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Oliver: A Story About Adoption by Lois Wickstrom Reviewed by Christina Gran

Oliver: A Story about AdoptionOliver: A Story about Adoption by Lois Wickstrom

SUCH a cute book. Loved the illustrations throughout the book and the message. Both my 10yr old son & 18 month grandson enjoyed the book and wanted me to reread! A true “feel good” story for the littles and would be a perfect gift for an adoptive family!
In the story, Oliver demonstrates that everyone, adopted or biologically birthed to the family, often reflect on what it might be like to belong to another family.
Best quote of the book is located in the opening paragraph: “he is related to his dad & mom by love & law”. Magnificent way to sum up the term adoption

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Christina Gran

As Close to PerfectAs Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane

Cute, feel good read! I thoroughly enjoyed the book and felt like the characters were my old friends! First Maria Jane book that I have read, but certainly won’t be my last. This book is part of the ‘Perfect’ series; although each book can be read as a stand alone, I am looking forward to going back and reading the first 2 books in the series!

Bree Simmons is tired of having her heart continually broken and wonders if a perfect man truly exists! Since Bree finds it’s jocks that she seems to gravitate towards and therefore has sworn all jocks and athletes off her list of potential dates! Deciding that she was in need of a change, Bree leaves the rat race of the corporate world and accepted a job teaching high school & coaching basketball. While playing tennis, Bree encounters Nate—a handsome jock, who would normally check all Bree’s boxes. True to her word, she tells Nate that they would never be more than friends. As Bree dates other people here & there, she finds herself becoming more & more attracted to Nate and wonders if he really could be the perfect man for her!
Sweet, contemporary romance that leaves the reader rooting for their happily ever after ♥️

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The Happily Ever After Bookstore by Bernadette Marie – Review by Christina Gran

The Happily Ever After BookstoreThe Happily Ever After Bookstore by Bernadette Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Happily Ever After Bookstore by Bernadette Marie

The absolute sweetest book I have read in so long ….had me with all the feels! Wish I could give a gazillion stars….it was THAT good! The author pulls the reader in, having you feel like you are part of the town & the bookshop!

Three love stories, entwined by the Happily Ever After Bookstore—all leave the reader believing that happily ever after is indeed possible!

In the first story, the author demonstrates that sometimes it doesn’t matter how long you’ve know each other—some people are just destined to be together, whether you’ve know each other for 5mins or 5yrs. Fate (as well as shop owner, Leona) intervened when Sadie & Charlie crossed paths at the bookshop during the holiday season. A Christmas Eve mix up had the two them enjoying each other’s company and quickly falling in love—-with history repeating itself.
In the 2nd story, the author shows that it’s never too late for a second chance! When Fiona is in town for a book signing, she is surprised to learn her ex-husband, Price is also in town indefinitely. While their paths happen to cross at the bookstore during Fiona’s book signing, they (along with Leona) realize that the spark is still there.
In the last story, it is only fitting that the hopeless romantic bookshop owner, Leona, has the opportunity for her own “happily ever after”, when handyman Jon Ford shows up to repair the shop.

Best feel good book that I’ve read in a long time. Captivating the audience, leaving the reader rooting for everyone to get their “happily ever after”.

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Deadly Sommer (Nora Sommer Caribbean Suspense Book 1) by Nicholas Harvey – Review by Christina Gran

Deadly Sommer (Nora Sommer #1)Deadly Sommer by Nicholas Harvey
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Phenomenal, edge of your seat read. Had me hooked from page one & the initial kidnapping…First time reading author Nicholas Harvey, however it won’t be my last!! Easy 5 stars! Can’t wait for Nora’s next adventure! Will go back & read the prequel, Finding Sommer, as well as the AJ Bailey Adventure Series.

Nora Sommers is settling in as a tough as nails heroine; newly assigned consulate to the Cayman police force, when her & her new partner are swept into a complex plot set in motion by a grieving husband, while on patrol. Full of twists & turns, Nora raises against the clock in order to save the hostage & solve the crime.

Action packed & full of suspense, I found that I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough!! Thoroughly enjoyed the sprinkle of humor and the tropical island references too! Highly recommend

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Savage Secrets (Mafia Elite #4) by Amy McKinley

Savage Secrets (Mafia Elite, #4)Savage Secrets by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book #4 Savage Secrets
Ex Mafia princess, Elena Caruso has worked extremely hard to out run her past and camouflage into society—attempting to leave all the danger of mafia life aside. Once her cover is blown, Elena is prepared to run from her past, as she comes face to face with a man she had always had feelings for, ready to claim her as his bride and bring her back into the life she fought so hard to escape. As the secrets begin to unravel regarding her mysterious disappearance so many years ago, Marco vows to keep her safe and to bring her home to her family in order to confront the pass once & for all!

