Bake Believe by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Eat it up! What a sweet story of Cat as she discovers a love of baking. Funny, magical, and creative. I love the characters and the story. This book made me feel like a kid again! Go ahead, and dig in!
Bake Believe, Bake Believe Trilogy, Cori Cooper, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Kids, Fantasy, YA
Bake Off by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Secret ingredients, family recipes, and a dash of drama. This story is sweet and a little spicy! Told through the eyes of a teenager as she explores life, in and out of the kitchen. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Bake Off, Bake Believe Trilogy, Cori Cooper, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Kids, Fantasy, YA
Bake Happy by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Don’t Read Hungry!
This yummy book is full of fun and whimsy. This is the final book of the series and wraps up the trilogy like a crepe. I love Cat and her spunky teenage humor. Great relationships, wonderful characters, delicious story all around!
Bake Happy, Bake Believe Series, Cori Cooper, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, YA, Fantasy
Bake Happy by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Bake Happy is a great and funny book filled with comedy and recipes. Cat is a fourteen year old girl who is sarcastic and loves to bake. Her family has this gift where they can bake something and make people feel certain emotions. One day, Cat loses the ability to bake her feelings and she gets upset. Eventually, she realizes that people don’t need to feel happy in order to make the world a better place. Helping others is more beneficial than getting them to feel certain emotions. As a fellow baker, I love that the author included recipes for the baked goods at the end of every chapter. Bake happy is great for someone who loves comedy movies and baking.
Jester by Brielle D. Porter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lisette grew up under the shadow of a father who was labeled a traitor after killing the king. When he is put to death before he could pass on his magic to Lisette, she feels the loss ten times over because she lives in Oasis- where magic rules. As she perfects sleight of hand that LOOKS like magic, she decides to enter into a competition to compete for the position of Jester to the Queen. However, her biggest competitor, Luc, has REAL magic. Lisette realizes very quickly that she will do anything to gain magic and fame. The farther she makes it, the more she has to lose, though. When she is approached with information concerning the death of the king not being at the hand of her father, everything changes. Can she trust the source of this information? Could it be true? Will the cost of the truth be her undoing?
I really enjoyed reading this story. It follows a girl that wants to be recognized as the best because she feels like she’s never been good enough. In her pursuit of being the best, she begins to make friends in places that she doesn’t expect. In the end, she realizes what is worth keeping and what is worth letting go. Her path isn’t easy, and she doesn’t always pick the right choice, but the ending is perfect!
Jester by Brielle D. Porter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Jester is a fun dark and twisted tale. Imagine falling down a hole in a city that is more sinful than sin city, outrageously ostentatious, blindingly entertaining and certainly deadly and definitely twisted. This story is unique, fun and entertaining with secrets and lies, magic and corruption, political intrigue and a deadly competition. Add in a romance between enemy to lovers and you have a wild ride.
Lisette wants magic and to win so badly she can taste it. She longs to be the best but what would she do if things turn deadly?
Jester is Brielle’s debut novel and it will be interesting to see what she does next.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Jester by Brielle D. Porter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Jester by Brielle D. Porter is one of the best books I have read this year- or ever! It is such a fresh, original, and fun story- a fantastic fantasy with a little bit of a darker tone, plenty of mysteriousness, magic, dramatic developments, rivalry, revenge, danger, obsession, illusions, intrigue, interesting complex characters, stellar world-building, murder, politics, agendas, adventure, family dynamics/drama, humour, romance, emotion, and sooo much more.
I am so impressed with this book- even more so when I discovered that it is the author’s debut novel! Way to go to stamp your mark as an author! First time up to the base and Ms. Porter has hit it out of the park!!! If this is what she can do as her debut- I CAN. NOT. WAIT. to see where we will go from here! I am excited to find such a talented author to add to my MUST-READ author list! I can not recommend this book highly enough- if you love well-woven fantasy that provides an immersive experience in the form of a rich, vibrant, and exciting story- then you will definitely want to get your hands on this book- STAT!
I don’t want to go into the story in too much detail, as I really don’t want to spoil it for you. The blurb does a better job of whetting the appetite for what to expect, than I would, without giving too much away. I recommend going into the story a little blind and letting the author and the story surprise you- in the best possible way!
