This is the second book in the Buckeye Falls series by Libby Kay. This is another sweet small town contemporary romance with a wonderful cast that brings both humor and drama. Each installment of this series focuses on a specific couple so they can be read as a standalone, though I would recommend reading them all as you get to visit the other townsfolk and people from the other books. CeCe and Evan both work at the dinner that Max from the first book owns. This is their love story and boy is it a fun-filled adventure. If you love a clean-cut small town contemporary romance, then you definitely need to check out this series. I know I can’t wait to read more!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Donyahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDonya2023-10-31 21:56:332023-11-13 12:24:36Falling for You (Buckeye Falls Book 2) by Libby Kay – Review by Donya Pedigo
This is the first book I’ve read by author Libby Kay, but I’m so glad I picked it up. The quant small town of Buckeye Falls with its unique townsfolk help to enrich the story of Ginny & Max. This is a fun fast read second chance romance that will have you wanting to read more about the people of Buckeye Falls. If you enjoy wonderful humor, great characters, and everyday small town life especially around Christmas then this book is definitely for you. I personally loved seeing how Max and Ginny grew throughout the years since their divorce and how they found their way back into each other’s arms!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Donyahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDonya2023-10-31 21:36:472023-11-13 12:24:25Falling Home (Buckeye Falls Book 1) by Libby Kay – Review by Donya Pedigo
This is the fourth book in the Buckeye Falls Series and though this can be read as a standalone, I’d suggest reading the whole series because you will love getting to know all the characters in this picturesque small town. I love a great fake dating story and believe me, Libby Kay has written an amazing story about Alice and James. She has also captured small town life in such a realistic way that you can’t help but fall in love with this town and these unique characters. This book has become my favorite out of the series! I love how the town thinks they know more of what Alice needs than what she does. As she, the black sheep of the family, comes home in hopes of a restful break, several of the town’s people decide she needs a man and the fun just starts from there!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Donyahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDonya2023-10-31 21:15:082023-11-13 12:23:21Faking the Fall (Buckeye Falls Book 4) by Libby Kay – Review by Donya Pedigo
Reggi Dupree is a very talented author with her quirky, snarky, and entertaining characters that just pull you head first into these fun paranormal adventures! She and Daryanda Jones both have a very similar writing style that I truly love, making them two of my favorite authors. If you love funny humor and down-to-earth characters that just speak their minds, then you should definitely check this series out.
Mystical Midlife Mate is a paranormal women’s fiction novel and the second book in the Boudin, Barbecue, and Hoodoo Series. PWF are books that have main characters that tend to be a tad older, who’ve experienced life and learned to ignore the haters as they are okay being their authentic selves.
Gwen Carter, our main character, is nothing short of a firecracker who is currently struggling with her new-found powers and doesn’t need anymore to deal with. Unfortunately, her struggles are only going to get harder as her long lost dad shows up telling her what he expects her to do if she wants to keep her precious town of Hoodoo safe. And if you think that dilemma is bad enough, then you will be completely shocked to find out that Ash, Gwen’s hot, rich, smart, powerful boyfriend, may not be all he’s cracked up to be. Gwen meets her long lost relatives who have a sorted history with Ash, which makes her question him and their relationship. What is going to happen to Hoodoo, to Ash and Gwen, and will Gwen ever be able to catch a break? If you haven’t already, you should check out this amazing series. I am in love with this town and these people and can’t wait to read more!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Donyahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDonya2023-10-26 22:21:502023-10-30 07:00:10Mystical Midlife Mate (Boudin, Barbecue, and Hoodoo Series) by Reggi Dupree – Review by Donya Pedigo
Lois Wickstrom is a magical author that brings life lessons through cute, entertaining stories. This is the third book in her (I am an Alien) series about Shirl and her alien friend Eee-ahh. This book is beautifully illustrated with colorful fun scenes that bring the story to life. In this installment, Shirl and Eee-ahh hear a song through Shirl’s interstellar radio, which starts them on a fun adventure through space. It’s on this adventure that Shirl mistakenly takes a zib thinking it was free and is accused of stealing. This brings up good lesson opportunities on stealing and doing the right thing as Eee-ahh wants to run off and leave without helping the Ba-Kerr (whom Shirl accidentally stole from) as payment for her stealing. I absolutely love these children’s books and Lois Wickstrom is on my automatic buy list.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Donyahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDonya2023-10-12 16:01:332023-10-16 14:24:11Zibs for Sale (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Donya Pedigo
I love Morgana Bevan’s writing! She writes in such a way that you feel as if you are in the book yourself and truly a part of the characters’ stories. This is the third book in this series that I’ve read and it definitely won’t be the last. Do I wish I had read the books in order? Yes, but as they can all be read as a standalone, it isn’t necessary. I’m just overjoyed to have found a great new series and an author to add to my favorites pile.
