Ayla Phipps – Page 3 – Itsy Bitsy Book Bits

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Touched: Elemental Passions Book One by Skye Turner, Sloane Nicole, April D. Berry, C.J. Pinard, Danielle Jamie, Darlene Tallman, Julie Morgan, Livell James, Machelle Hanleigh, and Melissa MacKinnon – Review by Ayla Phipps

April 30, 2024/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Ayla Phipps

Touched by Skye Turner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow oh wow. First off, the incredible authors that wrote this book have a level of talent beyond imagination. Personally, the book was seamless and impossible to tell that it was written by ten authors. The flow was pure perfection, and every chapter pulls you deeper into the hidden world of New Orleans and Laric. Dual perspectives of Aeris and Callum.
Aeris is a Fae that lives within the wards of her colony, Laric. She has always been a bit of a rule breaker. The world is so big that she wants to explore all of it and thus sneaks out of the wards on the regular. She flies around New Orleans watching the “humans” and walking amongst them. With her glamor in place, she is invisible to all humans with one surprise. Callum, a New Orleans Detective on the verge of a big bust of the Trahan Brothers. Suddenly walking on the sidewalk to meet his informant he feels someone behind him. Seeing nothing he turns around only a moment later to feel a jolt and come face to face with the most beautiful woman he has ever seen in his life. Completely stunned Aeris doesn’t know what to do she fears her glamor has failed and now this human can see her. Hours later they came face to face again, her less worried after confirming he was the only one that could somehow see her. Only its more body to truck, as he accidentally hits her with his. Pedestrians think he is crazy seeing him act like he hit someone and talking to himself. The next day she promises to tell him everything if he meets her only, he has a surprise for him too.
What is Callum that allows him to see Aeris? They are Kindreds but what does that mean? How many other magical, or mystical beings will be revealed? Having been to New Orleans it truly has an other worldly feel to it. The mingling of all walks of life found in such a small area is interesting in the most inspirational ways. The way the authors capture that mystery and magic makes you smile and believe with all your heart that you never truly know what or who someone truly is beyond the glamor they show you on the street. I certainly cannot wait for book two, Enveloped, later this year. I am joining the fan group now. This is only the beginning, and I cannot to see what happens next.

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Hell in a Handbasket (Life is Hell Series Book 3) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Ayla Phipps

April 28, 2024/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Ayla Phipps

Hell in a Handbasket by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Finally, some insights. Not gonna lie Naomi Valkyrie has me by the horns with this series. I have wanted some more information on the mysterious tracker demon Teivel since his introduction in book one. Oren is no different, he is the only demon hunter descendant to make it out of that book alive and we need some insight into that part of this world. Dual perspectives of Teivel and Oren.
Oren discovers he is a demon hunter descendant in book one but hasn’t been able to learn anything about what that means. Numerous online searches only result in Hollywood information and nothing real. He agrees to be trained by Teivel only for him to disappear for weeks and no word. Teivel only agreed to help his ex-Malakhi in book one because they both lost their lover, and he took his anger all out on him but now Oren is the true reason he can’t stay away now. Even if he can’t and won’t admit it to himself. A shot in the dark case knocks on Teivel’s door to find out if a dragon has survived and still lives. This keeps him busy and away until a visit to see Oren changes everything. The truth behind his “shot in the dark” case arrives literally at their doorstep. Along the way to learning how to be together they now must figure out how to care for this incredibly rare baby.
Will they survive the changes? Can Teivel let go of the past to accept the new future? How will Oren deal with the new changes to who he is? Everything about this series is designed to pull you in to make you care for every new main character as much as you care about the first set. I love how the author brings in the characters in other books with bits and pieces here and there until you finally get the full story and see the growth that they go through. I cannot wait for book 4, Sure as Hell, to learn more about the new character Jaru, and of course Larkspur from book two and what will come next for them and Soren. See you there.

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Master Oradea (Masters of the Consulate Book 10) by Sylvia Black – Review by Ayla Phipps

April 26, 2024/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Ayla Phipps

Master Oradea by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ooooo. This series is literally life I was up all night waiting for this one to hit. Sylvia Black’s talent in having one every evolving story while also each individual story for each book/couple is inspiring. Dual perspectives of Oradea and Natalia.
Master Oradea is beyond angry at the recent discovery of Lucas, Overmaster Descallia’s right hand man being a traitor and refuses to let him hide in his territory. All the masters are in shock and questioning everyone around them, even the loyalty of Embry. Lucas’s “mate” that he left behind, that has fought time and time again for the vampires as she is now being treated as an enemy. As if all her deeds never existed. Natalia is the younger sister of the Benzini family, with four older brothers. The rogues take interest in her with a warning sent through her for her brothers, her innocence doesn’t go unnoticed by the vampires. When the “plan” around the necklaces doesn’t work as planned the entire group is forced to look at themselves the Masters’ disbelief in the loyalty of the witches, even their own mates cause the power to be zapped from the crystals. Everything needs to change; trust needs to build and begin within the core group of the Master’s and mates as pairs not just to each other as males and females separate or only trusting their own mates. Too many questions and more keep rising as the end gets closer.
Can everyone learn to trust each other? Will Oradea get his enchantress? How can Natalia communicate with them without words? Everything about this series pulls you in. Each book more questions appear and few answers in the build for the sure to be epic finale. Only two books left in the Masters of the Consulate and honestly, I am holding my breath. What will happen next? What secrets will be revealed? Who will betray them next? Book 11, Master Bistrita, July 19th, 2024. I’ll see you there.

