Once again, Jake and Cody are back and where they go chaos is soon to follow. I don’t know if chaos is the right word but I do know that where they go leads to a book that I find absolutely exhilarating and hard to put down. This book was fantastic and I truly enjoy watching their adventures. Mark Nolan knows how to create a fantastic plot that does not leave you hanging. I definitely recommend reading this story, and the whole series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2023-11-22 17:48:542023-12-05 08:47:15Key West Dead (Jake Wolfe Book 6) by Mark Nolan – Review by Christine Baranek
Every once in a while an author creates a character that I find myself consistently wanting to read more of. Mark Nolan created this in the character is Jake Wolfe. I am so excited everytime I see that there is a new Jake Wolfe book for me to read. I know that it will be a book that sucks me in and sends me on a fast paced suspenseful ride. This story definitely ups the suspense factor as it seems so much more realistic than some of his past books. Not that any of the others were far fetched but I think it is really because the story hits so close to home for me. This is book 5 in the series, but each and every book so far would be able to be read as a standalone. But I definitely recommend you read each of the series as you will be entered into the world of Jake Wolfe.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2023-11-22 17:36:572023-12-05 08:46:43DEADLY WEAPON (Jake Wolfe Book 5) by Mark Nolan – Review by Christine Baranek
This is a very well written story. The characters are completely well developed and interesting. I loved how Cody (the dog) was such a great part of the story. Jake is always in the wrong place and the wrong time and that really drives the story. That and his secret past. I found it interesting that he was engaged to someone he felt he had to record. This part of the story really felt somewhat relatable to me but it definitely also felt like it was the stuff that reality shows are made of. When he finally comes to his senses and moves out things get even more interesting. I truly loved how fast paced the story was and how there just seemed like so much depth to Jake and the whole plot. I definitely recommend this one as it was well written and fast paced.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2023-11-22 17:17:382023-12-05 08:45:38Dead Lawyers Don’t Lie: A Gripping Thriller (Jake Wolfe Book 1) by Mark Nolan – Review by Christine Baranek
The Cold Kid Case By: Rosalind Barden This was an incredibly unique historical mystery. The main character in this is an 11 year old girl which makes the plot incredibly interesting. This story is incredibly fast moving and Rosalind Barden creates a character that is absolutely enchanting. She has given Sparky such an interesting personality and really made me fall in love with the character of Sparky. I wanted to see how she was going to keep getting herself out of trouble. I wanted to see everything really work out for her. Sparky drives the plot and is such a well written character. I definitely cannot wait to see what more the author will bring to the series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2023-11-11 18:31:322023-11-20 12:14:27The Cold Kid Case (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Christine Baranek
Joy’s Christmas Escape By: P. Creeden This is a fantastic Historical Fiction novel focusing on a mail order bride. I definitely loved the character development and the depth that was given to Joy. Her story was truly amazing and she definitely was a character that won over my heart. The story of Marshall Jake was also fantastic. I definitely could not imagine myself being in Joys position. And to turn to a mail order bride service to find a husband or truthfully for a wife is such an interesting thought to me. However, this story really makes it all seem relatable. I definitely recommend this book and I will be reading more of this series. This is really an amazing historical novel and I highly recommend it!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2023-11-11 18:12:542023-11-20 12:02:37Joy’s Christmas Escape (The Marshal’s Mail Order Bride Book 1) by P. Creeden – Review by Christine Baranek
This is the type of book that really sucks you in from the first sentence and really keeps you engaged throughout. This book takes place during the San Francisco Gold Rush. This book has romance elements, however, the real plot movement is in Elena seeking revenge for the death of her little brother. She will give up anything to get her revenge. When she finds out who it is, it turns out it is someone who has always wanted to be with her. This allows her to really seek her revenge and find a plan that may actually work. She seeks him out to exact her revenge, however her plan doesn’t go as she expected and so very many twists and turns during the story. This was honestly such a fantastic historical fiction novel. It reads as a standalone but it is part of a series. I definitely will be going back to read the first well. Pamela Gibson has really written an engaging story with fantastic characters. I highly recommend it!