I loved Lisette (Mirage) and Luc… their rivalry really added to the overall feel and excitement of the storyline. I was so invested in them and the outcome of the story that I stayed glued to the pages the whole way through- reading the whole book in one sitting, just so I could find out how everything played out in the end. LOVE. LOVE. LOVE this book. I can’t wait to get my hands on Ms. Porter’s next book- my mind is whirling with possibilities! Ms. Porter is definitely an author to watch out for, as I can see great things in her future!
Must Read! If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would!
Happy Reading!
Thank you, Brielle D. Porter!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Jester by Brielle D. Porter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This incredible story had so much that interested me that I’m not even really sure where to start. First of all if you love fantasy books with a strong female protagonist, an enemies to lovers romance, illusions, mystery and more than like me this book is right up your alley. When I first saw the beautiful cover to this book I knew right away that I had to read it. The character development was strong, the word building was magical, and the overall story hafnso many twists and turns I physically couldn’t put it down. So if your looking for a great new fantasy for your next read then make sure to pick this one up today.
Jester by Brielle D. Porter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Jester was wildly entertaining and exciting to read! Lisette’s tricks were mind blowing even though she does not have magic herself, she does try to do her best. She and her competition Luc do some pretty crazy things trying to one up each other. One has Magic while the other does not. While most of the story is from Lisette’s POV it was nice having some backstory of why her father was executed for his crimes against the crown. This book was written wonderfully and I can’t wait to read more from this author again soon!
Jester by Brielle D. Porter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a fun read full of action and magic. The setting of Oasis with fancy hotels, gambling, shows, street performers, and magic reminded me of Las Vegas. The backstory is that Lisette’s father killed the King and was executed and he did not pass on his magic to her. I liked that the story is told from Lisette’s point of view but there are also chapters written from her father’s point of view which gives his story. Lisette’s goal is to become the next Jester to the Queen and she will do pretty much anything to get there. She doesn’t have magic so her show needs to be amazing. Luc is her biggest competition and enemy who is able to heal himself and always seems to outdo Lisette’s show. As Lisette and Luc get closer to the competition the tricks get more dangerous and they are both out to win. The characters were easy to like and the story was fun, sad, and suspenseful. I hope there will be more books to come.
Reviewed by @bibliophilenerd
View all my reviews
Jester by Brielle D. Porter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What an interesting and entertaining story this book turned out to be. This is a new author to me so I didn’t know what to expect when I started reading. The story sounded interesting enough for me to give it a try and I was honestly not disappointed. I was pulled into the story so effortlessly and I enjoyed every second of reading it.
I loved how the author created such memorable characters and a storyline that was easy to get lost in. I found myself flying through this book quicker than I wanted because I wasn’t ready for it to end. This was an amazing book and such an incredible way to be introduced to a new author.
Jester by Brielle D. Porter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I LOVED THIS BOOK! This is a completely new author to me and wasn’t sure what I was getting into, but I loved the cover and decided to give it a read. I can’t express my love for this story enough, but I couldn’t put it down. I had Alice in Wonderland in New Orleans or Las Vegas vibes. Lots of intrigue and mystery with magic and secrets galore. I could picture the main character on Bourbon Streets in New Orleans performing her street magic for money. The characters are amazing, the writing is phenomenal, and the world building is truly out of this world. I am really hoping that there is second book in this story because in my opinion there just needs to be. Maybe two or three more. Highly recommended book.
Jester by Brielle D. Porter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
~Fame or Family~
Lisette takes us on a wild ride from beginning to end…from first glance at the cover, to the last drop, you are in for such a treat! Her goal…The Queen’s Jester…can she do it? It depends on if she can get past Luc. Lisette is a feisty female protagonist in a political hot mess. I read some of the other reviews and everyone is spot on with this. -5 Stars- for sure.
I would say this is a romance, because of the way you can get sucked into Lisette’s romance. BUT, to me this reads more as a YA Fantasy overall (which is one of my favorite genres.) There is a Magic, and some practicing of magic. I just love how the world development allows for different characters progressing on their own individual paths. Every great fantasy novel does a good job developing the magical undercurrent that all the characters rely on, and the author sure doesn’t disappoint.
