Unclutter: A Survivor’s Story by Winnie D. Pagora
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Tiara went through a lot. Abusers kept seeing her as easy prey. Through it all Tiara almost gave up but got the help and courage to keep fighting. People looked up to Tiara and she helped them fight as well. This was a good book about what she went through and I recommend it but also put trigger warning for abuse.
Carrie’s Flight by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Carrie missed her grandma who moved across town. She found a box of feathers. And grandma called video chat and said Carrie could wear them. She flew to grandma’s and grandma was waiting outside for her.
Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid’s Guide to a Happy Dog by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Porter and Midge, along with their dogs, are on an adventure to learn more about stimulating activities that dogs enjoy. They also discover some lower stimulating playtime activities as well. Their friend Cheryl invites them to the “doggy P.E. class” (my words) to play different sports with the dogs there.
The illustrations in this book almost look like they are going to come off the page! They are very well done and are in vibrant colors.
This is a must-have for animal loving families and can be used as a teaching tool with youngsters learning about animal care.
Shadowed Agenda: An Enemies to Lovers Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
After reading the previous book, I couldn’t wait to read this book. And I am so glad I did, it was even better than the first one. I connected with the story straight away and loved the chemistry between the main characters. Neither wanted to spend time with the other but circumstances throw them together. I loved watching their relationship develop as the story went on.
The storyline was exciting and fast paced. It is action packed from start to finish and it seemed to take no time to read it. This book is a brilliant addition to the series and one I thoroughly enjoyed.
Festive Fates: 11 Spirited Holiday Tales by Natalie Palma
This book is a great collection of festive stories, by a talented group of authors. Each book was different from the rest, so it was easy to differentiate between them. There is a great mix of genres throughout the book, which I really enjoyed. The anthologies I have read previously tend to be all one kind. The variety made it much more interesting to read.
Each of these authors brought something to the collection and I enjoyed them all for different reasons. Some had great characters, others had well written storylines. This was a brilliant way to discover some new authors and I will definitely be checking out more of their work.
Tropic Heat by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I have read many of C.A’s books and what I enjoy about her writing is that you never know what you will get because of her diverse ability to write in many different genres. Tropic Heat is short, sweet and a fun read that will have you laughing out loud at the goings on. I just wish that the stories were longer not that you miss out on anything good with less pages because C.A. knows her stuff.
Sometimes you find love in the least expected place or person. Daniel may be heartbroken but this not honeymoon may be the best thing that has happened to him. With his best friend Joey in toe what could go wrong or right? Con artist, cops, turtles and to find out what they mean you will have to read it.
Tropic Heat is a great book for a quick escape. So, grab a cocktail or two and feel as though you have stepped into the cruise of a lifetime or is it.
There are many, many books still left to explore, and I look forward to getting through each and every one of them.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid’s Guide to a Happy Dog by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have really enjoyed the Porter and Midge books as have my grandchildren. Each book has a really interesting story and learning tools for young ones who encounter dogs and how to be safe and yet still enjoy time spent with a furry four-legged friend. It is very cleverly thought out by Jennie and Giselle.
Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime is a quick and fun read with wonderful colourful illustrations. It is told in a rhyming rhythm which captivates and helps children take things in.
It is aimed at children aged 3 to 12 years old.
This series of books makes for a great gift, especially with Christmas just around the corner.
Happy reading.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Encounters with Old Coyote by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This a really beautifully written story. The author’s writing is always beautiful, descriptive, spiritual and really draws in as a reader.
This book is made up for 13 stories that are told from the view points of the Old Coyote and Andrea’s spirit. Together they travel around sharing stories and discussing topics such as is there a God and what happens when we die.
Andrea’s stories are all about reliving memories and it was beautiful to see the things she remembered and how those memories had an impact on her life and now death.
This is a heartwarming story and I loved it. The author’s writing is beautiful and really stays with you even after the story is over
Unexpected by Laylah Abrams
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Claire Morgan has perfected a fake, social personality that she shares with the world at large. She doesn’t have many true friends, and inside she is dying a slow death that no one sees. Nick Holden is struggling to become an artist. His mom is the only one who believes in him and he’s slowly losing hope that he truly can accomplish his dream. One chance evening, the two meet across a restaurant table. Literally. He’s the waiter and she’s the socialite at dinner with her famous friends. They both surprise each other by seeing through the other’s facade. Can they find a way to be together when their worlds are so completely different? Or will the chasm of class keep their love from becoming a reality?