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Drag Me Down (Full Throttle Cyborgs Series) by Landra Graf – Review by Ayla Phipps

April 24, 2024/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Ayla Phipps

Drag Me Down by Landra Graf
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Mars, gang-towns, racing, secrets. Love the worlds Landra Graf creates. While this is the fourth book in the series I mostly did fine with understanding the story the only confusion in some ways was not fully understanding the past of some of the other characters in relation to the female lead of this book. As she says at one point in the room with all four male leads of the series so far, Snapper, Jack, Hemi and Drag, “she has left her mark on all of them.” Primarily told through the perspectives of Drag and Bridget.
Twelve years have passed since Drag lost everything. His gang, his home, and the only woman he ever loved, not to mention his arm. Now he is about to be at the same place again, the Mars Racing Championship. The night before the big qualifying race his past comes back asking for the mother of all favors. In the time since “that” day Bridget hasn’t been able to be herself, to drop the act. To be herself she risks losing everything, including herself. Now is her chance, all she needs is him and she can have her cover to get the proof she needs to rid not only herself but the entire planet of Mars of the monster that is Moag Cheatham. The sponsor that truly ruined her entire life and the future she and Drag had planned for themselves, together. Both feel betrayed. Both feel that it’s a trap that will close in around them at any moment. Moag wants to replace Briget if she continues to decline his proposal, to bring in someone more subservient who he can control. Drag wants to revive his town to its former glory, to help his people and thrive once again. Is this real or just another act?
Will Bridget get the proof in time? Can they let go of the past and accept the present? Who will come out on top? Everything in this world is mostly relatable, minus all the cybernetics, but realistic in nature. People often have their own hidden agendas and are willing to do whatever it takes to come out on top. All they wanted was each other, to be together and build a future together. Everything was flipped on its head and twelve years later flipped again. Together, will they finally find their happily ever after?

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Stop that Lion (Kingdom of Mir Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Ayla Phipps

April 19, 2024/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Ayla Phipps

Stop That Lion: A Tale of Friendship Love and Peace by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book hit all the feels for times long past. The beautiful illustrations the real-world lion eats lambs story all gave the feel of classic Disney golden books. Feeding on the reality that children see the world differently was center stage in this book. Crazy how only a little girl thought to ask questions about the situation in hopes of finding a solution that was fair to all. Wonderful book can’t wait for my next Lois Wickstrom book fix.

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Queen of the Fairies by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Ayla Phipps

April 19, 2024/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Ayla Phipps

Queen of the Fairies by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Honestly, I love every book I read by Lois Wickstrom. They are not only always beautifully illustrated, but they are always considerate and fun to read. The Queen of the Fairies was no different. With the back and forth of what good fairies versus bad fairies would or could do makes growing minds understand in an easy way the difference between good and bad. Also, can’t forget the secret revealed at the end. Always lighthearted and left smiling at the end of this incredible author’s books.

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Hell Hath No Fury (Life is Hell Series) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Ayla Phipps

April 15, 2024/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Ayla Phipps

Hell Hath No Fury by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lord how mercy that doll, nope. This is the second book in the Life is Hell series, and yes to get the full understanding of the book and the story I would highly recommend reading book one, No Rest for the Wicked, first. It helps the story be more understandable as everything started in book one. Hell Hath No Fury, begins in the weeks after the conclusion of book one, before the epilogue of book one. Dual perspectives of Millicent and Sheridan.
Millicent is a deputy in the little town of Juniper Lake. She once thought that it was a safe place to live until two murders and a disappearance rocked the little town and her to their core. While she is quickly filled in by her boss Sheriff Malakhi on the truth of what happened in book one, including that Delilah and Sheridan are demons she is filled with anger. She questions how long or if they would have told her the truth if she didn’t ask. Paranoia fueled by mysterious, magical gifts that disappear once she has opened them only make her feel more unsafe. Sheridan enjoyed life in the city until her best friend and boss Delilah decided to take a hiatus that led to her selling her bar and moving to Juniper Lake. With no choice Sheridan pops into Delilah’s cabin in need a of new place to live. The moment she first sees Deputy Millicent Casey she has her heart, and she suddenly wants to know what it’s like to care about someone and be cared for. After a week of being tormented by a porcelain doll that keeps coming back Millicent gives up her plan of ignoring it and it will go away and goes to Delilah for help. She can’t live like this anymore. Instantly defensive Sheridan is forced to face her feelings for Millicent and stop trying to be subtle. Given an unwinnable ultimatum everything comes to light with the fates of Millicent and Sheridan in the air until the dust settles.
Can Sheridan protect Millicent? Will they get a chance to see if they can work? The world of Juniper Lake continues to get more complex as Sheridan and Millicent’s story builds from Delilah and Malakhi’s. Favors called in once more and secrets weave a bigger web of mystery that builds to the end. I am caught in this world and can’t see what happens next. Teivel and Oren’s story is next in Hell in a Handbasket. I’ll see you there.