As Lisette’s own story unfolds, she goes through abandonment, deciphering between right or wrong (her own moral compass), and all the twists and turns that are involved all along the way. Her world is enchanting, fun, competitive, and a romance that is “enemies to lovers” if you’re into that.
I would absolutely jump on picking up the story again, and can’t wait to read book 2. Thank you for this book!!!
Reviewed by @TaylorKStephenson
Bake Happy by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
~ A Third Dose of Family Fun~
I will definitely be re-reading this trilogy from the first book through the third. I picked it because I was needing a little bit of a pick me up in life. This was just so much fun, there was laughter, smiles, and “good feel” emotions that just can’t be simulated on your own. Despite not knowing the backstory of the characters, I still found this to be a charming read.
Cat is obviously a baker, and her confidence inspires me to really enjoy my own hobby as well. It also makes me wonder what I can do to make my world a better place. I think this will be a good re-read for the holidays, as there is a lot of family and tight-knitted “ness” between the characters.
Reviewed by @taylorkstephenson
Jester by Brielle D. Porter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed the strong female presence. Jester is a book I can see myself rereading. Lissette has some hard choices to make which enables her survival skills. Using her goal of becoming the Queen’s Jester. You can see how much focus she has on her goal one could call it an obsession. There are many lessons to be learned from this book.
Jester by Brielle D. Porter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a romantic adventure. What happens in Oasis certainly stays in Oasis. Lisette is trying to make a name for herself and Luc is her main competition. He has an edge: real magic. Lisette lost her magic when her father was executed for killing the King. The sparks arise between these two as does some new evidence against the Queen that shows she may have been the one to murder the King. I love the passion and suspense in the story. The back and forth. The characters are so well-developed. The plot ran smooth with some twists in it. This is a story that will have you on the edge of your seat wanting to know what happened next. It sucked me in right from the start. I highly recommend it.
Jester by Brielle D. Porter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Just wow! This book was so freaking good. The story was artistic in its own special way, and held me as I read, I could not get enough of this book and what it has to offer. The story not only provided much intrigue, but a lot of realism and a world that was magical on it own to imagine!
Loved this story and the characters that it contained. I saw a lot of character development as well. Especially with Lisette. I found she really grew through the story, She was a very admirable character as well. Whom she started as, and what by the end of the book, she finished as, was rather remarkable. I loved the plot, and all it contained. The story was a quick read for me, as I could not put it down, it held me and I kept needing more answers to my questions and to keep on reading! It was just soo good! I loved this book so much!
The author truly captivated me and I loved their writing style, as well as how they brought this story and characters to life. A must read for sure! Definitely a very high recommendation on my list from me!
Jester by Brielle D. Porter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this fantasy adventure. It is a fast paced story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It’s a story full of different aspects such as revenge and redemption. There is also a enemy to lovers romance which at first you don’t expect. The main character Lisette is very strong willed and determined to succeed, however sometimes her plans to do that could be seen as questionable.
Lisette has been left on her own since her father was executed for murdering the king. Now she has to struggle through life trying to get out from the disgrace her father caused by commiting that crime. Lisette’s dream is to become the Jester however this will be no easy feat considering she doesn’t have any real magic. When she enters into the challenge to become the Queens Jester its a highly dangerous thing to do and when her worst enemy Luc also joins the challenge things just get worse for her. After all Luc has what she doesn’t. Luc has real magic not an illusion like Lisette.
As the challenge progresses Lisette sees evidence go show the Queens involvement in her husbands death.
Was Lisette dad really to blame for the Kings murder? Now Lisette has a choice. Does she strive to clear her family name and lose her dream or does she live under the disgrace of her fathers supposed crime and fulfil her dream of being Queens Jester? Is that even an option with Luc in the competition?
Bake Happy by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Bake Happy is the third and final book in the Bake Believe trilogy by Cori Cooper. This was both a fun and bittersweet read, as I knew it was the final book in the series and I wasn’t ready to say goodbye yet.
This follows on from the previous books, so I suggest reading the first two instalments before beginning on this one.
