopt her into my family. Such horrible people. But I guess the fact that I felt so strongly about fictional characters is just another testament to Ms. Sorbe’s supreme writing skills. I found this story to be a little heavier in content and more emotional than the first two. Maybe because I could personally relate to what Betsy had been through. As the story unfolded, transitioning from past to present to help fill in the backstory, my heart broke for what Betsy had been forced to endure. I really wanted to hug her so badly. But there was so much more to this superb friends to lovers romance story- and I really enjoyed watching the characters growth and development over the course of the story. It was a little slow to get going, but once the pace picked up the story really took off. I really can’t wait to see what the author 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 Hayes2018-07-16 09:25:412019-01-29 09:26:34Beneath the Shine (A Prairie Tale Series Book #3) by Lisa Sorbe – Review by Angela Hayes
Arctic Fire is the sixth book in the Fortis Security series by Maddie Wade. Just when you think the series couldn’t get any better, Ms. Wade goes and pulls this out of her hat and blows the others out of the water. I love this series so much, and each book seems to outdo the one before it- but Arctic Fire is my firm favourite out of the series so far. It could be read as a standalone, but I really recommend reading the previous books to get a real feel for the series and characters, plus they are each superb stories as well. This has special ops, undercover ops, action, danger, drama, second chances, and romance. There really is so much going for this story that you really should discover all the details for yourself, I am sure you won’t be disappointed. Roz Maklovoi is the leader of ‘Zenobi’, which is a highly skilled and deadly group of female assassins. She has come so far, especially since enduring the traumatic events of her past, the likes of which would have broken most other people and left them a shell of their former selves. But not Roz, she used her trauma and became strong, determined and deadly. But, as the life of a loved one is threatened, Roz discovers that the one responsible for her anguish has resurfaced- so she embarks on a dangerous solo mission that will test her skills and her mettle. Kanan Phillips (K) is a bit of a lone wolf who has a past connection to Roz that he’s never been able to let go or forget. So, when these two are brought together again, he’s determined to protect her and not lose her again. What happened to Roz all those years ago? What is her connection to Kanan? How will this mission play out? Will they fulfill the mission? Another incredible read from Ms. Wade and a brilliant addition to a superb series! I love the sneak peak at the end of the story….. I can’t wait for 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 Hayes2018-07-15 09:18:572019-01-29 09:19:45Arctic Fire (Fortis Security Series Book #6) by Maddie Wade – Review by Angela Hayes
Lost in Seattle is the first book in the Miss Apple Pants series by Charlotte Roth. This is a really great young adult story, a coming of age, with humour, friendship, emotion, drama, mystery, quirky and memorable characters, and more. This story is complex and multi-layered, with two interesting and clever stories woven into a witty, heart-warming and fun read. We meet Ella who has had her life turned upside down when her family treks across the country to move to Seattle right in her senior year at High School. She is scared, a little lost and feels very alone in all this. But when a box of old love letters is discovered, and they begin to read them- an intriguing story starts to form as each letter is explored and she can’t help feeling a connection to Martha and Fredrick, and their story. Some new friends bring some humour and zaniness- and added another element of interest to this already charming read. But, then Ella has to make a life changing decision which twists this story and adds a little drama. Overall this is a heart-warming and very enjoyable read. Not that I would expect anything less from this talented author. Well done!