This was a fun read for me. I truly enjoyed the story! The author did a wonderful job of capturing each of the characters vulnerabilities and expressing it well through words. Even though I could not identify with being a rich heiress, I could identify with her feelings of not being good enough and not believing in herself but able to encourage others. Her heartbreak was all too relatable. I felt drawn into the story and didn’t want to put it down until I knew how it all ended. Good read!
Tropic Heat by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Well, I didn’t see that coming. Our jilted groom has a con woman for a bride. He meets a cop trying to break the ring. Throw in some hot, steamy romance that will have you feel like you are in the tropics. This was a fun read. I enjoyed the chemistry between our groom and cop. When they were reading the pickup lines, I about fell off my chair. I have had a few of those used on me. That was a treat to read. I felt bad for his besty having no luck and getting drunk with the turtle. But hey, the turtle is like a bartender. Lots of adventure, romance and fun. This a great weekend read if you’re looking for a quick read.
Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime: A Kid’s Guide to a Happy Dog by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a fun story with tips and ideas of entertaining ways to have fun with your dog. There are ideas of places to go to meet other dog owners. There are ideas of how to help your dog enjoy these activities. The illustrations are bright and colorful. The whole story is done in a rhyming rhythm which makes it quite fun to read. At the end of the book there is a not to parents which gives ideas on how to help your children with animals. This is a really neat book to add to a home library or any library.
To Catch An Elf: Pennsylvania Fighter Pilot by Debra Parmley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is a very easy read. It has kept my attention by the suspense of certain parts of the story especially with the creepy looking elf. The characters, Marcie and Ted, are very relatable and they really do complement each other. If you like a suspenseful and sweet romance in one, then this book is for you.
Finding the End Zone by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Heartwarming fun! This steamy and emotional course had a few interesting twists but also left a lot of questions. Hopefully the answers will be found out in the subsequent series. Such as, what did the team choose to do to Buzz? How did Tory know about the uncle?
Jamaica has a plan. She is going to study hard, get into law school, and then have a life. So far her plan is going well until she meets and is paired with Mr. Football himself, Callahan O’Reilly in the one class she can’t mess up. Not only does the professor have it out for her, her academic scholarship depends on her grades.
Callahan is not your typical jock. He is in the advanced courses because he wants to be and can handle them. As he makes this obviously clear to his new sexy project partner, Jamaica, he must find a way to crack her shell. There is just something about Jamaica that makes Callahan sizzle whenever she is around.
As Callahan and Jamaica build a tentative friendship, he slowly gets her to come out of her shell and experience everything college has to offer, football games, pep rallies, house parties and fun. Once Jamaica opens the door a little for Callahan, he comes barreling through making her also admit her feelings for him.
While Callahan and Jamaica try to figure things out as a couple, there are outside forces trying to tear them apart. As they battle those together and separately, will their relationship last?
Although Callahan and Jamaica have a H(for now)E, will the unanswered questions come back to bite them later? Can’t wait to find out!
•°•🏝️•*•☀️•*•🦩•°• BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE •°•🦩•*•☀️•*•🏝️•°•
Tropic Heat (Flamingo Island Series) by C.A. King
Amazon – https://a.co/d/hhO8XfG
#ontour #ItsyBitsyBookBits #ItsyBitsyBookBitsTours #ItsyBitsyBookBitsPromotions #BookSpotlightShowcase #TropicHeat #FlamingoIslandSeries #CAKing #RomanticComedy #VacationRomance
Hosted by Itsy Bitsy Book Bits
Genre – Romantic Comedy
Page Count – 76
Goodreads – Tropic Heat (Flamingo Island Series) by C.A. King
Bookbub – Tropic Heat (Flamingo Island Series) by C.A. King
Left heartbroken and alone with a pair of expensive, non-refundable tickets to the exclusive and enticing Flamingo Island Resort, what was a jilted groom supposed to do?
Daniel’s best friend Joey knows; they were taking that trip. The best way to get over a woman is to get on top of or under another, after all.
This almost-groom might not be the type to hop from one relationship to another, but when all else fails, a plethora of fancy little umbrellas were waiting to keep tears out of the drinks.
Everything is set. There’s no turning back. The two of them are about to have the trip of a lifetime, just not the one either expected.
Maybe things really do happen for a reason.
About C.A. King
I was diagnosed with clinical depression after the loss of my mother, father and husband within three years of each other; all to cancer. 24/7 in-home care, coupled with the loss I felt, left its mark on my psyche.