This book was honestly really good. This focuses on two people who met the person who is your true love when you were a young child / teenager. But it isn’t enough for them to meet once, they kept meeting over and over again. But not only is there this, it has a focus on a multicultural romance. This leads to much of the story line – there are cultural differences, racism and tension stemming from all that. However, the two main characters find their way back to one another. This book does focus on the importance of clear communication. These two lost a lot of time together because of miscommunication. I definitely recommend reading this story! It is sooooo very good!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2023-11-11 17:40:282023-11-20 12:02:12Themes of Kismet by A. Akinosho – Review by Christine Baranek
Each and every book of the WaterFyre Rising Books has been absolutely phenomenal and this book definitely fits the mold. This is a second chance romance that is wonderfully well written. This book focuses on Kiera and Forrest and has a major focus on what happens when one is faced with having to choose between getting revenge and saving someone. This added a very interesting element to the plot that made it impossible for me to put down. I loved watching Kiera and Forrest together and seeing them navigate their complicated situation. Both characters were well developed and believable. I definitely found myself really rooting for them both. I definitely recommend picking this one and the rest of the series!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2023-11-10 18:25:142023-11-20 11:31:42The Inquisitor (WaterFyre Rising Book 4) by Nadia Han – Review by Christine Baranek
This is enemies to lovers done right. Each of the WaterFyre rising book is better than the next. They are filled with spice and well written characters and this does not disappoint. Grayson and Natalie have such fantastic chemistry that the tension between them just jumps off the page. Their banter is absolutely enjoyable and really makes the book move at a fast pace. I loved how these characters just jump off the page. I completely recommend picking up this one and the rest of the series! I definitely cannot wait for the next book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2023-11-10 18:17:022023-11-20 11:31:16The Innovator (WaterFyre Rising Book 3) by Nadia Han – Review by Christine Baranek
This is the second book in the WaterFyre Rising Series. It is such a good book that really has it all and is impossible to put down. It has romance and mystery. It also has a plot that sucks you in from page one and really doesn’t let you put it down until the last page. Royce is such an interesting character. He is such a thrill seeker and really is a protective alpha. Michelle is a very relatable character. She has such depth to her and is really flawed in a relatable way. This book is filled with adventure and sexual tension. It also is filled with twists and turns. I definitely recommend picking up this book, I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series as this was such a good read to me!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2023-11-10 18:06:422023-11-20 11:30:58The Daredevil (WaterFyre Rising Book 2) by Nadia Han – Review by Christine Baranek
Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes By: Marika Ray and Sylvie Stewart This is such a fun book! I love a good sports romance and this definitely delivers on that. This book features amazingly well written characters who really are relatable and just enjoyable to get to know. The authors do a fantastic job with character development and moving the plot ahead at a pace that keeps you sucked in. Olivia and Roman are just really fun characters and I really enjoyed watching them get to know each other. I definitely enjoyed this book and am glad to know that it is a part of a series as I really want to read more from both of these authors!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2023-11-10 17:45:472023-11-20 11:30:29Hot Flashes and Hockey Slashes (Hot Flash Hookups Book 1) by Marika Ray and Sylvie Stewart – Review by Christine Baranek
This is such a heartwarming Christmas story. It is amazingly well written with characters that know how to hit you right in the feels. This is a fantastic story that takes place in a small town. It features Riley, who is a photographer who is living in Seattle but whose whole family has moved to Montana. She heads there to photograph a wedding where she meets the bride’s brother and feels sparks fly. This is the third book in the series and it is the third that I have read. I definitely enjoyed seeing Riley’s story happen in this book. I felt that this story was perhaps the best in the series I’ve read so far. Which is saying something because I truly loved the first two. I definitely recommend picking up this one – its a good romance but it will also begin to put you in the Christmas Spirit.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2023-11-04 18:50:072023-11-13 13:41:08Merry Christmas, Montana (The Millers of Marietta Book 3) by Elsa Winckler – Review by Christine Baranek