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 Hayes2018-07-15 09:15:212019-01-29 09:16:07Lost in Seattle (Miss Apple Pants Series Book #1) by Charlotte Roth – Review by Angela Hayes
The Hallowed is the second book in The Scrying Trilogy by Jaci Miller. As this continues the story from book one, I really recommend reading The Scrying before starting this one, so you have all the information you need to enjoy this book to the fullest. This is a paranormal story with supernatural elements, action, mystery, drama, magic, prophecy, destiny, ancient evil, bonds, and romance. The story picks up pretty much where book one left off. Dane and Rafe have undergone a binding that has given them a much deeper connection. Their destiny is now tied together. I loved them in the first book, but because of everything that happened in the first book and the development and growth these two have been through, I am absolutely invested in them now, and the outcome of their story. The secondary characters certainly added a little extra something to the story and I enjoyed the ones we met in the first book, as well as getting to meet new ones. The story has intrigue, suspense, spice, dramatic events, surprising developments, humour, witty dialogue… and so much more… to make this a truly captivating read. This is definitely my favourite of the two so far. As I discovered with the first book, Ms. Miller writes a riveting story, but it’s her world building which really made the most impression on me- it’s really incredible. She easily transported me into the story, where I experienced everything so vividly, following right alongside the characters as the story played out. Her words, and attention to detail brought everything to life, making the ‘world’ and everything that happened, seem so realistic and believable. Brilliant! I really can’t wait to dive into book 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 Hayes2018-07-13 09:06:512019-01-29 09:07:52The Hallowed (The Scrying Series Book #2) by Jaci Miller – Review by Angela Hayes
The Harrowed Half Breed is A Tarnished Lands Story and the first book in the Forgotten Woods Series By P.A Wikoff. This is my first read by Mr. Wikoff, so I wasn’t sure what I would find when I began reading. The story is an interesting and original fantasy that has lots of action, adventure, drama, unique creatures/beings, magic, and some violence. The story has a dark tone to it and feels a lot like a D & D story/game. But mostly it is a story of self-discovery and a ‘coming of age’. In the story we meet many characters, all of which play a part in making this story interesting- Barne, Valara, Kip, Nanis, Hogar, Neff, Seyu, and many others, help to bring the story alive. We explore the Tarnished Lands and meet the feathered folk- and discover a lot about their history and struggles.
“The feathered-folk had resided in the wildwoods for greater than a thousand years. They lived off nature’s gifts while never upsetting the symbiosis. It was a sacred way of life passed down from each generation. Soon the humans found value in the forest’s wood and sought to cut down the very lands that provided for the folk. Human greed was a flaw that flowed deeply within their blood; they couldn’t help it any more than they could help breathing or blinking. While the humans pilfered more than necessary, the trees bled dark sap, showing their displeasure. As the self-appointed wardens of the forest, the feathered-folk raged war against the humans. Peace was in their nature, though you wouldn’t know it as of late. There hadn’t always been conflict between the two bloodlines, although as of the last couple years, it was a daily struggle. With each fallen warrior, contention spoiled their kind nature and poisoned their disposition.”
This is a very short and easy read, I read it in one sitting. Mr. Wikoff has a descriptive and detailed style, which gave the story a rich texture and feel. If you love swords and sorcery, D & D, original and interesting fantasy, and quirky/unique characters- then this book should be part of your collection. There is a link at the end of the book to a D & D Module called “Breaking the Peace”- which is set before The Harrowed Half Breed. Looking forward to “The Progeny Assassin!”, Book #2 in 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 Hayes2018-07-12 09:08:102019-01-29 09:09:29The Harrowed Half-Breed: A Tarnished Lands Story (Forgotten Woods Series Book #1) by P.A Wikoff – Review by Angela Hayes
Not Fade Away is the fourth book in the Interstellar Rescue Series by Donna S. Frelick. Ms. Frelick is a new-to-me author and I found this book was a great introduction to her style and has given me some new books to add to my TBR. Even though this is the fourth book in the series, it can be read as a standalone without feeling like you are missing part of the story. There are other recurring characters in this story who really intrigued me, and I definitely want to go back and read the other three books and catch up on their stories, too. This is a bit of a racy space adventure- so it’s a science fiction full of aliens, assassins, danger, action, adventure, mystery, secrets, intrigue, and a hot romance. Rafe Gordon is a Rescue Agent and soldier who has been fighting Alien Slavers since he was old enough to carry a weapon. His father is a bit of a legend among the Interstellar Rescue, but is now a shell of the man he once was, now confined to a wheelchair, while dementia ravages his mind. Rafe is honouring his father’s wishes by bringing him ‘home’ to earth- a place he hasn’t seen in 60 years. But soon find they have been targeted by an assassin, who is hunting them through the galaxy. Charlie McIntyre is a Home Health Therapist and registered Nurse who works with dementia patients and their families. Her world is turned upside down when a new client moves to town. There is something different about the old man and his sexy son- and she has a strange feeling about them and the case. She’s not interested in any kind of romantic relationship because she had a bad past experience that still haunts her, plus she doesn’t get involved with clients. But the chemistry that bubbles between Rafe and her, is becoming harder to resist. What happens when they give in to their desire? When secrets are exposed, and danger comes calling, will their blossoming romance be strong enough to survive? Can Rafe keep them all safe? This was a great story, even though I initially had trouble ‘getting into’ it. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but something about the flow of the story was a little off for me and I struggled with it for about a quarter of the book. Then things change, the flow got much better- and I was hooked. The story weaves from past to present and back again many times through out the story- unravelling a lot of the backstory and ‘motive’ for the situation they find themselves in. Ms. Frelick cleverly wove the past and present together into a smooth and intriguing read. The book has a lot of characters to keep track of, and the story is told from multiple POV’s- giving it a lot of added information and interest. Ms. Frelick orchestrates all the characters and perspectives very well and blends them into the story without any kind of confusion. There is definitely more to this story than first meets the eye, and I will certainly be reading more of Ms. Frelicks work, for sure.