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Sugar & Spice (Spicetopia Series) by Phoebe Alexander – Review by Ayla Phipps

April 10, 2024/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Ayla Phipps

Sugar & Spice by Phoebe Alexander
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh, what spicy sweet bliss this book held within its pages. This is the first book not only of the Spicetopia series but the first book I have read by Phoebe Alexander. To say I wasn’t disappointed would be an understatement. Dual perspectives of Cyrus Sweet and Jolie Cox.
Cy is the youngest son of the Sweet Enterprises company. Given no choice in the matter he is forced to be the undercover boss at his parents’ family theme park, Sweetopia. Rumors of a Rebel Alliance have caused concerns, and they need answers on who to fire to stop it all in its tracks before it goes public. Jolie is the coveted Red Velvet Queen of Sweetopia. While during the day she works at a family theme park as the lead heroine at night she is a dominatrix. Both jobs daily as she fights to make ends meet to support her mom and her two sons, one of which is terminally ill. Marcus Young (Cy), British summer temp worker, immediately he is drawn to Jolie, and she is drawn to him neither understanding the hold the other has over their bodies but embracing the summer fling. In Jolie’s words it’s just for a few months and she’ll never see him again, and she deserved a little fun in her life. Until everything becomes so much more, Cy’s eyes are opened to the reality of the employees under his family’s company, the long hours and little pay or even appreciation. Everything starts to come to light, who he truly is, who the leader is of the rebel alliance, and all the dark truths his parents would prefer to keep hidden are brought to light.
When the time comes will Cy choose the girl or his family? How does Spicetopia come to be? This world isn’t fantasy or anything magical, the characters, the backstories and plots are all plausible in real world lives. The struggles of being a single mom with the added pressure of a sick child. The blinding realities of reality when seen through the perspective of everyday citizens. While the main goal was information for his parents Cy and Jolie both go on missions of discovery, growth, understanding, and more in this sweet and spicy quick read. I cannot wait to see what happens next in book two, Virtue & Vice, with Moon and Katja’s story and more about Cy and Jolie.

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Before I Let You Go by Kellie Wallace – Review by Ayla Phipps

April 7, 2024/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Ayla Phipps

Before I Let You Go by Kellie Wallace
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

So much mystery. This is my third new author for the month of April and so far, my favorite. The world Kellie Wallace builds is one of reality and possibilities. Main female character Elsbeth is intriguing and inspiring.
Elsbeth feels at peace in nature and when she finishes renovating essentially her dream home everything begins to end and begin at the same time. Her boyfriend of three years had never been faithful with her and yet she held on to the hope until he proposed the night, she found proof, and a light went off and she was done. She began to take back her life, her independence and a call from her mom gave her everything she needed to move forward. Great-aunt Lorraine had passed away, she had a remote island off the coast of Guernsey and was the opportunity she needed to, as her daddy said, fly and be free. But quickly she begins to see the flaws in her hope and the light when Bishop appears in the middle of the night at her door.
Can Elsbeth help Bishop discover his past? Will Elsbeth be able to solve the mysteries of her new island before it becomes too much? How can she move forward when everything is said and done? Everything about this book pulls you in and fills you with the mystery and emotions of the characters as you hope for Elsbeth to get everything she deserves and more. Cannot wait to read more by this incredible author.

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The Archcrusade: Tome One (The Archcrusade Series) by K. M. Hogenson – Review by Ayla Phipps

April 5, 2024/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Ayla Phipps

The Archcrusade: Tome One: The Archspawn – Pilgrimage & Prophecies by K.M. Hogenson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Details. Complexity. Intrigue. Before this book I had never heard of the incredibly talented K.M. Hogenson, but I now hold them in the same category as Tolkien. Told from over thirty perspectives, this book will pull you into its realm and hold you captive from beginning to end.
Watercress is a healing mage and initially didn’t know there was a difference between knowing a spawn from and Archspawn, until he saw one for himself. He has dedicated his life to raising the Archspawn Basil and protecting his secret from everyone including the boys’ own parents, all to protect him from the High King and those that would only use him for what he was. When a rogue band of rhysic raid the birthplace of the first archangel the crusade begins. For his own protection from the dangers of the front-line Basil is tasked with being the healing mage for an elite group with a mission from their Low King to find the oracle in hopes of learning helpful information about the events to come and the fate of the kingdoms. Over time things shift Basil begins to learn the truth of not only who he is but what he is and what it means to be an Archspawn.
Will the crusade be a success? Can Watercress and Basil survive to be reunited? What will come of the realm if the humans go to war with the rhysic? Everything about this book builds an incredible world. While so many perspectives could seem overwhelming or confusing the incredible character index and maps in the book help keep everything understandable and easy to follow as the perspectives build on each other. What begins in one perspective will pick up in another with more information and details that weren’t included in the previous. Honestly felt like I was watching a movie with how many details and information is included and I cannot wait to see what happens next.

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Fay’s Kindness Parade (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Ayla Phipps

April 1, 2024/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Ayla Phipps

Fay’s Kindness Parade by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Winter is coming and Fay must migrate to warmer waters. G Pa Rhymes always such realistic situations that Cray and the ocean’s creatures face such as the whale trapped in the net. The always beautiful illustrations of Erica Leigh bring the words to life with vibrate colors. There is always time to help those around you in need as Fay and Cray show throughout this fun read. At the back it has information on why Turtle Fay needed to leave the Bay for warmer waters and how we can help the ocean and its creatures from harmful situations like the whale faced. Fun informative little series that always spreads good values can’t wait to see what Cray and his friends face next.

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Mermaid Tails by Suzanna Lynn – Review by Ayla Phipps

April 1, 2024/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Ayla Phipps

Mermaid Tails by Suzanna Lynn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Stunning, creative read. This is the first book I have read by the incredible Suzanna Lynn, and I can tell you know she has a lifetime fan already in me. Mermaid Tails seems like a pretty straightforward book but it’s anything but. Filled from front to back with interesting facts about different ocean creatures followed by stunning creative Mermaid versions by the incredible Suzanna Smith. The beautiful illustrations gave me Thumbelina and Fern Gully feel, two of my all-time favorite movies since I was little. Wonderful book for all ages. I know I’ll be getting a physical copy asap for my shelf for future use.