Depression takes up a lot of my life. Reading and writing are the only things I have found that help (in connection with regular medication), even if only for a short time. To escape to a different world can make a big difference in my mood in real time.
To put things in perspective, when I was at my lowest point, I couldn’t open mail, talk on the phone, or even drive to the store. Walls of sadness surrounded me. As they closed in, tears would fall. There didn’t need to be a reason or trigger.
People ask me why I started writing. My answer is simple: I wanted to create a world into which other people with similar problems could escape. I wanted to share the one place that had helped me for many years.
I have always said that as long as one person finds a little bit of happiness out of my books, I am, in my opinion, an accomplished author. The same is true for every writer out there. Please don’t ever let anyone tell you differently.
I read books as well as write them and have visited the worlds many different authors have created. Those worlds not only make me feel better, but give me the strength to face real life again. I want to thank everyone who writes—I want them to know they are making a difference.
Fast forward to today…
C.A. King, USA Today Bestselling Author has over 75 books available across multiple fantasy sub-genres.
Awards include:
Hamilton Spectator Readers’ Choice Award in the Best Local Author category 2017 & 2018 & 2019
Brant News Readers’ Choice Award: Best Local Author 2017
Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards: Best Novella/Short Story 2017 Silver medal
2017 SIBA Awards – Best Novella
2017 SIBA Awards – Best New Adult
2018 Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards: Gold Medal in the Fiction – Supernatural genre
2018 Readers’ Favorite International Book Awards: Bronze Medal in the Fiction – New Adult genre
2019 Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal Winner in the Fiction – Supernatural genre
2019 Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal Winner in the Young Adult – Fantasy – Urban genre
City of Brantford Featured Artist February 2020
Burlington Post Readers’ Choice Award in the Best Local Author Category 2020
Toronto Star Readers’ Choice Award in the Best Local Author Category 2020
Cambridge Times Readers’ Choice Award in the Best Local Author Category 2020
Burlington Post Readers’ Choice Award in the Best Local Author Category 2021
.•°*°•. BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE .•°*°•.
Discover the enchanting world of Porter and Midge: Paws and Playtime – a rhyming children’s book that follows the heartwarming bond between two furry friends, Mastiff Porter and Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Midge, and their devoted companions, CJ and Lora. On a sunny day, CJ’s thoughtful idea sets the stage for a joyful exploration of new ways to make Porter and Midge’s days even brighter.
Through rhythmic verses, follow their journey as they uncover imaginative games, canine enrichment activities, and thrilling dog sports, all while strengthening their unbreakable connection.
Jennie Chen has been active in purpose bred dogs since 2001 earning over 75 titles in conformation, competitive obedience, rally, herding, lure coursing, weight pull, drafting, water rescue, packing, and animal assisted therapy. Her first AKC Champion was a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Ch Dixieland Blazing Maximus, CGC, HIT, SS, SWET, WETT, HIC, WETX, WTXX, WPD, DD, WWDS, RN, CD, THDA, VGS, 2017 GSMDCA Ambassador of the Breed, “Mouse.” Mouse was the first Greater Swiss Mountain Dog to earn any Water Rescue titles, and he was spokesdog for the Keep Austin Dog Friendly trend for many years appearing in magazines, news clips, and serving the community as an animal assisted therapy dog. Keep Austin Dog Friendly was nominated for a Webby Award in 2016.
In addition to Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs, she also owns a pride of Lowchen or The Little Lion Dogs. In 2019, she piloted her Lowchen, GCHS Musicbox Got Your Six at Roman Reign “Target” to #1 All-Systems, #1 OH for 2019 and 2020. Target went on to win the Breed at the AKC National Championship in 2019, Westminster in 2020, and Best in Specialty Show in 2021.
Jennie has served on various board and committee positions in the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Club of America, the Lowchen Club of America, as well as regional Newfoundland and Bernese Mountain Dog Clubs. She is a GSMDCA draft judge and weight pull judge.
Originally from the Philippines, Giselle came to the US to attend Wellesley College where she studied Economics. After graduation, she worked in managing risk/compliance teams, specializing in machine learning and more recently, risk policy.
Giselle has owned several mastiffs over the past 20 years, some from reputable breeders and others she rescued as adults. Her experience with rescuing and fostering mastiffs led her to become interested in socialization as a way of preventing future issues. She enjoys working with her dogs and has trained them in various canine sports such as carting, conformation, agility, rally, trick dog, nose work, and more. Her puppy, Porter, is an example of the success of early socialization, having earned multiple performance dog titles and even starred in a movie directed by Marian Yeager called “Match Me If You Can.”