Holy cow! This Karina Cardinal mystery is the newest and just when I thought I couldn’t love the character and series any more Ellen Butler delivers with a book that blows the others out of the water. This book has some supernatural elements which is a new element to the series. I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about this addition, but in true Karina Cardinal fashion it fit right in with the amazing cast of characters that already existed. This is also added to what I have come to expect from Karina Cardinal – a mystery that keeps me guessing from the very start, suspense, drama, amazing dialogue and characters that add to the depth of the plot. This book is absolutely fantastic. When Karina’s aunt goes missing – she has no choice but to really investigate what has happened. Yet, as with all of the previous books, Karina has bitten off more than she chewed. And she discovers that finding her aunt is going to really involve more than she ever expected. Once again, I truly believe that each of these books would function as a standalone, however, I truly recommend reading all of them. There is some character overlap and also there are so very many amazing mysteries to be read. Definitely don’t miss out on this one!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2023-11-04 18:29:202023-11-13 13:40:53Spectral Revelations (The Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 6) by Ellen Butler – Review by Christine Baranek
I have been a fan of every last one of the Karina Cardinal mysteries. But let me tell you that this book has definitely become one of my favorites. It takes the mystery, suspense, and political intrigue that I have come to expect and really ups it by making it hit close to home for Karina. This time its the FBI who are involved, but she is being accused of harboring a fugitive. Also known as her ex-boyfriend. Who she is definitely not hiding, but who also is accused of taking off with over a million dollars. However, this doesn’t fit anything she knows about her ex-boyfriend. So either, she didn’t know him like she thought she did, he has lost his mind or there is something else going on. Of course, Karina needs to begin to start this out for herself because not only is her name attached, but also none of this is making any sense. So she jumps head first into another case that kept me reading long into the night. I cannot recommend this or the other Karina Cardinal books enough. I love every page and the characters are all so interesting and really add so much depth to the plot – they keep the plot moving. Definitely pick up this book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2023-11-04 18:24:042023-11-13 13:40:35Swindler’s Revenge (Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 5) by Ellen Butler – Review by Christine Baranek
I truly feel that each and every Karina Cardinal book gets better than the last. I have found that she has become one of my favorite main characters. She is strong and independent and all in all just a really relatable character. In this book, the setting is moved away from Washington, DC and the United States. This move makes the focus of the book shift – previously each of these book had to do with U.S. government and politics, however, now this book is much more focused on ancient things. This gives the book a refreshing makeover that really made the experience even better. This book gives us better looks at characters that were mentioned in previous books but really gives us a good feel for them – like Mrs. Thundermuffin and Rodrigo. It was really great to get to know these characters in a different light.
The Karina Cardinal Series is really an excellent mystery series that is filled with suspense and twists and turns. Each book is a standalone, however, I highly suggest reading each one, as it is a fantastic read but also because there is some character crossover between books. I definitely suggest picking this one up!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2023-11-04 18:17:592023-11-13 13:40:26Pharaoh’s Forgery (Karina Cardinal Mysteries Book 4) by Ellen Butler – Review by Christine Baranek
This is the third book in the Karina Cardinal Mystery story. Although it is the third book in the series I think it is important to note that it can definitely function as a standalone. You could miss the earlier books and not be lost at all. I do recommend reading them all, just because each and everyone that I have read so far have been fantastic reads that I highly recommend. It contains all of my favorite elements in a mystery – drama, danger, action, suspense. Katrina Cardinal is such a great character. She is multi-layered and helps to drive the plot a rate that had me not wanting to walk away from my book. She is a lawyer who is now a lobbyist in Washington D.C. This gives her all the qualities you would expect – especially for the lead character in a mystery series – she’s smart, independent and hard working. Her sister reaches out to her to help her with a friend. And this leads them both wondering what they have been pulled into as nothing is as they originally thought. This book is absolutely fantastic. I love the characters and how fast paced the plot is. This mystery is definitely original. I cannot wait to read more from Karina Karina Cardinal. Definitely pick this book up!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2023-11-04 18:13:052023-11-13 13:40:17Diamonds & Deception (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 3) by Ellen Butler – Review by Christine Baranek