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No Rest for the Wicked (Life is Hell Series) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Ayla Phipps

March 29, 2024/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Ayla Phipps

No Rest for the Wicked by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Burn out in need of a vacation turns into a messy mystery. Truly one of my all-time favorite authors I take every chance I am given to read one of Naomi Valkyrie’s books and they never disappoint. Book one of the Life is Hell series gives us a bang of an introduction to this tiny world with big secrets hiding in the shadows. Dual perspectives of Delilah and Malakhi this book takes you on a mystery from two different sides.
Delilah is essentially a vengeance demon that gets revenge on cheating partners. Two hundred years ago that’s what she sold her soul to do for herself when her boyfriend cheated on her. Life in the big city has become too much and she is in dire need of a vacation and after three days of driving she finds a tiny town in the middle of nowhere, Juniper Lake. Sheriff Malakhi has been in Juniper Lake for five years, and after pretending to be human for so long he has forgotten how to research the paranormal way. Summoning circles, a murdered demon hunter and the intriguing Delilah have his head spinning on how they are all connected. Mortified with herself that she fell for a trap Delilah has no choice but to follow the orders the trio of witches give her, no matter how much she doesn’t want to. No rest for the wicked irks her as during the day she tries to find ways to free herself of their binding and reclaim her freedom from them. Thanks to an old journal she discovers that the unassuming little town has a history with demons but how and why.
Can Delilah free herself before Malakhi figures out who she is? Will she give into her attraction to Malakhi? What life could she have in Juniper Lake if she gave in to the urge to move there? The author never skimps on the details and this book is no different. Instantly sucked into the world as you devour the pages in search of answers with Delilah and Malakhi. Both intriguing characters as they have lived far longer than they look and after such mundane lives they have a spark of interest and curiosity in each other that despite trying to fight it sometimes they can’t help but be drawn to each other. I am trapped in this world but it’s in a good way. Can’t wait to jump into book two in the Life is Hell series, Hell Hath No Fury, and learn more about Sheridan. Delilah’s friend that looks after the bar during her vacation. I’ll see you there.

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Web of Evil (Hani’s Daughter Mysteries) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Ayla Phipps

March 27, 2024/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Ayla Phipps

Web of Evil by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The more they dig the worse it gets. Absolutely love this series and need to go back to read Lord Hani’s series. Neferet and Bener-ib are back and once again find themselves amid a mystery.
It’s summer and the city heat can be overwhelming so the sunets take the orphans they care for to Neferet’s fathers’ country home on weekends to enjoy the open fields cooler air. What started as a calm day quickly became so much more when her father and brother-in-law return from their boat ride on the river with the body of a man that the reed cutters discovered. By the looks of the mans clothing they discover he must be from the local village and possibly a scribe. As midday looms overhead and the sun beats down on them Neferet, Bener-ib, Hani, Mut-tuy and their dog brute head to the village to speak with the mayor. Upon discovering that the mayor is a woman, Neferet is impressed and pleased at such a rare site but quickly discover the man, Tjay, is not well liked in the village and could have a long list of possible suspects in his passing. Meeting his wife Ta-em-resefu only confirms the dislike and the knowledge he did not treat her and their children well. Estranged from his entire family, besides a sister that is described as a strange bond with the entire village is a suspect. The webs begin for form when the wife explains that the mayor is Tjay’s stepmother, but that even she did not side with him and helped to protect his wife and children when he was in a bad mood.
In a village of potential suspects how will they narrow it down? With so many reasons to end him, what was the final straw? Will Neferet succeed before it’s too late and the webs catch her? Once more this author pulls you back in time giving you a historically beautiful world mixed with relatable current day mystery and suspense. We continue to see Neferet grow and evolve as she becomes more experienced in not only reading the people around her but the environment. Will she be able to learn enough to keep out of the traps being laid around her pulling her deeper into the webs of evil that surround what she thought was an innocent scribe taken too soon. I cannot wait to see what will come next from this author.

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Give Us Bad Boys & Billionaires by L.M. Mountford – Review by Ayla Phipps

March 25, 2024/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Ayla Phipps

Give Us Bad Boys and Billionaires by L.M. Mountford
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Short, not so sweet, and extra spicy. Before this book I had never heard of The Lord of Lust L.M. Mountford but I won’t ever forget. Don’t let the 700+ pages scare you off, this book is a collection of his dark and steamy romances that vary from three to nine chapters with one being twenty-three chapters long. The lead up is short for the most part and the spicy is on point and enough to make you check the room for who is near, even when sitting alone in your car in the pickup line waiting for kids to get out of school.
The lengths are perfect for a quick little adrenaline boost if you will in the dull moments of everyday life. Most being short enough to finish in an hour or less, so perfect for a mom of two little boys who needed a moment to relax. While several of the stories intrigued me my favorite must be Unfinished Ex. No joke I finished that little six-chapter entry and was left wanting more. Needing to know if Vickey and Jake can get a hea and if Jake is able to take down “The King of the People” who is nothing more than a creep and con man, in more than a few ways. Everything about that story had me needed more to be honest. Hehe.
I know one thing for certain after this steamy collection I will be looking into this talented author’s other works very soon.