As I have said before, I love how original and fun this series is. Ms. Cooper has crafted such a clever and imaginative teen/YA fantasy story- with magic, family, humour, recipes, a sprinkle of drama, teen life, adventure, emotion, heart and soul. Oh, and recipes, did I mention yummy recipes?
I have loved Cat (and company) right from the moment I met her back in book one. I love how wonderfully quirky and endearing the character/s are- they really brought the story to life and things definitely wouldn’t have been the same without them.
Our adventures all started in Book One when we met Cat Anderson for the first time and saw how her life was turned upside down after she discovered baking, and found out exactly what her baking could do. It took her a while to get a handle on her baking ‘skills’ which may have caused a little chaos in the process. But now things are going smoothly and she has everything under control…. or does she? Stay tuned for a surprise or two, because things are about to get quite interesting.
I’m really hoping that we may get to revisit Cat again in the future. In the mean time I’m looking forward to seeing what Ms. Cooper does next!
Happy reading!
Thank you, Cori Cooper!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
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~ 
BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ~ ~ 
Brielle D. Porter decided to become a writer after a well-meaning elementary school teacher told her she had a gift for it. Stolen moments under the covers reading anything from Harry Potter to William Goldman solidified the desire to tell stories herself one day. Jester is her debut novel.
Brielle lives with her husband and three sons on a lavender farm in Northern Idaho. When she’s not writing, she can be found running and beekeeping. Only ask her about her hobbies if you have plenty of time to spare.
Sword of Darkness by L.M. Preston
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This story revolves around Reece and the hard choices he has to make. His adventure takes him on a journey that will make him in the middle of the action. Looking for answers in both himself and the mysteries that are developing in his world.
This is an interesting YA story. There is a good mix of action and adventure in this book. It was nice to see Reece begin to find his way and grow. He has a lot going on and must learn and grow quickly, life is not going to stand still and wait for him to figure things out. While this story is easy to follow it is part of a series and readers may want to read the others in the series to better connect with the characters in this book. There is a nice mix of magic and adventure that will have those that enjoy YA stories entertained.
Bake Happy by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Bake Happy is the final book in this YA romantic fantasy trilogy. Make sure you go back and start with the first book Bake Believe.
I love stories that are a little different and this trilogy is definitely original and imaginative. It is fun and entertaining and has humour that will have you laughing. This quirky tale will have your taste buds salivating with the magical recipes included. It is interesting and unique and gives us the usual raging teen angst and grumpiness. The story is humorous and engaging as we adventure along with Cat and her magic. It’s hard to say goodbye.
Cori has hit the spot that YAs are going to enjoy reading about Cat and her family.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Insatiable Darkness by L.M. Preston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What an intriguing introduction to this series. In this prequel to the Vigilant series L.M. introduces us to EmVee and her family as they move to a new area; Newport the family manage a gym, they are all interested in boxing and MMA. At school EmVee meets Rachel and Megan although they do not like each other, Silas and Kayson (both are into sports and members of a band). All is not quite As it seems.
The business her family are managing is also owned by Dean, who owns a local club, where the boys band plays, some of the locals seem stronger than they should, there are dead bodies found in the woods, having been mauled.
EmVee decides to investigate what is happening, will she manage to discover what is happening?
This book has great character development and the story certainly keeps you hooked and wanting more.
Caged Fire by L.M. Preston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The story just keeps getting better and better. We continue to follow EmVee after the disappearance of her mother and family they are presumed dead. Left with only her father, they move often and follow the MMA underground fighting scene.
After her father is shot and carried off by a mysterious woman EmVee and her friend Demi, Sax (Demi’s boyfriend) and Kayson work as a team to find out and enact revenge on this woman or those she works for. And she needs to find out if her father is alive, as well as determine what has happened to her family when she is told that they are alive/
The past continues to throw things at EmVee, the issues from Silas, and people from her past. Who and what can she trust?
Another really enjoyable read. I cannot wait for more.
Cat finds herself in a dire predicament. Her favorite aunt is marrying into the enemy’s family. Cat and her nemesis, Nate Walker, are being thrown together at family dinners as the happy couple, her aunt and his uncle, announce and celebrate their engagement. After a particular loud argument between Cat and Nate, experience some freaky consequences.