Giselle is an active member of various dog clubs such as the Scentwork ATX Club, Capitol Dog Training Club of Austin, and the Mastiff Club of America. She has lived in Austin for over two decades, and her passion for dogs and socialization continues to inspire her work.
Renewed by Sara Vinduska
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is an action-packed, suspenseful romance! I was impressed by this author and story—especially with how much was packed in to a shorter page count. The author really developed the two main characters fairly well. The author also gave depth to the story and it reads at a quick pace starting with action from the get go and through the developing, steamy romance between Ruby and Hayden and the suspense of lurking danger. This was a somewhat predictable, but entertaining story that kept my attention throughout. Though it is part of a series, it is easily read as a standalone. If you’re looking for a page-turning suspenseful romance, this is for you!
The Magic Man by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The 3rd book in this series and you will want to read them in order as they do overlap and the storyline keeps growing and developing from book to book. This book is mainly about David and Maddie but you get a lot of situations arising with the first two couples from books one and two as well. The tension, both sexual and otherwise, between Maddie and David is felt on almost every page. I found myself rooting for them.
Renewed by Sara Vinduska
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
So.. I’d settle on a 3.5 for Renewed by Sara Vinduska. I seem to have a bad habit of starting right smack dab in the middle of a series but even with this being the 6th book I didn’t feel lost or confused and I enjoyed it. Hayden, a Wyoming rancher, is shot by a stranger while doing rounds of his property, but luckily he thinks his horse knows the way home. Maybe he does, maybe he doesn’t, but his horse does take him Ruby, whose hiding out with her own set of emotions, fears, and sadness, but she starts to take care of him. I do love a good trope, in Renewed it’s forced proximity, as much as the next girl but I have to agree with some other reviewers that the novel felt a little unrealistic. It’s a quick read, full of suspense, and steam.
Renewed by Sara Vinduska
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Renewed (Fateful Justice Book 6)
This book is my introduction to Ms. Vinduska’s books and I wasn’t disappointed at all. I will find a way to go back and read the first books in the future. While a part of a series it is a standalone, but it doesn’t hurt to learn the other people and their story.
Hayden is a rancher and seems to have been since birth. Now taking care of the property he grew on is exactly what he wants with his life until he is shot. His life goes from normal to being flipped upside down.
Ruby is a hero and saves Hayden after he shows up unexpectedly. She goes through so much in a short time, but it doesn’t do anything but make her stronger.
This was a quick read, but no corners were cut in the story at all. I have added Ms. Vinduska’s name to my list of authors to keep an eye out for new releases and I look forward to reading more.
Renewed by Sara Vinduska
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A chance encounter, she is on the run, he is trying to protect his land. Book 6 in the Fateful Justice series and definitely a stand-alone. I read this book in just a couple hours it was that good that I did not want to put it down.
Renewed by Sara Vinduska
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Renewed by Sarah Vinduska is book six in the Faithful Justice series. This is the first and only book I have read in the series and I’ve see that each can be read as a standalone. I’m sure there were things I would have picked up on had I have read the other stories but I didn’t feel lost. I will say the story was cute but moved fast in the sense that it seemed so crazy. I also wasn’t a fan of the multiple perspectives. Not that it was confusing but there were more than just Hayden and Ruby which I didn’t find necessary to the story except to set another one up. Though… I am now interested in those stories, so well played! Ruby is running from her past and although she’s taken a lot of precautions, it catches up to her pretty quickly. Hayden is a rancher who needs help but then feels obligated to save her. The story was good. I enjoyed it and it had enough to keep my interest throughout. A good first read for me by this author.
Finding the End Zone by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’ve read many books by this author, and they never disappoint! I was immediately pulled into the story from the very beginning and binged on the entire thing in one day. Reading about Jamaica and Callahan’s relationship evolving was incredible as their chemistry was great. The characters felt relatable with the depth that they’re given as it really brought them to life for me. I wasn’t a big sports romance fan when it came to books, but this author has repeatedly brought me to see that it’s a great genre! I highly recommend picking this one up and getting lost in the beautiful world of Jamaica and Callahan.
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Carrie’s Flight by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A fun and cute story of a girl and her grandmother. When grandma moves to the other side of town, Carrie misses all the fun she used to have with her grandma. Of course grandma left her some things to help Carrie imagine fly! What I really liked about this book is the imagination that Carrie has while watching the starlings fly all over the sky. I hope that someday I can share fun imagination moments with my future grandkids.