Breath taking romance, mixed with lurking danger on every page turn, Ms McKingly continues to captivate her audience time and time again in this 4th installment of the mafia elite series. Can not get enough! Would rate 10+ stars if I could!

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Ruthless Heir (Mafia Elite #5) Amy McKinley Reviwed by Christina Gran

Ruthless Heir: An Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance (Mafia Elite, #5)Ruthless Heir: An Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book #5 Ruthless Heir

https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-admi…

What a series!! Each book is more revitalizing than the last one! Could not put down, as I needed to learn what happened next and if Luc got his girl!

Summer Johansson was brutally attacked one evening in her apartment. Running for her life, she runs right into the arms of a sexy stranger. Simmering, sexual chemistry consumes Summer & Luc and they give in to their desires. A one night stand leaves them wanting more than either one originally bargained for. While Luc learns that he is the heir to a top mafia crime family and is enticed to claim his spot in the family business. As the plot unfolds and secrets are exposed, the biggest bombshell secret of all has the power to destroy the explosive romance between these two amazing characters.

Phenomenal read—my favorite out of the series ♥️

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No Way Out (Mafia Elite Book #1) Amy McKinley Reviewed By Christina Gran

No Way Out (Mafia Elite, #1)No Way Out by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book #1 No Way Out

Gripping, full of suspense, could not turn the page fast enough.
My first Amy McKinley read, but certainly won’t be my last! Couldn’t wait to pick up book 2 of the series.

Mafia princess, Lillianna Brambrilla is the daughter of the head of the Brambilla crime family—one of the most powerful mafia families in America. While her life presents as perfect to those on the outside, what happens behind closed doors is another story.
Max Caruso, son of a rival family has befriended Lillianna’s maternal grandfather and together they devise a plan in hopes that Max can infiltrate the Brambrilla compound and save Lil from her father’s clutches!
Lillianna is tough as nails and can hold her own—dependent upon no one. Through twists and turns, while sparks between Max & Lil continue to fly, Lil needs to decide can she let her guard down enough to trust Max, even though she assumes he is one of her father’s henchmen?

Riveting romance with affable characters that the reader can’t help but to fall in love with and leave them rooting for Lil & Max’s “happily ever after” .

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Collateral Damage (Mafia Elite book 6) by Amy McKinley by Christina Gran

Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance (Mafia Elite Book 6)Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book #6 Collateral Damage

Broken hearted Trey La Rosa, surgeon for the mafia, is afraid to give his heart away since the death of his girlfriend . That is until his path crosses with sexy socialite, Hailey Charmichael. Sparks immediately fly and there is no denying the instant attraction that rocked both of their worlds. Months after their brief encounter, the spark is still alive. Trey learns of Hailey’s kidnapping and assists in helping to locate her. When Trey finds Hailey they determine the motive for the kidnapping is much more elaborate than either one had thought. Vowing to keep her safe, he takes her home (where things REALLY heat up) to keep a close eye on her as they work together to figure out the circumstances surrounding her abduction. As they continue to dig, sparks between them continue to fly!
Fell in love with the characters in this page turning thriller. Couldn’t wait to reach the end to find out if they obtained their “happily ever after”!
Another well written plot, spinning a web of lies and secrets that blow the reader away!

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Born in Darkness (Mafia Elite #3) Amy McKinley Reviewed by Christina Gran

Born in Darkness (Mafia Elite, #3)Born in Darkness by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book #3 Born in Darkness
Just when you think author Amy McKinley could not be any more fabulous with her writing, here comes another installment of her mafia elite series. A gazillion stars!!! Can not recommend enough. Gripping thriller full of action & sizzling romance that leaves you wanting more!

In the third installment of this series, mafia underboss, Stefano Rossi has always been in love with Emiliana Vitale, however he knows at this stage on his life being with her would only put her in harms way. Emailiana feels the same and while they share some steamy, secretive moments together, both long got the day that they can openly be together. As their secret rendezvous continue, they discover a traitor among them. Viciously attacked, Emailiana emerges from he the attack with a dark passion that is equally matched by that of Stefano—where they calculate a plan to out the rat and crush all the obstacles that are standing in the way of them from openly being together. Stefano will protect Emailiana with everything he has…hopefully it will be enough.
Each book is better than the last! Can not wait to delve into the next book.