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The Glow in Loretta’s Garden (Loretta’s Insects) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Ayla Phipps

March 13, 2024/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Ayla Phipps

The Glow in Loretta’s Garden by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Beautiful watercolor illustrations that bring the pages to life. Lois Wickstrom is a treasure in the way she takes a very common thing, such as a kid interested in bugs and turns it into an informative story for all ages to enjoy. In the story Loretta finds “armadillo bugs” which is the name she gives one of the four stages of a fireflies’ life cycle. While at first Loretta took the bugs and put them in her ant farm to observe them, she later releases them back into her garden. She wants to find more of them but when she discovers the eggs, she respects nature and covers them back up until they hatch on their own. The life of fireflies at the end honestly was informative for the whole family and left us all with one question, There’s glowing turtles?

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The Hidden Present (Invisible Magic Wand) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Ayla Phipps

March 13, 2024/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Ayla Phipps

The Hidden Present by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Always such colorful illustrations in this fun series. One of my favorite things about Lois Wickstrom’s works is how she gives common items such interesting names that you wouldn’t think of but make perfect sense. The Hidden Present’s new word is for a compass, it is an Inquisitive Indicator and honestly, I will be using it from now on as a compass does point to the wonders of your mind. Like Caspian you may not always know the questions but following isn’t always such a bad thing, you never know what you’ll find at the end.

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Shadowed Deception: A Psychological Suspense Thriller (Shadow Defense Security Series) by Mavery Ellscott – Review by Ayla Phipps

March 11, 2024/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Ayla Phipps

Shadowed Deception: A Psychological Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Suspense, twists, and unconditional love. This series is already dominating my top five favorite series already. While Drake was sprinkled into book one, and both were in book two, this is finally their time and their story. Dual perspective of Finlay and Drake.
Finlay is an investigative journalist, while on a mission in Mexico she met a seventeen-year-old girl, Gabriella, whose younger sister, twelve-year-old Lola, was taken into the worse trading business in the world. Without hesitation Gabriella flew to Paris in search of her sister and ended up in a trap that landed her owned by Evan. A chance moment taken Gabriella called Finlay who without question flew to Paris and went undercover to help. Thanks to her new best friend, Regan from book two, Drake was sent to look out for her on this dangerous mission. Drake had been watching and thought it was an overexaggerated on Regan’s part until he saw the clues and released that Finlay was poking around something far too big for one person to take on alone. All along the way Drake constantly is battling himself and his attraction to Finlay, while she wants him but thinks he hates her and only sees her as his enemy. Drake’s vast dislike of journalists first showed up in book two and continues here. He understands the power of words and how they can hurt people, only he starts to question his hatred of them when it comes to Finlay, she’s not like them. Finlay wants to better the world and safe everyone she can by exposing bad situations. Everything combined leads to some very intense moments but when the boss that even psycho Evan is afraid of is revealed, is anyone going to be safe again?
Can Finlay keep her promise to save Gabriella and Lola? Will Drake allow himself to follow his heart? Who is the big boss? What do they have to do with Finlay? The characters, honestly keep you coming back time and time again with each little tease. Especially with Drake popping in here and there and now finally getting his story was chef’s kiss. While his reason for hating journalists was sound, he was unfair to lump them all together. Finlay finally accepts she needs help and that she’s not alone. Every page leads to more shock and awe as the story unfolds and leaves you needing answers. Now I am torn between wanting more of Finlay and Drake and really hoping book four will be about Seb and Alexis. Either way I can’t wait, and I’ll see you there when the time comes.

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Basil (Silver Springs Pets Series) by K. Rose – Review by Ayla Phipps

March 9, 2024/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Ayla Phipps

Basil by K. Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Unique new twist on a classic genre. This is not only the first book I have read by the amazing K. Rose, but it is also the first book I have read in the Silver Springs Universe. Primary perspective Basil, but also glimpses of JJ, Theo, and Jo.
Basil was just a normal human until she woke up in the hospital after a fatal car accident and everything felt different, especially her body. Quickly discovering she was no longer a human but a vampire, her main fear was that she was a vegan, and she wasn’t about to change that now. Successfully becoming a truly vegan vampire, she starts over in the supernatural town of Silver Springs. Immediately after she meets her first employee and best friend Lainie. Soon after that she meets JJ and Jo, the owners of the local farm she got most of her ingredients from for her smoothie bar. They call her their flower, their mate. Still confused at the implications, enters Theo all in one day and is told again that she is his snowflake and mate. She never thought it was true vampires, shifters, clones, everything seemed out of a fairy tale, but the emotions were real and quickly she couldn’t resist the need and pull to claim them. Things were going great until hunters showed up and only saw her for the fangs and nothing more.
Can Basil succeed in surviving and living out her new life? What will her mates do to protect their queen? This town honestly sounds amazing and the new twists on supernatural’s brought a refreshing outlook on a highly enriched genre. While I haven’t read any of the other books in the Silver Springs Library (yet), I loved the little cameos by previous characters such as Amber, Violet, and Sugar. I look forward to going back and reading each of their unique stories as well as looking more into this amazing author’s personal works.