Wicked Ends by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is an enemies-to-lovers, healing from childhood trauma romance.
From the very first page, Isla Vaughn grips your attention and never lets go. The two main characters start out as enemies with their own childhood traumas. Shane lies about his identity to get revenge on Winter. She finds out and then gets kidnapped the day. Even after all his deceit, Winter can’t seem to believe Shane was behind it. Even if she can’t figure out who was behind it all (at first).
With plot twists, a budding romance, and some good ol’ family drama, this book has something for everyone.
A must read!
Renewed by Sara Vinduska
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I picked up this book without realizing that it was in a series, but I still enjoyed it with very little confusion. I plan on picking up the previous books now so I can get more background. This story starts off with danger and suspense, so I knew I was in for a wild ride! Ruby and Hayden have such amazing chemistry that really leaps off the pages and make you root for them the whole way. The author created such an easy-to-read book that was difficult to take breaks from, and it is full of romance, steamy scenes, danger, and suspense throughout. I’m on my way to read the rest of the series and highly recommend picking this one up before you miss out!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Shadowed Agenda: An Enemies to Lovers Action-Packed Romantic Suspense Thriller by Mavery Ellscott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Good story with a lot going on. I did not love it as much as book 1 in the series but it is still enjoyable. I just feel the unknown of a few things was too vague to actually care about it too much which led to me not being completely invested in the character. I did like the interaction between the two main characters. Why they were that way with each other I wasn’t completely sure. Each one has a few secrets and as they are forced together they slowly come out. I liked the action in here….and there is a lot! As for secondary characters the future story between Drake and Finlay had me awaiting with bated breath.
Renewed by Sara Vinduska
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An enjoyable and entertaining romantic suspense which kept me hooked throughout. Set in wild Wyoming, the author does a great job of bringing the setting vividly to life through the descriptive narrative. It’s here that confirmed bachelor, cowboy Hayden Goddard runs his family’s ranch, and where he is shot and left for dead. He wakes up to find that his life has been saved by Ruby Drake, who is on the run from her past and has moved to the countryside for a fresh start. When Ruby’s past catches up with her Hayden is determined to protect the women who saved his life, and who he’s falling in love with. I loved how the relationship between Ruby and Hayden developed and their spicy chemistry sizzled off the page. This was a cowboy romance with plenty of drama and action, as well as suspense and the storyline had me gripped.
Renewed by Sara Vinduska
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the 6th book in the Fateful Justice Series. These books can be read as a standalone however I will be heading back to read the rest as I really enjoyed this story.
This is a cowboy romance but it is so much more, with danger, stalkers, an ex determined to get his woman back and a big hearted cowboy who is determined to protect her at all costs.
When Hayden gets shot he realises he needs to do something fast else he risks dying out in the cold. Knowing he won’t reach his own property he heads to the closest property around. When he arrives he wakes to see a woman. He takes her breath away. Who is she and what is her story.
Ruby has taken time in this cabin to escape her ex. Her ex is a dangerous man who will stop at nothing to get her. When she finds a man on the porch with a gunshot wound she knows she has to help, so she takes him in and nurses him back to health. Ruby saved Hayden’s life and as their connection grows stronger he vows to protect her.
When Ruby’s ex returns, Hayden knows he needs to do all he can to stop her ex getting close to her and protect her from all danger but why does he feel this need? He doesn’t do relationships so why does the thought of losing Ruby terrify him so much.
As the full picture of Ruby’s past finally comes to light Hayden knows he will protect her no matter the danger.
This is a really sweet captivating romance which is fast paced with loads of twist and turns. I just couldn’t put it down. I fell in love with both Hayden and Ruby and they are so perfect for each other.
Carrie’s Flight by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The starlings are migrating and it’s one of Carrie and her grandmother’s bonding moments. They love to sit and watch them together. This year, grandma is living across town though. Carrie finds a box marked “feathers” in the hall closet and just as she’s about to investigate the box’s contents, grandma calls on a video chat. Carrie and her grandmother are able to share their joy of the starlings together afterall.
Super cute read! The author includes some historical background on starlings at the end of the book for further reading and research.
vFinding the End Zone by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is a fantastic sports romance story that is easy to connect with and such fun to read. I found myself engaging with this story right from the start. This is one of my favourite tropes and this is an example of it done well.
The characters were perfect for each other, which was evident from the moment they met. Their chemistry was obvious, despite how much one of them might not have wanted it. They were entertaining and a joy to read about. This is a great story and I thoroughly enjoyed it.