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Blood Oath (Mafia Elite Book #2) Amy McKinley Reviewed By Christina Gran

Blood Oath (Mafia Elite, #2)Blood Oath by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book #2 Blood Oath
Amy McKinley did it again with book 2 of this intriguing series! Full of page turning drama & suspense that will leave you on the edge of your seat, anxious to see what happens next!

Enzo Vitale and Sofia La Rosa, while touched upon in Book 1, Ms. McKinley made this breathtaking couple the primary focus of book 2 in the series. Enzo & Sofia, grew up in the complex mafia world as best friends all through childhood. It was only natural that the pair would develop a great degree of love for each other as they grew older. Unfortunately, circumstances and an unspoken rule had always kept them apart as lovers. With past secrets brimming at the surface, Sofia finds herself thrown into Enzo’s welcoming arms. Enzo has always considered himself Sofia’s protector and will stop at nothing to keep her safe—even if by being with him, a huge target is painted on her back. Will their love that began in childhood be strong enough to whether the storm, when family secrets resurface and threaten to tear them a part? Fast paced, action packed, steamy thriller engages all the senses.
While Book 1 of this series left me on the edge of my seat, I was shocked that book 2 could compare to or even surpass the romantic suspense and energy found within the first one!

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The Fighter (An Underground Bad Boys Romance Book 3) by India Kells – Review by Christina Gran

The Fighter (An Underground Bad Boys Romance, #3)The Fighter by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Perfect mix of sizzling sex, enthralling characters, and edge of your seat suspense, which kept me wanting more! SUCH a fan of India Kells and the Underground Bad Boys Romance series! Ms. Kells definitely saved the best book for last!

After being swept into steamy love triangles within the last few months, where he ended up being the odd man out, Jonathan Gage has decided to swear off sex for the immediate future and concentrate more on re-establishing his career as a successful cage fighter. Under the tough as nails exterior, Jonathan Gage has a heart as big as his body! Always quick to help someone in need, especially beautiful & intriguing men & women, Gage finds himself opening his home to a down on their luck, presumed couple that he had met at his last fight. Feeling responsible for offering the inexperienced fighter some advice that backfires, Gage invites fighter Ten and his best friend Juliet to stay at his home for awhile until they can get back on their feet. The first night at the house while Gage is in the shower, Ten comes to the bathroom to speak with him and realizes that while he is attracted to Juliet, he is also attracted Gage. Juliet faces a similar fate, as the first night there she finds herself in Gage’s bed. The sexual chemistry between the three of them is off the charts. While Gage and his house guests are living out their sexual fantasies and attempting to sort out their feelings for one another , an enemy is busy plotting his revenge against the trio.

Could not turn the pages fast enough! Quick & engaging read that I finished in just a few hours, rooting for Gage to find his happily ever after!

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The Traitor (An Underground Bad Boys Romance Book 3) by India Kells—Review by Christina Gran

The Traitor, An Underground Bad Boys SeriesThe Traitor, An Underground Bad Boys Series by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Phenomenal story line, captivating characters & explosive sex….doesn’t get any better than this!!

Bad boy Spencer Knox, escaped a violent past that he isn’t proud of & decided to setup shop in a small, Colorado town where everyone knows everyone. Each morning, Knox would see this beautiful girl, walking by the lake outside his secluded cabin, despite the freezing temperatures. Didn’t take Knox long to learn that his mysterious beauty was Josie Baird, a sweet, haunted, young girl who according to his busybody secretary Georgia, is in the middle of an ugly divorce. Josie is exhausted & destitute—working three jobs and living in a run down shack close to Knox by the lake, void of electricity or running water, using every penny she earns to pay her no good husband off so that he will sign the divorce papers and finally allow Josie to be free! When a family celebration takes Knox’s secretary out of town for a few weeks, Georgia decides to take matters into her own hands and offers Josie her position until she is able to return. The attraction between Knox & Josie is immediate and intense, however neither is in a position for an entanglement….BUT the sexual chemistry is just too much to ignore and before long they are enjoying and abusing each other’s bodies. Knox’s old pal Gage, from his previous life, shows up in town and is seeking a job. Knox hires Gage on at the shop, as well as takes him in as a house guest. When Knox realizes that Josie is living in a condemned shack, he also insists that she too come & stay at his place. Sparks sizzle between the three of them until they all give into their most wicked desires. It’s all promiscuous fun, until feelings develop and jealousy rages.