This is the second book in the Karina Cardinal Mystery Series. This is a fantastic political mystery the features action, suspense, drama and of course, an FBI investigation. This book is a complete page turner that definitely is intense at parts and really sucked me in. Karina Cardinal is a lawyer who is not working as a lobbyist. She has a new boyfriend who is also an FBI agent. Karina is in the wrong place and the wrong time and ends up being a a person of interest in a murder investigation. Karina is determined to not only prove her innocence but also find out what is going on. She doesn’t want to become the next victim. These characters are amazingly well written – they have flaws and depth to them. They really seem like 3 dimensional people, not just characters on a page. And the story is told with such craftsmanship. As much as the story kept me on the edge of my seat – I wanted to solve the mystery before Karina did – I also didn’t want it to end. I definitely recommend reading this book – it will not disappoint!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2023-11-04 18:07:342023-11-13 13:40:09Fatal Legislation: A Novel: Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 2 by Ellen Butler – Review by Christine Baranek
This is a fantastic fast paced mystery. This book introduces us to Karina Cardinal who is just at the wrong place at the right time to put her in the middle of a mystery. Karina is a fantastically well written character who drives the plot (which happens to be based on a real life mystery). This story sucked me in from the first page and it really delivered. This author gives enough detail to make you feel like you are there but not so much that it bogs down the plot of the story. I definitely recommend this story and I cannot wait to read more by Ellen Butler.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2023-11-04 17:38:512023-11-13 13:39:59Isabella’s Painting: A Notorious Art Heist Mystery (Karina Cardinal Mystery Book 1) by Ellen Butler – Review by Christine Baranek
This is a fantastic story about friendship. The main character is Sue Cleary – she has been a wife and mother for a long time and she is unsure of where she fits now. She is wondering what meaning her life will have once all her kids are grown. She gave up her career to stay home and raise her family. When Sue reads an article about a land developer who wants to build a new amusement park. This really ignites something in Sue, and her son suggests that she start a podcast about her feelings. Through this venture she meets two more women and they form a fantastic friendship as they bond over a common mission. This book was absolutely wonderful. I know many people can relate to the point where Sue is in the beginning. Looking at her life and wondering what happens next. I know I have been there. I also love that she takes something that is bothering her and turns it into a mission going forward. Her friendships she creates through this are absolutely wonderful. I definitely love this trio of women. I definitely recommend this story as it will leave you inspired and just feeling warm and fuzzy about the world.
Once again, Isla Vaughn delivers with a fantastic book that I was unable to put down. The Hidden Valley Elite Series has most definitely become one of the most addicting series that I have ever read. I am always so excited when I see there is a new release and I pencil off time in my schedule to ensure that I will have enough time to read it in one sitting. Isla Vaughn does a fantastic job of creating characters that are flawed yet are so lovable. I don’t know if lovable is the right word, but they are characters that you want to know more about and are truly invested in. This is the first part of the final duet in the series. In this we are really introduced to Shane and Winter. These two are the two throughout the whole series that I have had very conflicted feelings on the whole time. I truly enjoyed getting to see things from their perspective and watching it all unfold. I have a love / hate relationship with the fact that these books are duets. This leaves me on a cliffhanger and while I love the way it is written I hate having to wait for the next book. As with every other book by Isla Vaughn I have ever read, I definitely recommend reading this book and the whole series. She has created an entire world with this series that I truly love.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2023-10-29 10:18:342023-10-30 07:18:26Wicked Games (Hidden Valley Elite Book 7) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Christine Baranek
This is a very heavy book that covers many sensitive topics – including sexual abuse and self-harm. However, this is written in such a raw way that it really appeals to all of your emotions as you read. Winnie Pagora does a fantastic tale of taking these hard topics and really give a voice to the victims. This story tells about the parts of surviving abuse that are not pretty, they are ugly and hard, However, they are the parts that are also beautiful. It shows what the cost of survival is worth. This book gives a very true look at the legal system and what those that are abuse face when it comes to receiving any form of justice. I do wish that the end of this book didn’t seem so abrupt. But I do definitely recommend picking this story up and giving it a read. It sheds a wonderful life on those who have gone through abuse.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2023-10-29 09:57:262023-10-30 07:18:16Unclutter (Inner Voice Book 1) by Winnie D Pagora – Review by Christine Baranek