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 Hayes2018-07-12 08:59:422019-01-29 09:06:36Not Fade Away (Interstellar Rescue Series Book #4) by Donna S. Frelick – Review by Angela Hayes
The Portal Prophecies Series by C.A King is a Y.A fantasy/paranormal adventure that is full of action, magic, self-discovery and drama. The author tells tales full of mystical wonder; the book incorporates her re-imagining of many of our myths, legends, tall-tales and unexplained phenomena- which is incredibly original and clever.
This volume contains the first three books in the series: *A Keeper’s Destiny Book #1 *A Halloween’s Curse Book #2 *Frost Bitten Book #3
Willow is an orphan who has grown up in a magical place, not knowing what really happened to her parents, and doesn’t really understand the world she lives in. Everyone in her world has ‘abilities’, powers that they gained as they matured. Most people gain their powers/magical ability by the time they reach their sixteenth cycle. No one ever really knew what their ability would be, some abilities were incredibly useful or entertaining; while others were pretty much useless. Willow hasn’t got hers yet, she really hopes when she does, that they would make her special or would help better her position within the society. When her world comes under threat, Willow and a group of her friends set out on a quest to save all of existence. She discovers more than she could ever have imagined; not just about herself, but about her world and that of all existence. We learn along with her of the ancients, the guardians, the portals, the different realms, an evil king, a whole lot of different races and beings- and all the predictions contained in a book called The Portal Prophecies that can help them in their quest. The prophecies are the key to their success and survival; which they will need to decipher before it’s too late. Each book has its own prophecy to figure out, which results in a new and exciting adventure. This story is quite fast paced, very detailed and descriptive- with a very complex and multi-layered plot. A lot was going on, especially in book one, where to begin with I had a little trouble ‘getting into the story’ because there was so much to keep track of while the foundations to the book and series were laid out. But after a while, I settled into the story more and began to really enjoy it. I liked the characters and enjoyed watching them develop and grow in confidence as the story progressed. I did like seeing that Willow grew a lot throughout the series. She really was on a journey of discovery- not just about the quest and prophecies, but about herself and her own strengths and limitations. She also has an increase in her confidence, as her powers and abilities manifest and increase- she also discovers that she is capable of so much more than she ever imagined. All the characters were really well thought out, beautifully crafted, and are unique and memorable. If you enjoy young adult fantasy, action and adventure- with quirky characters that you can’t help but root for, love real value for money (3 books in one purchase price), and a captivating storyline….. then you really should grab this book and dive in, you’ll be entertained for hours!