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Managing Mischief (Shattered Embrace Series) by Alyndra Quinn – Review by Ayla Phipps

March 7, 2024/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Ayla Phipps

Managing Mischief by Alyndra Quinn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Heart stopping from A to Z. From page one the dedication the incredible Alyndra Quinn informs the writer that Zachary and Ashton get there happily ever after. Only she keeps out the gut wrenching struggles it takes them to reach it. Once again, the dual perspective of Zachary and Ashton takes you on an emotional journey. While this could be read as a standalone honest book one gives the foundation that this power couple was built on and the beginning of their journey into uncharted territory together. Picks up at the end of book one.
Ashton never anticipated shopping with Zachary and in an erotic wonderland she finally enjoys shopping for once. Zachary, while unsure at first about the actual relationship aspect, enjoys it more than he ever thought. She fills the part of his life he never realized was missing until she fell in his lap and filled them for him. He gives her more than she ever anticipated and flourishes under his watchful care. Until, a short three months later one miscommunication, and he falls into the clutches of heartbreak thinking it’s all been fake, built on lies for the benefit of his main rival. Ashton on the other hand is heartbroken at not knowing how to get him to listen to her, to let her explain and prove that it was all real. As quickly as everything began it starts to crumple the fires and longing, keeping them, both connected while their heads battle with their hearts.
How do they reach their happy ending? Can Ashton have it all, the man, and the career? What will happen when Zachary’s rival uses what’s his as a pawn? Everything about this couple draws you in, their deep emotional longing, their acceptance and understanding and more importantly their need to be a whole person and only finding that in each other. You can’t help but drop to your knees and plead that they find their way out the other side together and stronger than ever. I cannot wait for Praise: Mastering Mischief, currently December 2024 release, to see what will happen next for Ashton and Zachary. In the meantime, I have my countdown started for book three in this incredible new series Discovering Desire, April 30th, 2024, and learn more about Derek’s story.

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Outcast (Her Royal Harem: Ember) by Catherine Banks – Review by Ayla Phipps

March 5, 2024/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Ayla Phipps

Outcast by Catherine Banks
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Reverse Harem GOLD. So, I will admit the cover is what pulled my interest in this one and with my goal of finding new to me authors Catherine Banks was a perfect new March author. This is the first book in Her Royal Harem: Ember trilogy and honestly, chefs kiss.
Ember Jasperwood is a mage, but her mixed abilities with no obvious “hybrid” markers causes her very prejudiced community to look down on her. Not only them but her own parents. When her abilities began as a young child, they had her tested and sent to the best mage school but then gave her a cabin, 100 acres of land and a monthly salary as they cut communications with her. All Ember wants to do is be in the woods, her safe space and heal the animals, shifters, and hybrids that she finds or that are brought to her. Only all too soon does everything begin to change, strange magical rocks cover the riverbank, and cursed animals emerge from nowhere in hunt for her blood, the cure to their curse. Her patients become so much more as they choose to stay at her side and help her with these mysteries and more. The men quickly become curious of what else she is as she has a mix of powers that don’t belong to mages as well as not smelling like a mage, but something more.
Who is the one who curses? Can Ember and friends find the truth behind the stones? Why is she being targeted? This world is so rich in details, taking real world problems and transforming them into more complex roles. In a world of shifters and mages and more hybrids are the targets of racism and attacks while the princes are actively trying to change things Ember’s city seems to be falling deeper into the dark. From start to finish this book holds your attention, keeps you guessing and turning the page as you guess and trying to answer the questions of what is going on. I will be counting down to book two and then three of this series in need of seeing what will happen next and how it all ends. Book 2 Outnumbered April 5th, 2024. Book 3 Outshone May 3rd, 2024. Let the countdowns begin, I hope to see you there.

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It Comes From Within (House Valdis Series) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Ayla Phipps

March 1, 2024/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Ayla Phipps

It Comes From Within by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Must read prequel and book one first. This book picks up six months after the events of book one, The Rise of House Valdis. The author does it once again. Multiple perspectives give you every detail and angle of the story as the twists reveal themselves and Mistress Xenobia and her House fight to keep their territory.
Xenobia never wanted to be a leader, while large parts of her memories are missing the goal remains, to protect women and to keep those she has adopted as family safe. Matthew, Onyx, and Chi at her side an unexpected White Queen is behind it all. A memory unlocks itself and Xen is at a loss on what other important memories she is missing, and why are they missing. Merging two houses isn’t easy and Xen is drowning in the chaos that the White Queen is weaving. Deeper still are the connections between Xenobia, Matthew, and Onyx, they are all emotionally broken people trying to claw their way out of trauma. Fighting for any chance of a happy life.
Who is the White Queen? What will happen when Xen finds out? Can House Valdis survive and come out on top again? Naomi Valkyrie you amazing woman, my heart the entire book just kept racing harder and faster with each chapter. The author doesn’t do anything partially, she gives you the good, the bad, and the ugly side of this world and the struggle of living within it. These characters aren’t puppets they take you on a rollercoaster that left me gasping for air. Torn between needing more, what will happen next when or if she is sanctioned to let the nightmare side out. The darkness within her has been there too long and to be in complete control of herself she can’t keep it inside anymore. Will there be more? Will Xenobia return?