This is one of those books that really impacts you as you read and definitely stays with you for some time after reading. Angela K. Parker writes a fantastic romance with characters that are truly so well developed that you feel that they have become a part of you and your family. This is a story where loss brings about a once in a life time romance. The romance that fills your very soul. This book features two incredibly amazing characters in Adam and Hope. Adam is dealing with an incredibly tragic loss and Hope is looking for something. That something is what she hasn’t quite put her finger on. This is the type of romances I long to read. The ones that leave me feeling wistful after I finish reading it and reluctant to go back to the real world. However, it also left me looking at the people I interact with differently. I felt a little more hopeful about the world. This is the perfect book to read as you are lying in bed! I definitely recommend reading it!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2023-10-29 09:55:422023-10-30 07:18:08Almost and Forever by Angela K. Parker – Review by Christine Baranek
This is another fantastic Logan Mckenna Crime novel by Valerie Davisson. Logan Mckenna has become one of my most favorite characters in a crime novel as of late. In this novel, she finds herself in the middle of another situation along the coast of Oregon. She is traveling with her boyfriend, daughter and her daughter’s family. They are there to whale watch and maybe get a little fishing in. But per usual, murder seems to happen where Logan is and once again she finds herself helping with the investigation. Once again, one of my favorite parts of this Logan Mckenna novel is the side characters. Those characters we meet who are part of the investigation in some way shape or form. The author always puts an impeccable amount of detail into these characters and makes them such an integral part of the story. This is yet another Valerie Davisson Novel that I did not want to put down. It contains her usual wonderful characters and a plot that has so much detail that it is hard to walk away from. I definitely recommend it and I cannot wait for the next Logan Mckenna novel!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2023-10-28 18:25:432023-10-30 07:15:04Safe Harbor (Logan McKenna Series Book 5) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Christine Baranek
This is a fantastic take on a fairy tale. It definitely is a new spin on the tale of King Midas. This story shows Branka and her journey from being a servant to having exceptional powers. All because she meets a leprechaun. This story was absolutely enchanting and I enjoyed every second of it. In general I do not like stories that feature magical elements, however, I definitely love a good fairy tale that reminds me of the stories I heard as a child. This definitely reminded me of those stories and I highly recommend picking this book up!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2023-10-28 17:49:562023-10-30 07:14:56Tears Into Gold by Cori Cooper – Review by Christine Baranek
This is a fantastic novel. One that features characters so relatable that any of them could be a friend or a family member. We all have been there – been in a relationship that as hurt us so much that we now have trust issues and build walls around our hearts so high that we vow no one will ever cross them. Alicia street gives us two of these characters in Caleb and Wynter. I truly loved these characters so much and I felt that they had so much depth to them that they really felt like they were people who would be my friends. Caleb is a former Navy Seal and comes from an incredibly wealthy family. He knows that most women only want to be with him for his money. However, the woman who hurt him was one from when he was a Navy Seal. That’s the one that made him build the walls. Wynter has moved on from love. She is just working on building her career. However, she and Caleb intersect on a task. And from there the adventure begins. I definitely enjoyed this book and will be looking to read more from Alicia Street. She does a fantastic job with character development and in creating a plot that is incredibly relatable. I cannot wait to read more from this author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2023-10-28 12:55:092023-10-30 07:21:43Melt My Heart (North Fork Series Book 3) by Alicia Street – Review by Christine Baranek