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 Hayes2018-07-11 09:09:442019-01-29 09:10:34The Portal Prophecies Volume I (The Portal Prophecies Volumes Book #1) by C.A King – Review by Angela Hayes
The Saint of Liars is the second book in The Lucky Devil Series by Megan Mackie. I am absolutely loving this brilliant series! After falling in love with the first book, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this second instalment. I dove right in and devoured it in a day. It is definitely every bit as good as the first book, and there is no way that I could pick a favourite out of the two. The overarching storyline is spellbinding and full of intricate details and incredible world building. This is an urban fantasy with cyberpunk/neon-dystopia and paranormal elements. There is magic, action adventure, suspense, some mystery, drama, tension, chemistry, intrigue, danger, secrets, different realms….as well as a slew of mystical and mythical creatures. We are back with Rune Leveau at the Luck Devil Bar. We Met Rune in Book one when she had inherited the bar from her Aunt who had recently passed away. There is a lot more to Rune than meets the eye, even she isn’t fully aware of what she is capable of. She had traumatic past event that had forced her into changing her identity and keeping a low profile. But when a mysterious and sexy stranger turns up at the bar, her past catches up with her and her adventure begins. Saint Benedict is a corporate spy who is on the hunt for a programmer and some missing files. Little does he know that Rune has a much closer connection to the case than he could ever imagine. Circumstances throw these two together where they needed to work together to figure everything out, all the while trying to stay one step ahead of the sinister forces hell bent of getting their hands on the information first. This puts them in impossibly difficult and dangerous situations that will test them both- and put her life, and the fate of the Lucky Devil Bar, on the line. This story picks up two months after the events in book one. Rune is still coming to grips with everything that happened and hasn’t seen or heard from Saint Benedict since her revelation. But when assassins target her, Saint Benedict turns up and another new adventure begins- as they try stay out of the clutches of their evil foe, elude the assassins, and continue their search for the missing Masterson Files. Which results in some incredible, action paced reading. Ms. Mackie has delivered a rich, vibrant and vividly detailed story set in a cleverly constructed and interesting world. This is world building on a masterful level. The characters are truly brilliant- so well crafted and fully developed. There are a lot of characters to keep track of, but the story is so well written that I didn’t have any trouble keeping up. I loved how the characters grow and evolve as the story progresses. One of the better things to come out of the whole experience for Rune was that she ‘found’ herself and continues to discover new facets about herself and about her ‘abilities’. I couldn’t help but think how much of Tatiana’s story mirrored Runes. I love the chemistry between Rune and Saint Benedict, I really hope something comes from that. I have been guessing as to how their story will play out and I can’t wait to find out if I am right, or wrong. The only thing I felt was not as on point as the first book, and became a little confusing at times, was when one characters POV flowed right into another characters POV, without any lead in. But this minor issue didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment of the story. The story twists and turns, with lots of surprises and unexpected developments that had me on the edge of my seat in expectation. I really can’t wait to continue this story/series…. I sooooo hope there is a book three!!!!!!!! I can’t recommend this story and author highly enough. You really should read it for yourself, you won’t be disappointed!!!
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 Hayes2018-07-10 09:10:482019-01-29 09:11:43The Saint of Liars (Lucky Devil Series Book #2) by Megan Mackie – Review by Angela Hayes
Unsteady by Elizabeth York is a wonderful second chances/contemporary romance. It is well written, with depth to the storyline, and lots of emotion. I could feel and ‘see’ the heart and soul that Ms. York has infused into this story, which made the experience all the more memorable. The characters are complex, but beautifully developed ‘people’ who took me on a journey that I didn’t want to leave. There were times that they frustrated me, and I really wanted to shake some sense into them in those moments- but that’s only because I had emotionally connected to them and their story. London and Logan have a history, with shared experiences and memories, but they also contain painful reminders of broken hearts. What happens when lies and trust issues get in the way of finding happiness? How could they have gone from being so close, to years later having lived apart for so long. What happened to break them apart? What happens when they meet again after all that time? Can they overcome the secrets and lies? What does the future hold for them? Trying to condense this story into a short and concise review really can’t convey how great this story really is. If you love second chances, romance, emotion, endearing characters, and a story that will tear your heart out and then stitch it back together again- then this is definitely the book for you. I wonder what Ms. York 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 Hayes2018-07-08 09:20:012019-01-29 09:20:49Unsteady by Elizabeth York – Review by Angela Hayes
Peddling Doomsday by Petra Jacob is a great psychological drama with prophecies, cults/secret organisations, rituals, conditioning, cover ups, lies, hidden agendas, control, suspense, and intrigue. Ms. Jacob is a new-to-me author whose work I have enjoyed exploring with this book. The story was very intriguing and suspenseful- Ms. Jacob certainly turned up the dial on the tension and anticipation to HIGH. The story is complex, with a lot more going on between the covers than I was initially expecting. Things are definitely not what they seem. Parallels can be drawn between this storyline and our society today, as well as the inner workings of a cult, and the many and varied conspiracy theories that abound on the subject of ‘media distraction’. The story gives us a front row seat to all of this and more, while drawing on mankind’s search for some meaning in our lives- and how many are looking to belong, for fulfillment, and a ‘better’ way of life. The characters were really well thought out, and were many and varied, they all had their own quirks, traits and personalities- The characters really drove this story and made it more interesting. I was rooting for Deirdre, and others, the whole way through. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Jacobs work.