What would you do if you went to get a marriage license only to find out you’re already legally married to the man that broke your heart? This is exactly what happens to Ceri in this fun book about second chances. As she is drawn back into Alex’s world, will she let him draw her back into his bed and into her heart or will she be able to keep her walls up and protect herself from the man who already broke her heart once before? I really loved watching the character growth in these two as they try to figure out love and life. Can they go from just existing in life to finding their real passion and where they are truly meant to be? Find out for yourself as you read this book and series…you won’t be sorry!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Donyahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDonya2023-10-10 20:45:412023-10-16 13:54:06Daring Ceri (True Platinum Rock Star Romance Series Book 6) by Morgana Bevan – Review by Donya Pedigo
This series is such an awesome read about the four elite guys at Hidden Valley School and the girls they care for. I would suggest reading this series in order, not because you have to, but because it’s a great series and you get to see a lot about each of the main male characters as they are present in each other’s stories and lives, being as they are all four related and best friends as well. Also note, this series has two books, a continuation duo for each of the four heroes, making it an eight-book series with a novella that comes before the first book in the series.
I don’t know how Isla Vaughn keeps making the books in this series better and better, but she does. This book is the conclusion of Phoenix and Amber’s story. We pick up here after the cliffhanger in book five to find out how Phoenix and Aspen are going to cope with a plethora of problems, passion, drama, and oh so much more. Will Phoenix ever remember his time with Amber? Should Amber keep fighting or just take care of herself and her child? Wow, Isla Vaughn has written some complex characters who face a lot, but Phoenix and Amber’s story and all they face has really blown me away.. in a good way, that is.. I’m so impressed with the writing and plotting of this series, this duo especially! I truly can’t wait for the next duo of books, because if these are any indications, then the next will be even more mind-blowing. You get so invested in these characters’ lives that you just want to read more. You should definitely check out this series as I’m positive you won’t be disappointed!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Donyahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDonya2023-09-28 19:59:132023-10-09 14:16:23Cruel Love (Hidden Valley Elite Book 6) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Donya Pedigo
Much like the first book in this series, this book is engaging with well-written characters and a magical story that will keep you glued to the page. We revisit Jon and Frank Reed as they attend West Hills School for the Perceptually Gifted for their second year. These 11-year-old twin boys who have special gifted talents aka powers are eager to participate in the “Zodiac Games” in hopes of winning for their house, bringing prestige unto them all. This would be an easier feat if they both weren’t faced with mysterious challenges and fear. Will they overcome everything and find glory or will the shadows and other magical dilemmas overtake them?
This book with its Harry Potterish feel is aimed at middle-school aged children (9 – 12 years old)- but I enjoyed it and think both younger and older individuals could as well. If you want an entertaining read that is right up there with other great books like the Percy Jackson series and the Harry Potter series, then definitely give this series a read, as I’m sure you will enjoy this incredible big family and their ever-growing adventures.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Donyahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDonya2023-09-19 19:01:112023-10-07 11:56:04The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Donya Pedigo
I’ve read several children’s books by author Lois Wickstrom and each one encompasses a great tale along with a fun learning moment for the reader. Rocketship Made of Stars is no exception as it is a fun story about Shirl and her alien friend who has traveled through the stars to visit her. The reader gets to learn the names of stars and constellations along with what Eee-ahh, the alien calls them.
This is a beautifully illustrated book by artist Nicolàs Milano. The colorful, engaging illustrations help you visualize the story and make it come alive for the reader. Ms. Wickstrom’s books continue to be great reads for my family and myself.
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Have you ever let other people question you and your lifestyle to the point that you began to doubt or question yourself? This is what happens to our main character, Julie, when she becomes guardian to her niece and nephew after her brother and sister-in-law pass away from a car wreck. People question if Julie, who also happens to be the biological egg donor to the 4-year-old twins, is the right choice to raise them, especially since she had decided that she never wanted kids of her own. Her own upsetting failures with the twins along with her family’s talk make her wonder what her brother and his wife were thinking of picking her as guardian, so, of course, when Grant the sperm donor shows up to supposedly help with the twins, Julie is more than cautious. In the matter of days, her life, her job, and, in truth, a bit of her sanity all seem to be thrown in the air and she doesn’t know if she will ever be able to catch them all.