With a few twists and turns along the way, the relationship between Knox, Josie, & Gage sets the pages on fire. I was completely glued to my sit, unable to flip the pages fast enough, anxious to learn of the outcome. So captivated I was able to finish reading in just a few hours! I thought book one in the series was terrific. Hard to believe that author India Kells was able to surpass the excellence of the first book, but she did! Can not wait to dive into book 3 of the series, certain that Ms. Kells will be saving the best for last!

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The Debt Collector (An Underground Bad Boys Romance Book 1) by India Kells reviewed by Christina Gran

The Debt Collector (An Underground Bad Boys Romance)The Debt Collector by India Kells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Phenomenal read!! Captivating from the very first chapter! The characters were affable and engaging! I found myself on the edge of my seat, racing to the end of the novel to learn the outcome! Super, steamy sex scenes. First time M/F/M action and I found it very erotic. Overall fantastic read. Highly recommend!

ER Doctor, Tessa Freeman, is tired and running on fumes, I’m desperate need of a vacation, when the sexy, rugged, stranger, bad boy Locke, shows up in her ER battered and bruised. Doc knows that Mr Locke isn’t being forth coming in his account of events that landed him in the ER. The attraction between the two was instantaneous. Tessa stitches Locke up and sends him on his way, certain that their paths will not cross again, however she can’t seem to get her mind off the handsome stranger. Not long after Locke is released, Tessa gets another patient, a young girl who is very beaten and petrified, claiming to have escaped from someone powerful who has a long reach and many corrupt officials on their payroll. Not knowing who she can trust, Tessa reaches out to her friends to help hide the girl and keep her safe. When Tessa is kidnapped leaving the hospital, things don’t look good. Imagine her surprise when she encounters the handsome stranger that she stitched up earlier in the evening. Things are not what they seem and Tessa has to figure out the role that Locke is playing, while telling herself it’s just a physical (and sexually charged) attachment between the two of them.

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The Cruiser (The Hustlers Trilogy Book 1) by Rowan Rossler – Review by Christina Gran

The Cruiser (The Hustlers Trilogy, #1)The Cruiser by Rowan Rossler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

PHENOMENAL book….the characters were sizzling off the pages, the chemistry between them was so hot! First read by Rowan Rossler, but it definitely will not be my last! Steamy, hot, romance that I could not put down until the last page was turned! I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

PR guru for the swanky, rich, LA crowd, Vandanna had it all. Successful business, movie star husband, great house and amazing friends….Until one day her husband dropped a bomb that shattered her world. Vandanna didn’t think she would ever be the same….that is until she met Morgan, the sexy, captivating, Moroccan billionaire whose playboy ways was a PR nightmare. Vandanna was looking forward to the distraction in working with Morgan; far, far away from LA and her soon to be ex-husband, however she definitely got more than she bargained for during her ten days in the Mediterranean.

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The-Know-It-All-Pencil (Invisible Magic Wand Series) by Lois Wickstrom – Review By Christina Gran

The Know-It-All Pencil (Invisible Magic Wand)The Know-It-All Pencil by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Great story….My son & grandson loved it. My 10yr old was able to read back & forth with me and my grandson was captivated with the colorful and bright illustrations. Will be on the hunt for additional Lois Wickstrom children books!

Caspian received a special gift that contained a magic pencil and a notepad. As he holds the pencil, words magically appear on the pad. As he attempts to discover the meaning of the messages, he is led on an adventure though his town, showing how one particular item can set wheels in motion for an awesome journey

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Everwood Plantation by Stacy-Deanne – Review by Christina Gran

Everwood County Plantation: BWWM Enemies-to-Lovers Billionaire RomanceEverwood County Plantation: BWWM Enemies-to-Lovers Billionaire Romance by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

First read by author Stacy-Deanne, however it won’t be my last! Super quick read—finished in less than 2hrs. Romance at its best! The characters were endearing and affable, while sizzling with sexual tension and desire. I loved their love-hate relationship, and was thoroughly rooting for them to end up together, showing us that happily ever after really does exist.

Zenni returned to Everwood County from Chicago after her grandparents home was destroyed to sift through the rubble and attempt to try to stop local billionaire, Colton Sage, from tearing down the plantation that had meant so much to her and her family. Coming off a bad break up and no real ties to the Windy City, aside from her BFF, Vanessa, Zenni thought the change of pace would do her well. Sparks fly between Zenni and Colton from the very first encounter, however both are so bull headed that neither on will back down from their stance on the future of the the plantation. Could the two of them really set aside their differences and give love a chance? Colton has never met any one like Zenni and he is willing to do anything to give their live a shot—except give in about the future of the plantation.