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 Hayes2018-07-08 09:17:442019-01-29 09:18:42Peddling Doomsday by Petra Jacob – Review by Angela Hayes
The Scrying is the first book in The Scrying Trilogy and debut novel by Jaci Miller. This was a fantastic story and a superb debut! I was engrossed in the story right from the beginning. Let’s face it- she had me at modern witch and ancient warrior. I couldn’t get my hands on the book fast enough, and spent the night locked in this spellbinding tale. I didn’t want to put it down till I had read every last word. The story is dark and romantic- full of self-sacrifice, destiny/fate, secrets, ancient evil, prophecy, magic…. And much more. Dane and Rafe are really brilliant characters who captivated me and had me completely invested in them and the story, the whole way through… and still am! I can’t wait to dive into the next book ASAP! Ms. Miller writes a riveting story, but her world building is what really made the most impression on me- it is incredible. I was transported into the story, experiencing it in vivid colour right alongside the characters. Her words, and attention to detail brought everything to life, making the ‘world’ and everything that happened, so realistic and believable. Bring on book #2!
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 Hayes2018-07-08 09:16:232019-04-06 08:28:26The Scrying (The Scrying Trilogy Book #1) by Jaci Miller – Review by Angela Hayes
Dragon’s Pursuit is a novella in the Red Slaves Series by Tonya Cannariato. It has dragons, romance, battle scenes, action, adventure, some politics, different realms, a corrupt regime, paranormal beings/creatures, and more- all set in futuristic Russia. This is Maxim Krempenski’s story- he is a political science student and dragon shifter. He’s working on his thesis and not too far away from earning his PhD- which he hopes to use as another means for his shifter family to survive. But his plans get waylaid, as he ends up at the Hotel Paranormal- which is where this story gets really interesting. Add a sexy undercover KGB agent into the mix and the sparks fly. Will Yuliya follow her orders and ultimately betray Max, or will her heart overrule her head? This is a very short story, with a fast pace that made it really easy to read. Even though you could read this as a standalone, I recommend reading the other books in the series first, as you will have much more information to draw on- which will only improve your enjoyment of this story! I hope there are more books/novellas yet to come.