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The Rise of House Valdis (House Valdis Series) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Ayla Phipps

February 29, 2024/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Ayla Phipps

The Rise of House Valdis by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Prequel is a must before you read this book. Naomi Valkyrie is like my book goddess no joke. Her mind, her characters, her worlds, stories, just everything is diamond level amazing. This book is told from the perspective of primarily three to four people but has a total of six pov’s by the end of the book.
Xenobia has been on Earth now for seven years, arriving after the events of the prequel with her newly discovered powers. While she has worked hard to learn how to control them an event five years ago caused her to unleash for a moment. Now that issue has returned. Javier is a power-hungry man that will do anything to become a vampire, including forgetting his previous encounter with the true Xenobia and start to send her “messages”. The first is by kidnap of a man’s daughter to “repay” a debt only he is erased when paying it. Luckily, he was able to call Xenobia and she went there to save his daughter and take her in only to heal her in a way she never had before. Giving her blood to the girl to save her life had some risk of powers developing in the girl. Mercy is now alone having lost both of her parents and is now different on a cellular level and now can compel vampires. Detective Matthew Winters is not just a man but a shifter who after a “dream visit” reveals himself to Xenobia and she returns the reveal of herself. Onyx is a vampire that has a very entwined past with Matthew so when he shows up as Javier’s second messenger Matt is thrown for a loop when a painful truth is revealed. Chi is an ancient guardian and feels drawn to Xenobia to support her in the upcoming events with Javier. Xenobia has cut her heart from feeling now she has two men she is drawn to and a growing mountain of stress and threats coming her way.
Who will Xenobia chance her heart with? Can she and her allies beat Javier? How far will he go to get the power he craves? Everything about Xenobia draws you in, how she feels others’ emotions and yet can’t read their minds. She must earn their trust and her theirs to truly understand the private feelings and the meanings behind them. Saving Mercy gave her a blessing in a way she is no longer alone in what she is at least not completely anymore. The twists, turns, growth, evolving and morphing that the story and the characters go through pull you in deeper with every page and I cannot wait for book two, I must know what happens and how it will all end. I’ll meet you there, book two, It Comes from Within.

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Hidden Mischief (Shattered Embrace Series) by Alyndra Quinn – Review by Ayla Phipps

February 27, 2024/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Ayla Phipps

Hidden Mischief by Alyndra Quinn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Domination. Submission. Longing and need. This is the first book I have read by Alyndra Quinn, and I am honestly struggling to organize my thoughts on her amazing talent. Hidden Mischief is the first book in a new series and part one of Ashton and Zachary’s duet.
Ashton is a scientist, everything she does is well researched, thought out and planned. Zachary is the billionaire CEO, Dom that every sub dreams of, only he doesn’t commit long term. Ashton took the biggest leap in her life applying to Shattered Embrace, the local kink club. Only she was full of doubts and fears from the start. Her best friend is co-owner and after years of carefully hiding half of her soul away from him the time has come to be her whole self. Zachary has never “chased” a woman before, but the instant Graham brings her application to him for her interview he’s intrigued by her impact on the experienced Dom. By chance the Ashton in the file is her and he can’t resist the questions in his mind of how she hid under two very established Dom’s without them realizing she was a soul-deep sub. A chance day full of important meetings start their interview early and the immediate electricity, intrigue, rightness, is combustible. She landed in his lap; he wasn’t looking for her and never realized he needed her but now he needs her to be his and no one else’s.
Can Ashton finally be whole? Will Zachary be able to heal her twice rejected soul? How can they work when one is a serial casual and the other plays for keeps? While the overall world isn’t made up the shear intrigue of their world and how they move within it is perfect. Ashton isn’t a doe eyed woman ignoring red flags and chasing fantasies from a book she wants acceptance, to be wanted, and desired. I cannot wait to start book two, Managing Mischief here I come. I just hope they find their HEA because lord they deserve it, and my soul needs it at this point.

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The Curse of Jean Lafitte (The Big Easy Collection) by Mary Walsh – Review by Ayla Phipps

February 23, 2024/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Ayla Phipps

The Curse of Jean Lafitte by Mary Walsh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The City of the Dead in all its mystery. This is the first book I have read by the talented Mary Walsh and honestly the cover drew me in immediately followed but the synopsis. Having finally been to New Orleans for the first time for St. Patrick’s Day in March 2023, I have loved finding books that are based there. The perspective in this book is unique as it is dual perspective but not rigid. Sometimes paragraph to paragraph is from the others point of view and sometimes an entire chapter is primarily one or the other.
Jean Lafitte, and his crew visited Isla Mujeres, warned of the curses to anyone that removes anything from the island. After a treacherously long journey to New Orleans, they discover the cause of so many ailments, a gunner took six jewels from the island, two each of rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. Upon realizing they handled the man and looked to the Voodoo Queen herself, Marie Laveau for help on how to remove the curse. Unfortunately, she double crossed Captain Jean Lafitte and banished himself and his crew to their ship. Only she forgot her notes that revealed on the two-hundredth October new moon to rise over New Orleans the captain alone could leave the ship to find the jewels and remove the curse. Juliet Vance is a baker that is down on her luck and needed work she found a job at Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar. On the night of the new moon, she comes face to face with Jean Lafitte but only passes him off as another drunk. Only the next day everything changes she comes to feel safe with him and wants to help him in his quest to remove the curse. Nothing could have prepared her for what she faced next. Jean could see the ghosts of the French Quarter, everywhere they went but when he touched her, she could suddenly see them too.
Will Jean find the jewels in time to free them all? How will Juliet handle the ghostly side of the city she adopted eight years earlier? What will happen if they fail? Some of the funniest parts are Jean Lafitte learning about modern things, and his first shower honestly gold. Not to mention his first time trying on a pair of jeans. Everything about this book immerses the reader. Honestly if you have been to New Orleans, you will easily picture the places in your mind, taste the drinks mentioned throughout the book. I personally have been to Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, and it truly is just as it is described in the book. From the candles in jars on the tables to the stone furnace in the middle of the room. You can feel the history in the place. New Orleans is truly like no other place in the world, or at least the United States. The moment I left I wanted to return, and this book made me miss it more.