This is the first book in the Modern Midwife Mysteries series. This is a cozy mystery which is definitely why I grabbed it, well that and a very intriguing sounding premise that promised mystery coupled with what sounded like fantastic family drama that wasn’t my own. Christine Knapp is fantastic at developing characters that feel like they could live in the house next door to yours. They are complex yet have problems that feel like the “neighbors dirty laundry” plus this story has murder which leads to crime and investigation and this literally had all the makings of my next favorite book. Christine Knapp has created a fantastic lead character in Maeve who seems as if she is made for TV with her quick comments and her inner monologue that will keep you laughing. She definitely keeps the pace of the story moving at a good clip and she is one of those main characters that you know that will be one that you will reach for again and again. I don’t want to compare her to Stephanie Plum, but that is the first character that comes to mind when I think of a very strong character driven series. Christine Knapp also does a fantastic job combining the mystery / crime genre with the medical genre. This added another wonderful element to the story. This book literally felt like it was written just for me with how many of my favorite things it included. I definitely recommend reading this and I hope to see more of Maeve in the future!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2023-10-24 18:52:072023-10-30 06:34:38Murder at the Wedding (Modern Midwife Mysteries Book 1) by Christine Knapp – Review by Christine Baranek
This was a fantastic, yet haunting book about a car accident that definitely left many people wondering what happened. Tang is a writer, who is suffering from writer’s block, who is also seemingly keeping secrets from those around him. Most specifically, his girlfriend Layla. As the book progresses the more one is left wondering how Tang is connected to Dee and if those connections are involved in the secrets Tang is keeping from Layla. This book really is a romantic suspense. It is fast paced and I definitely did not want to put it down. I was left engaged from the beginning of the story and was left wanting more as each and every page passed. I also loved how the further you read the more question you (well at least I did) about what actually happened in that car accident. The author knows how to craft a fantastic plot that is filled with twists and turns. I definitely recommend this one!
This was such a fun and easy to read enemies to lovers office romance! This is a trope that I generally enjoy and this one definitely delivered on my expectations. This story sucks you in from the opening sentences where we meet Lindy who has a dream of being a fashion designer. The only thing standing in her way is Cade Kinglsey, who is her boss. It is clear that this working relationship is going to be anything but fun. However, beneath his prickly facade a lot is hiding and that’s where the fun really begins. I truly enjoyed the characters in this story. Lindy is well developed and she truly just comes to life off of the page. She is a strong female lead, but it isn’t over the top or in your face, it just comes across as a driven individual who is working toward a dream. Cade was also a very interesting character and I’ll be honest I had very mixed feelings about him, but he definitely kept the story interesting. I definitely recommend picking up this quick and fun read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2023-10-16 16:42:252023-10-19 13:47:38Cruel Truths (Tessa and Jordan Book 3) by T. Christensen – Review by Christine Baranek
Vanishing Day is Valerie Davisson’s take on what is a familiar plot. It is one I have seen before, an abuse victim on the run from their abuser. However, I have not seen this plot as skillfully crafted as that by Valerie Davisson. She takes a character I already love, Logan Mckenna, and gives her to this hard, yet common, topic and just really lets her writing take center stage. This book was so hard to put down and I just wanted to see justice prevail from the beginning to the end. Valerie’s true talent is in her character development. She takes a well loved character and just continues to develop her through each book. She then gives her new characters and plots that just help her to show her positives and her flaws. She makes Logan seem like an amazing friend throughout the story. I absolutely love this story and will be anxiously awaiting my next Logan McKenna read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2023-10-16 16:28:122023-10-19 13:47:01Vanishing Day (Logan McKenna Series Book 4) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Christine Baranek
This is a fun, standalone, contemporary romance. This book was written in multiple POV, which I personally love because I feel it gives the story a lot more depth than if it was written in only one. It lets us get to know each of the characters on a more intimate level and get to know their innermost thoughts and feelings. It also helps them to gain your attention. The author is fantastic at writing believable storylines that really transport you into the middle of it. This is a fantastic story about what happens when friendship and love mix. I definitely recommend picking it up for a fun book to read when you need one! It won’t disappoint!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2023-10-16 16:09:332023-10-19 13:46:51You and Me Equals Love by Marina Hanna – Review by Christine Baranek
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Key West Dead by Mark Nolan