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 Hayes2018-07-08 09:13:302019-01-29 09:15:06Dragon’s Pursuit: A Red Slaves Novella by Tonya Cannariato – Review by Angela Hayes
Chasing Petalouthes (Chasing Butterflies) is the third and final book in The Gift Saga by Effie Kammenou. What a great series this has been, and what a way to bring this saga some closure. There is tragedy, flawed characters, heart ache, trying to find your place in the world- all wrapped up in this ‘next generation’ coming of age story. The story was every bit as good as the other two, but seemed to manage to etch itself just a little deeper into my heart. This book/series has been so lovingly crafted by Ms. Kammenou. She has a really wonderful way with words, and a style that lends itself to stories that will evoke emotion in the reader. Ms. Kammenou’s vivid imagery paints a ‘landscape’ using words, bringing this beautiful story/series to ‘life’- the story becomes so visual. The story had me so tied up in knots, emotionally, right from the beginning. I really felt for these characters and what they were, and had been though. I did wonder quite a lot through the story about what the end would have in store for them. This story/ series is wonderful, but the characters are really what makes it so special- and I have enjoyed every step of the way- heartache, happiness and all. I think this book is my favourite of the series, Ms. Kammenou leaving the best till last! It is a little sad to think this journey is over, but I am also intrigued by what Ms. Kammenou will do 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 Hayes2018-07-08 09:12:012019-01-29 09:13:14Chasing Petalouthes (The Gift Saga Book #3) by Effie Kammenou – Review by Angela Hayes
BOB by Tegon Maus is a great Sci-fi story that has so much more going for it that you would expect from such an unassuming name. As soon as I saw this title pop up in my feed I was tempted to ignore it because, well, BOB didn’t really inspire anything in me- but I decided to read the blurb anyway and that sparked my curiosity as I really enjoy a good science fiction/fantasy story. I am happy that I took a chance on this book, because it was really entertaining! Tegon Maus has created a very original story that is full of imagination and wonder. The story is different from a lot of others in this genre and I found it very intriguing- it definitely kept me guessing the whole way through. I don’t want to reveal too much or give away spoilers, I really think this book is one of those ones you should dive into blind and let the author and storyline surprise you. The characters are fully developed, interesting, somewhat quirky, and likeable individuals. They definitely weren’t what I was expecting when I first started the book. It was a pleasure getting to know them along the way. Tegon Maus has a bold, vivid, descriptive and inviting style- which made this story come alive. I am very interested in reading more of this author’s work!
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 Hayes2018-07-07 09:26:502019-01-29 09:27:41Bob by Tegon Maus – Review by Angela Hayes
Yes, Sir is a sexy, fun novella by J. Richards and Haley Monroe. The steam was rising off the pages as I zipped through this engaging story. There was a lot more to it than it first appeared, and I enjoyed the surprising developments/twists. This story introduces us to Abby and we follow her on her erotic and kinky adventure where she learns a lot, and not just about herself. What happens when the spark dies in a marriage? What would you do to reignite it? Would you explore your fantasies? This is the predicament that Abby finds herself in- and the choices she makes results in some very interesting and sizzling reading. A really great, very quick and easy read.
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 Hayes2018-07-06 09:23:132019-01-29 09:24:33Yes, Sir by J. Richards & Haley Monroe – Review by Angela Hayes
Georgia On My Mind is the second book in the Southern Promises Series by K.G Fletcher. I am really loving this sweet, romantic series! The first book was sublime, but this book is even better! It is an erotic, funny, emotive, romantic, and really well written story that had me hooked right from the beginning. It was so easy to read and very easy to love. Gia and Hartford (Hart) are wonderful, complex characters that grabbed me immediately and pulled me into their story….. And what a really great story it is! Full of spicy, sexy details that sizzled off the pages- with secrets, lies, regrets, and drama- adding even more interest to this fabulous story. Hartford Parker is Katie’s brother (Georgia Clay Book #1) who has moved back to town after a scandalous situation left his life in tatters. He’s been house-sitting at his sisters’ home, while she is away on tour with her boyfriend, licking his wounds and trying to figure out his next move. He is a little lost and doesn’t know what to do to get back in ‘the game’. The last thing he expects is to have his drive and determination reawakened by an incredibly beautiful Marilyn Monroe impersonator. A simple cup of coffee with this stunning woman turns his world on end. The more he gets to know her, the more he wants to help her. She’s incredibly independent, but he’s determined to help her no matter how much she might object. Will meeting Hart be the beginning of a bright future for Gia, or will a terrible mistake cost her this chance at love? This is such a wonderful addition to the series, definitely my pick of the two so far. I can’t wait to read the next book “Georgia Pine”.
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 Hayes2018-07-04 09:34:522019-01-29 09:36:36Georgia On My Mind (Southern Promises Series Book #2) by K.G Fletcher – Review by Angela Hayes.
We may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.
Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.
Essential Website Cookies
These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.
Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refuseing them will have impact how our site functions. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site.
We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain.
We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. You can check these in your browser security settings.
Google Analytics Cookies
These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience.
If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here:
Other external services
We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.
Google Webfont Settings:
Google Map Settings:
Google reCaptcha Settings:
Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:
Other cookies
The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them:
Privacy Policy
You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page.
The Past Returns by Linda Burson