This is an emotional ride, to say the least! J. Marie Rundquist has written such an amazing book that will have you spiraling through more emotions than you even knew you had. Between her realistic characters and honest reactions to everyday life spinning out of control, she has impressively woven a book that should be on everyone’s to-read list.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Donyahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDonya2023-09-14 20:46:202023-10-02 12:06:49As Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist – Review by Donya Pedigo
This is another wonderful book by the very creative Lois Wickstrom. I have read and loved several of her children’s books and this one is no exception. What would you do if you felt like you didn’t fit in and were from another planet? Well, you would try to communicate and find other aliens like yourself. This is exactly what Shirley aka Shirl does in this cute quick read. The underlying lesson isn’t spelled out in this story as much as it is in most of her books, but it still has plenty of ways to start a discussion about fitting in and wanting to find others like yourself. The artist Nicolàs Milano has also done a splendid job of making colorful, engaging illustrations that help you visualize the story. Ms. Wickstrom continues to be a go to read for my family and myself.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Donyahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDonya2023-08-31 19:49:302023-09-12 14:46:04I Am An Outer Space Alien (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Donya Pedigo
This series is such an enjoyable read about the four elite guys at Hidden Valley School and the girls they fancy. I would suggest reading this series in order, not because you have to, but because it’s a great series and you get to see a lot about each of the main male characters as they are present in each other’s stories and lives, being as they are all four related and best friends as well. Also note, this series has two books, a continuation duo for each of the four heroes, making it an eight-book series with a novella that comes before the first book in the series.
Isla Vaughn does not disappoint with this book, which is part of Phoenix and Amber’s story. She has written yet another great set of characters who are facing some very real world problems while trying to find their paths in life. This is a super fast read because you are literally drawn into the story and these characters lives so much that you just want to keep reading to find out what happens next. I can’t wait to read more about Phoenix and Amber’s story in the next installment, Cruel Love. The cliffhanger has me counting down the days until book 6. Do yourself a favor and check out this dark yet engaging new adult romance.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Donyahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDonya2023-08-31 19:24:062023-09-09 21:00:37Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite Book 5) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Donya Pedigo
This book shares the author’s unique perspective on Tarot and has similar ideologies to her book “Practically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living.” Both books help you to see that there is magic in everyday things such as books or cards and you can take what comfort and healing you want or can use from them. She stated in Practically Pagan, “that magic isn’t the hocus pocus everyone thinks it is, but rather a way of getting to know yourself.” I love that thought, and how, in this book, “Conversations with the Tarot”, she shows how she draws from the cards along with her interpretations of them. She encourages the reader to not be so rigid and just have a set in stone meaning for each card, but to rather study them, respect them, and learn them in your own way. Her poems for each card were also very creative and gave you a more personal insight into each card, instead of the typical, this card means this and you need to do this course book style of writing that we often see with learning tarot books. This was such an easy-flowing yet informative way to learn and delve deeper into tarot.
I’m a fan of paranormal books and picked this book up after I read her “Practically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living.” I loved learning a little more about magic in that book and thought it would be interesting to learn about tarot. Being a Christian and reading books of this nature, I have been criticized, but I enjoy learning how different people believe and practice those beliefs in their lives. It is interesting to see different perspectives on the world and to venture out of your comfort zone to see how others view the world and things in it. So don’t be afraid to learn about others’ experiences through creative books like this one.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Donyahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDonya2023-08-25 21:22:122023-09-05 14:40:32Conversations with the Tarot by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Donya Pedigo
What a fantastic read! Amaleigha’s 3rd grade class gets pen pals from Ukraine. It’s in these letters that they get to learn about each other’s cultures, countries, families, and everyday life. As they keep writing, they get to ask questions and learn more and more about their new friends. Everything was going amazingly until the Ukraine students wrote and told Amaleigha and her classmates about the possible war they were facing with Russia and how scared they were. This proceeded to open up all the fear the students had for their friends while also giving them the incentive and chance to learn more about different types of unrest in the world.