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The Last Cabin Girl (Detective Josie Thompson Series) by Tom Swyers – Review by Christina Gran

The Last Cabin Girl: A totally gripping thriller full of twistsThe Last Cabin Girl: A totally gripping thriller full of twists by Tom Swyers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Last Cabin Girl (Detective Josie Thompson Series) by Tom Swyers – Review by Christina Gran

This suspenseful book was full of twists and turns right from chapter one! Leaving you on the edge of your seat, anxious to learn more. Set in a rural small town, nothing and no one was what it seems. Josie moved to herself and her children to her family’s secluded cabin in order to escape her crazy, ex-husband. Throughout the storyline, you wonder who is really the crazy one…Josie or her soon to be ex-husband, Eddie. Josie, filled with paranoia pertaining to Eddie went to extreme measures to ensure that her and her two children would be protected from him. If that wasn’t enough, Josie was EXTREMELY paranoid pertaining to the virus that originated in China and was spreading like wildfire throughout the United States.

While I found the novel riveting and full of suspense, I felt the writing jumped around a lot and was slightly difficult to follow along with. Overall, the story was good and I well worth 4 stars. This was my first Tom Swyers novel, and I would definitely be interested in investing in reading some more of his work in the future!

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Until There Was You by G. Colgrove – Review by Christina Gran

Until there was youUntil there was you by G. Colgrove
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Until There Was You by G Colegrove
5 out of 5 Stars

While this was my first read from G Colegrove, it certainly will not be my last. This book captivates the audience from the first chapter and leaves you wanting more. I would give this book 100 stars if I could! Phenomenal story—one of the best that I have read lately. I could not put it down!

The characters emitted a noticeable chemistry from their very first encounter, which continued to sizzle with sexual energy and romance throughout.
Regan is from the wrong side of the tracks, fresh out of school, working at her friend’s diner, contemplating what to do with her life. Growing up with an addicted mother and a criminal brother, she did not have the best family life. Coming from a very shattered home life, Regan was used to taking care of herself and was a pro at keeping people at a distance.
Jeremy was a drop dead gorgeous, rich boy, from LA, who was used to having everything that he desired. While this has been the lifestyle he had been accustomed to his entire life, he hates all the fake people associated with it, especially woman who only want him for his good looks and bank account. He is tired of being under his father’s thumb and is anxious to make a name for himself.

From the time their paths crossed at the diner, neither could get the other out of their minds. Although intrigued with Jeremy’s good looks, the last thing that Regan wanted to do was get involved with a snobby, rich brat who had everything handed to him on a silver platter. Jeremy could not get the beautiful waitress from the diner out of his mind. Jeremy was no stranger to beautiful woman—they throw themselves at him regularly, however there was a realness to Regan that added to her physical beauty; a combination that Jeremy just could not get out of his mind. Jeremy, confident and use to going after what he wants, remains diligent in pursuing Regan, until she succumbs to his charm and wit, and the sexual tension that neither can deny.

A roller coaster of emotions, sexually explicit, and full of love and laughter, Until There Was You, I that makes a story that leaves your heart full and believing that happily ever after might just be possible after all.

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Shamrock & Clover: Field’s Apart by C.A. King-Review by Christina Gran

Shamrock & Clover: Fields ApartShamrock & Clover: Fields Apart by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Shamrock & Clover: Fields Apart by C.A. King
5 out of 5 Stars
While this was my first read from C.A. King, it certainly will not be my last. Although the story was short, (it was the only fault I found; was I was left wanting more) it was a very cute and engaging tale.
The characters emitted a noticeable chemistry from their very first encounter, which continued to sizzle with humor and sarcasm throughout the novel.
Shamrock has quite the playboy imagine he was intent on maintaining, however the last of his pals to settle down, Shamrock begins to feel some kind of way about how lonely and bored the single life was becoming and finds himself yearning for a more permanent fixture, instead of the multitude of one-night stands that he had grown accustomed throughout the years. Clover had always been a good girl, taking care of her grandma, looking for her happily ever after; never once thinking of dating someone who had such a promiscuous reputation as Shamrock did.
With a little bit of luck, these two find that true love can turn up where you least expect to find it.

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