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Deceptively Yours (Titans of Chicago Series) by Anise Storm – Review by Ayla Phipps

February 18, 2024/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Ayla Phipps

Deceptively Yours by Anise Storm
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Everything was perfect until it was all gone. Anise Storm I truly love your work and your incredible talent. This is the first book in a new series, Titans of Chicago. Dual perspectives of Harper Grimes and Gabriel Blake.
Harper and Gabriel are the children of Titans, and he will become one as he gets older. They have been in love their entire lives and have had every detail of their future together planned out. Until…a car “accident” wipes it all away. With her parents gone her only living relative is her mom’s brother, George. The night she is given the devastating news she loses everything and everyone she ever loved when he takes her to Portland. Instantly she is living in hell and the moments of feeling loved and cherished are gone. Nearly ten years passed, and she never stopped loving the boy she left behind, her soulmate. Gabriel never considered life without her at his side, they were soulmates and had everything planned. She was gone and had broken his heart, but even after nearly a decade he still couldn’t hate her, he loved her and always would. Another accident following her questioning where her inheritance was, and she found herself terrified for Gabriel so much so she did the only thing she could. She flew to Chicago to force him to listen to her warnings, he was in danger. Quickly finding her wildest dreams coming true, she was back in his arms, the threat remained and the truth of everything would shatter her beliefs.
What was the true cause of the accident? Can she ever see the truth of who deserved her blame and let go of her fears? Gabriel never could love another, is she truly his again, for good this time? The world was honest and cruel, no shiny knight to rush in at the last moment and save the day. Though there was a man who loved her and against all odds refused to let her disappear from his life again. The journey of the characters overcoming trauma, learning, and accepting the truth, they never stopped fighting for the love they held for the other. I cannot wait for book two and curious to know which Titan will be next, perhaps Daxon and Charlie?

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Treasure Hunt (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Ayla Phipps

February 14, 2024/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Ayla Phipps

Treasure Hunt by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely LOVE this series. Each book shows the readers that not everything is what it seems. This book by Lois Wickstrom proves that treasure is not always gold, treasure can be anything and everything you find valuable to you, such as your grandma. With both of my younger sisters currently pregnant with their first babies I plan to get both of their bundles this entire series for future use.

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Hay Goes Home (The Adventures of Cray Series) by G Pa Rhymes – Review by Ayla Phipps

February 14, 2024/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Ayla Phipps

Hay Goes Home by G Pa Rhymes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This has got to be my favorite book in the series so far, always such beautiful illustrations. Paired with such important lessons for growing minds to learn early. Courage and bravery have many different meanings, and, in this book, they are linked with asking for help and getting to know someone before judging them. With both of my younger sisters currently pregnant with their first babies I plan to get both of their bundles this entire series for future use.

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CUTTER (Devils’ Spawn Daddies Series) by Victoria Saccenti – Review by Ayla Phipps

February 11, 2024/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Ayla Phipps

Cutter: Devils’ Spawn Daddies by Victoria Saccenti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Daaaaang, what a spicy cupcake. Victoria Saccenti has such an amazing way of building suspense, and her stories pull you in so deep you finish it thinking wait it the end already I just started. Dual perspectives Cutter and Emily.
Emily Mayhew is a junior detective in a small Georgia town. As a female the two older male detectives don’t have confidence in her or see her as equal to them. When a case that could earn her, some well-deserved respect presents itself to her she jumps on it, taking it as her baby to see to the end. Cutter is the sergeant at arms in the Devils’ Spawn MC, once known as a one-percenter MC their president Blade is done with that reputation and wants to rejoin the AMA (American Motorcycle Association). At the request of Detective Mayhew, Cutter is taken to the station to have a conversation with her. Instantly the memories of four years early flood them both and their deepest desires right in front of them. Both have been living rent free in the others’ dreams over the past four years and neither is willing to miss the chance of having more when presented before them. The only thing standing in their way, the Sons of Chaos, and their ties to the Oquendo cartel. Chaos will ruin the small town they have moved into, and the cartel is known for three things the running of drugs, guns, and humans. Determined to take them down before everyone suffers the fallout, Emily recruits Cutter to infiltrate Chaos for information. Quickly their intimate relationship finally comes true, but Emily has a stubborn streak and a desire to prove herself no matter the risk to herself if she gets what she wants.
Will Emily be able to survive her bratty determination? Can Cutter get there in time to save her? What will happen with the dust settles? They are each other’s mate to their souls and yet a side of Emily is determined to prove he is no different than the men of her past. Push him too hard he will run but when he doesn’t, she gets conniving and reckless. These characters are both flawed, broken and hungry for the love of the other. The author’s talent in making such complex, infuriating, and caring characters was an amazing joy to read and honestly, I went from aww, to growling at times because of frustration with what was happening. My eyes will certainly be peeled for the next installment in this incredibly spicy and intriguing new series. Fingers crossed for Barron and Yoanni’s story next.

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Magic Wanda (Grandma’s Closet) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Ayla Phipps

February 10, 2024/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Ayla Phipps

Magic Wanda by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Always such beautiful illustrations to accompany the never-ending imagination of Lois Wickstrom and Carrie. Grandma’s really do always have the most interesting stuff. This installment was about magical wandas and honestly my favorite part was the comparison of wands and flashlights. They only work on things outside themselves. How does that make Wanda’s different well you’ll have to read and find out.

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