Janice Pratt has written a very thought provoking book about differences between individuals and the struggles they endure. She really handled the war in such a sensitive manner that allows you to ease into learning more about the world around you and how everything can and usually does affect everyone else in some way. I also really enjoyed the colorful illustrations and was pleasantly surprised to learn that they were drawn by a Ukrainian artist, Alina Kralia, who has had to relocate because of the unrest in Ukraine.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Donyahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDonya2023-08-24 21:13:392023-09-05 14:28:15Amaleigha Makes a New Friend by Janice Pratt – Review by Donya Pedigo
Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend is a very touching story that helps younger kids learn about having to put a pet to sleep. This story takes you through the whole process of finding out whether a pet is ill to the final stages if the pet can’t get better. With clear language and beautifully drawn illustrations, this can help many families better explain things to younger children. The author has done a wonderful job writing on such a tough subject! I’m glad I picked this book up as we have a sick pet currently and though we hope to avoid putting it to sleep, this will help my family if we have to face that tough choice. For anyone having to go through this hard life decision, this is definitely a book you want to have.
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I don’t know how this series keeps getting better and better, but it does! This is the continuation story of Issac Hawke and Jack, whom we met in the prequel, “Night Hawke.” Several years after their first steamy encounter, Jack shows back up in Isaac’s life and boy does she have a surprise for him.
I’m a sucker for a great secret baby book and this one definitely doesn’t disappoint as Gwyn McNamee has filled it full of twists and turns that will keep you glued to the page. These characters are well written and have the chemistry to set a volcano ablaze! I really love this story and this series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Donyahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDonya2023-08-17 22:47:422023-08-24 14:31:04Ruthless Hawke: A Second Chance Secret Baby Romance (The Hawke Family Second Generation Book 1) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Donya Pedigo
I want to know how I get to be a part of the Hawke family! Gwyn McNamee has written another great installment in The Hawke Family Second Generation and let me tell you these books are all so colorful and well written that I am most definitely hooked on this series and this family.
In this book we see the love story of Jude and Angie unfold. The romance was wonderful to read, but I also enjoyed seeing the friendship between Jude and Allie and how much she and the whole Hawke family meant to him. I was amazed at Jude’s story while reading this to see what all he has grown through and endured, while still becoming a great man. This book is also just another great reminder that family doesn’t have to be blood! I can’t wait for the next book to come out as I’ve read all the original Hawke series and now all this series that’s available. If you like a tight-knit family that looks out for one another mixed in with some romance and steam, then you definitely want to check out these series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Donyahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDonya2023-08-17 22:25:262023-08-24 14:30:28Reticent Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation Book 2) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Donya Pedigo
How would you feel if you finally met someone to trust and to be your friend, who took up for you against all the bullies that picked on you for your clothes and lifestyle, only for them to disappear a couple of years later? This is what our main character, Mina, experiences when Wes, her best friend and protector, stops showing up to school. Years pass and a lot changes for both Mina and Wes. Mina finally feels like she has her life on track when, guess who shows up at her prestigious school?
Wesley and Mina both face a lot of ups and downs as they go through life and try to reconnect. I love the heartfelt connection between these two wonderfully written characters! They both grow tremendously as they experience both highs and lows, while always having each other’s backs. This is a wonderful YA tale that I’m so glad I picked up and I can’t wait to read more by these authors as they have an easy-flowing writing style that pulls me right into the story and the lives of the characters.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Donyahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDonya2023-08-17 21:54:512023-08-24 14:28:39A Forever Kind of Thing by Carrie Thomas and Melinda Harris – Review by Donya Pedigo
This is by far one of the best children’s books I have ever read. I truly just wish this book had been around when I was a kid experiencing the heebie-jeebies, as Lilly calls them. As someone who has suffered from anxiety most of my life, I would truly recommend this book to all ages as there is a simple but beautiful message and spot-on techniques to help face everyday life when you feel anxious or scared. The colorful and detailed illustrations just add to this remarkable story. I would suggest everyone pick up a copy of this book, even if you or your child doesn’t suffer from anxiety. I’m sure we all know someone who does and using this book you can learn techniques that might help them. I can’t wait to read more books by this author!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Donyahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDonya2023-08-08 19:23:272023-08-16 13:58:29Lilly Tames Her Worries by Carole Heaney – Review by Donya Pedigo
Sliding into Home is the third book in the Playing for Keeps Series by Lauren Fraser, and to be completely honest, I didn’t think that you could get much better than book two was, but book three has now become my favorite. You can read this amazing tale as a standalone, but you would truly be doing yourself an injustice as this is a wonderful series with tantalizing characters who face some pretty interesting situations in their day-to-day lives. As I’m not much of a sports fan I almost passed on this series, but boy am I glad I gave it a try.