This author makes me laugh and smile. I absolutely love the way the author/characters blend baking/ cooking/ food into their expressions! This series has been a delight to read!
Maybe Penny could be next!! It would be a shame to have to say goodbye to these wonderful characters. I have enjoyed this series completely.
Sword of Darkness by L.M. Preston
My rating: 1 of 5 stars
Reece is a young man who loves to live dangerously, he is a street car racer and weapons designer, he is also a well trained fighter thank to his parents who are skilled in all arts of fighting and weapons. He hears about a street race in the new town he has moved to, but it is nothing like he expects, but he is determined to win, so he follows the steps and signs up, but when he sees how vicious the race is, he is even more determined to win.
As the race is about to start, he sees a beautiful young woman and she takes his breath away, but despite warning from her friends and other strangers, he is determined to interact with he more after the race, but that never happens and eventually he comes second in the race and leaves with his prize. His obsession with this girl however, becomes more serious as the days go by and he goes to great lengths to spend even a small amount of time alone with her, that is until one day when his life changes forever.
Meanwhile, he is having dreams about creating a weapon more beautiful and complex than any other he has previously designed and made, so when he is taken to a shop which breaks all the rules of convention, he sees exactly what he needs to finish it, but the price he has to pay for it is something unlike any other. Will Reece be able to survive being pulled in multiple directions by his friends, family, school and time with this girl, or will he be overcome by his obsessions? This is a fast paced fantasy tale full of paranormal antics and supernatural romance which will keep you hooked until the end.
Reviewed by @roxsannel
PREORDER Battles and adventure crisscross the Viking Age! From monumental sea clashes to beleaguered mountain strongholds to war with the tribes of Eire, circumstance drives the scattered Agneson clan across the known world. And beyond the lands of Midgard, mythic hidden folk challenge our forerunner hero. The award-winning Forerunner Series epic continues….
Fleeing an arranged marriage, Kara escapes across the narrow sea to follow her warrior dreams. Escaping slavery, Cub joins Rollo’s horde in Britany, while his outlawed brother Sorven fights for survival in the Welsh mountains. Uncle Karl and his warriors rally to Harald Tanglehair in his ambition to unify the wild kingdoms of the North Way, and young Thorfinn is left behind, safe and secure in a tiny fishing village… or is he?
Kara gains her place in king of Dublinn’s ranks to prove her mettle, but being a warrior is not what she expected, and what of these new feelings she finds for her closest companion? Will Karl and his crew perish in the great battle of Hafrsfjord? And how will an unprepared Thorfinn survive kidnapping by an 8-armed giant, leaving behind worried friends and a very angry dragon?
Don’t miss this 5-star epic fantasy critics are calling “whimsical and gritty,” with “fabulous, engaging characters.” If you enjoy the history of The Last Kingdom and Nordic myths and legends, the Forerunner Series is a grand tale not to be missed!
Caged Fire by L.M. Preston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
EmVee is back in installment two of this Vigilant series.
After the attack by Silas EmVee and her dad have been on the run, but darkness is brewing inside her and something doesn’t feel right after being bitten.
Then her dad is shot right in front of her and dragged away leaving her with no one to trust or turn to.
Insert Kayson who she didn’t trust when she met him previously but he has info about her family and how to help her. Can she trust him to uncover all the secrets she’s still plagued with.
This book was much better than the first with strongly developed characters action snark mystery and a little romance. Can’t wait to read the next one
Insatiable Darkness by L.M. Preston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
EmVee has moved to Newport with her family. She’s a strong athlete and it generally consumes her life But she may be willing to give up some time for two big gorgeous guys that have taken her interest.
But nothing in this town is what it seems. Why did they move here, what has her father gotten them into? Why are athletes disappearing or dead with littered body parts all over… and why does this annoying girl she’s met seem to know so much.
This was a quick read, though I enjoyed it I felt like I didn’t get to understand the characters very well as they weren’t developed enough and you were left wondering many things which I hope is remedied in the next book!
Overall 4 stars!
Bake Off by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Bake off is the second book in The Bake Believe Trilogy. It’s a fantastic YA story and great for adults also. I loved that it picked right up where book one left off. It was just as good as I was hoping for and can’t wait for more.