What would you do if you just happened to run into the one-night stand you had six long years ago? Oh and that one night stand which produced your son is the same man whom your son has been talking about nonstop, his new coach. This is exactly what Kia faces in this story.
Jeff and Kia’s story is written so well that I felt like I was a part of their ups and downs. I absolutely love that Kia is a strong, proud mom with tattoos, whose unconventional lifestyle and job has caused her to be judged, but she has overcome these criticisms. Enough good things can’t be said about this story without giving more away, so just take my advice and read it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Donyahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDonya2023-08-07 20:36:122023-08-16 13:48:01Sliding into Home (Playing for Keeps Book 3) by Lauren Fraser – Review by Donya Pedigo
Could you be living in a fairy tale right this minute? Caitlin Berve thinks so. As she says, fairy tales are all around us, even in this modern age when I’ve noticed that people tend to pay more attention to electronics than each other. I really enjoyed her unique modern retellings of several fairy tales. She has added magic, intrigue, romance, and just so many amazing aspects that I never would’ve thought of or expected. The twists and turns and details she has put into these stories and her writing is phenomenal. The first story, Letters from a Wu, was my favorite and an amazing start to this book. This story of a changeling was so brilliantly written in a back and forth letter style that I’m sure it made it hard to get the narrative across without it feeling like an info dump rather than a fun, interesting story, but Caitlin Berve accomplished this seamlessly. If you want quick fun stories to read, then definitely check out this book.
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I’m so in love with this series and this author’s writing! This is the beginning of Phoenix and Aspen’s story, which is part of the Hidden Valley Elite Series. Personally, I can’t wait for the next book in the series to find out where their story goes from here. It is possible to read this amazing story as a standalone, but I’d definitely recommend reading the whole series as you get to learn more about Phoenix throughout his family’s books. Also, it’s an incredible young adult series that is enjoyable to read.
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This is the fourth book in the Hidden Valley Elite series and can I just say wow! You don’t have to read the first two books and the prequel in order to read this one, but I definitely would, because you get to see more of the characters and their history. That being said, you do need to read Brutal Days as it’s the start of Damon and Skylar’s story and what a story it is. I really didn’t like the character of Damon until book three and now this one. The way Damon has matured and grown was amazing to watch unfold. I hated seeing what all Sky voluntarily suffered through while trying to avoid the one person that she felt such chemistry with. Will Damon keep pursuing Sky despite her telling him not to? Will her supposed best friend keep hurting her? This was such an amazing story! Isla Vaughn writes realistic characters, who experience drama, angst, jealousy, and real life problems. I can’t wait to read even more.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Donyahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDonya2023-07-13 22:01:142023-07-17 07:52:29Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite Book 4) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Donya Pedigo
This is the third book in the Hidden Valley Elite series and I don’t know how, but these books just keep getting better. You don’t have to read the first two books and the prequel in order to read this one, but I definitely would, because you get to see more of the characters and their history. I’ve not been able to put this series down since I read the first prequel book. Isla Vaughn is an amazing author who conveys the steamy love-hate relationships between these characters, Damon and Sky, in such a way that you feel like you’re a part of their story. This book is just the beginning really for Damon and Sky. I can’t wait to learn more about them in the next book, Brutal Nights, which is the conclusion of their story. Will Skylar be able to overcome her past and will the second of the four elite of Hidden Valley find love? I can’t wait to read more and find out. Especially as the series continues and we get to read Damon’s twin cousins’ stories of angst, love, and lust.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Donyahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDonya2023-07-13 21:10:352023-07-17 07:49:39Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Donya Pedigo
This is a unique modern retelling of Eros and Psyche from Greek Mythology mixed in with some interesting characters and plot twists. Aria Skylar has an easy-to-read, flowing writing style that will draw you into the story and make you feel a part of it. The chemistry and growth between the main characters is definitely something to behold. The secondary characters are very well written as well. I truly enjoyed the banter between Kate and her sister, it reminded me of myself and my own sister. Can love develop and be accepted despite darker motives or intentions? Find out for yourself in this start of an intriguing new series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Donyahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDonya2023-07-01 19:43:082023-07-11 11:56:22Twisted Eros (Modern Mythica Book 1) by Aria Skylar – Review by Donya Pedigo
Lois Wickstrom is a very creative author that always tends to slip in a lesson or fun learning opportunity in her stories. Her books are both whimsical and educational without feeling like a textbook or boring lecture. The artwork/ illustrations are also always so colorful and help the reader visualize and experience the story more easily as well. Her books have become a definite favorite of my family.
In this book we find Chester being asked to clean his room, but he would rather be doing other fun things. It isn’t until The Messy Kids show up that he really starts cleaning his room with their help. They don’t know how to properly clean his room though, so with encouragement from his mom, Chester teaches them. This is a really fun, easy read for younger kids.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Donyahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDonya2023-06-28 20:34:242023-06-29 07:27:00The Messy Kids by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Donya Pedigo
This was such a cute story! Lois Wickstrom has dealt with such heavy topics as bullying and believing someone is being truthful in such a fun and creative way. I really loved how Colleen tried to make friends with the kids who made fun of her dad and her instead of retaliating. I have read several books by this author, but I do believe this is my favorite by far. I love how she always incorporates a lesson or fun learning opportunity into her stories. Her books are both whimsical and educational without feeling like a textbook or boring lecture and this one is no different. I honestly can’t wait to see what she comes up with next and how Nicolàs Milano will illustrate it. This artist has illustrated several of her books and they are all so colorful and appealing to the eye, drawing me even more into the story. I also really admire the way that they incorporate all different kinds of characters with different ethnicities, disabilities, and abilities into their stories and renderings. This book should be in the hands of every child as it conveys such great life lessons within a fun rhyming storyline.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Donyahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDonya2023-06-28 20:29:142023-06-29 07:26:54Holding Up the Sky (Giants and Monsters) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Donya Pedigo
This is a MMF steamy tale about 3 people, Nash, Caro, and Greyson who get a second chance at romance. The characters are really likable and had me hoping things would work out for them this time around, especially since they were separated before, mostly because of a complete misunderstanding.
The author’s writing style was easy flowing and kept me invested in the story. I really also enjoyed the horse racing details/ tidbits that showed just how much research the author had done. This is the second book in this series and though I didn’t read the first book I could easily follow along and grasp aspects of other characters who had appeared in the first book. I must admit that after reading this one, though I do plan on going back and reading the first one just because I want to read more by this author and visit the other couples’ stories. This is definitely a fun, fast paced, steamy read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Donyahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDonya2023-06-17 22:23:442023-06-19 14:44:38The Passion of 3: A Second Chance MMF Romance by Ariella Talix- Review by Donya Pedigo
This book is an emotional ride with gripping characters who are all affected by trauma. How would you cope if you were only one of four survivors of a major plane crash that killed 142 individuals? Would this one tragedy stay with you and change your whole life by being a constant reminder of that day, or would you be able to walk away and push that day aside to move on with your life? This is what Julie, Marie, Paige, and Terry must decide in “Lap Baby” by Amy Q. Barker. Here we get to see three of the four survivors’ first-person journeys and how their lives have been changed. This was such a fascinating read that had me wanting to know more about these people, their lives, and honestly had me upset and heartbroken for them. This story and these characters were so well thought out and written that I honestly questioned if this was a biography at one point! If you want an engaging, emotional read, check this out.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Donyahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDonya2023-06-16 12:19:192023-06-19 14:12:44Lap Baby by Amy Q. Barker – Review by Donya Pedigo
The stories John David Latta shares in this book are so heartwarming, incredibly honest, and powerful that they will definitely leave you thinking about your own life’s journey and how unconditional love might enhance it. I really enjoyed getting to see his life experience in his own words. His writing is so compelling and easy to read that it just draws you into each experience he goes through as if you were truly there with him. It’s awe-inspiring to see what one can go through in life while not letting it shake his unconditional love and faith. This book is definitely one to read for anyone, but especially for those who might need to see they aren’t the only ones that have or are experiencing bad things in life.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Donyahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDonya2023-06-14 21:17:592023-06-19 11:19:53The Synchronicity of Love: Stories that Heal, Transform, and Awaken by John David Latta – Review by Donya Pedigo
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Falling for You by Libby Kay
