This book was quite interesting. Branka is a scullery maid and all she wants is freedom for her and Mama Cook. She is able to get this wish, but at what cost? Ontop of all of this, she is in love with a boy who is above her station and it is forbidden. This book had me in from the get go and had a whole variety’s worth of classical stories rolled into one story. I absolutely loved it. I’m going to have my daughter who is 11 and I know she will love something like this! I can’t wait to read other books by this author!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Crystal Jimmohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCrystal Jimmo2023-10-12 22:32:052023-10-19 07:14:02Tears Into Gold by Cori Cooper – Review by Crystal Jimmo
I am sometimes wary of a book that promises Medieval Historical Fiction with “strong female characters” because that narrative does not always come through as a believable story line. Wild Lavender absolutely delivers on strong female characters in a male driven time period, with Anna at the heart. I thoroughly enjoyed the dramatic twists and turns of Anna’s marriage to a sadistic traitor, her background both as a horse master as well as a member of a long-line of female warriors and as the Lady of the land that loves her people, despite her evil husband. Ms. Kelleher did an amazing job of setting groundwork for future novels not only with this character but many others and I cant’ wait to read the next one.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Sharonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSharon2023-10-12 21:19:462023-10-19 07:13:16Wild Lavender (Heart & Hand Series Book 1) by Nicole E. Kelleher – Review by Sharon Funkhouser
This book is a unique and interesting story that is the perfect example of the type of work this author creates. This book is part of the Mission 3047 universe and it was great to get to learn more about this particular character. He is one that I found appealing from the moment I started to read about him, and this opportunity to discover more was welcome. As with the other book, this was well written, original and an enjoyable read. I engaged with it straight away and loved watching how it all played out. This author really knows how to create imaginative stories and I am looking forward to the next one I read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2023-10-12 15:34:092023-10-16 14:23:53Sarge by Stuart Ledwith – Review by Kerry Baker
4 Stars Wild Lavender (Heart & Hand Series Book 1) by Nicole E. Kelleher
Wild Lavender is the first book in the Heart & Hand Series and is a Historical Romance/Fantasy / Paranormal Romance that I enjoyed ready. This is a fairly new author to me and I wasn’t really sure what to expect going in but man once I started reading there was no stopping. I was drawn in from the beginning and found myself lost in the pages. Wow not at all what I expecting but a thousand times better. This story is packed with action, danger, adventure, politics and so much more. Anna finds herself in an arranged marriage to Lord Roger who is not a nice man but a very cruel yet evil man. She’s a strong woman who somehow get the strength to overcome the fear of him. What will happen when Larkin appears in town? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next especially if you enjoy historical romance. I look forward to seeing what other books this author has.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dawn Daughenbaughhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDawn Daughenbaugh2023-10-12 04:41:292023-10-16 14:18:28Wild Lavender (Heart & Hand Series Book 1) by Nicole E. Kelleher – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh
5 Stars The Calamities of Camden Callahan (A Revenant Novel) by Brittany Tucker
The Calamities of Camden Callahan is a a YA Fantasy that is fast paced and hard to put down once you start reading. This is a fairly new author to me and her style of writing and attention to detail makes for a wonderful story. I truly enjoyed reading this book so much that it was easy to loose track of time and before I knew it I was half way in bore taking a break. The characters are developed, creative, relatable and real they bring the story to life. This one is about betrayal, secrets and facing those who should have never betrayed you in the first place. What will happen when a secret that is not meant to be found out about come out? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I don’t want to give to much away. I can’t wait to read more from this Author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dawn Daughenbaughhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDawn Daughenbaugh2023-10-12 03:35:552023-10-16 14:17:58The Calamities of Camden Callahan (A Revenant Novel) by Brittany Tucker – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh
Wild Lavender was the first book I’ve read from Nicole E. Kelleher. Honestly, wow. I was blown away by how good this story was. I’m not typically someone who enjoys a period piece but this was very well written and kept my attention until the very end. Anna is one incredibly strong and determined woman. After realizing her arranged marriage was going to be anything but loving and romantic, Anna needs to be bigger than her husband. Thankfully he tends to be away for long periods of time which allows her to become close with the people. This book does have quite a bit of everything. Steam, romance, treason, resilience. I greatly enjoyed the relationship between Anna and Larkin. I wasn’t sure about reading a medieval times book but I’m very glad that I did. I’ll definitely read the others in this series!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kristan Andersonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKristan Anderson2023-10-11 19:40:512023-10-16 14:16:41Wild Lavender (Heart & Hand Series Book 1) by Nicole E. Kelleher – Review by Kristan Anderson
This is a fantastic fantasy story that will have you hooked from the first page to the last. It has some brilliant storytelling, from an author that has created an imaginative and intriguing book. So much seems to happen and I found it all to be exciting and fast paced. The characters are just as good as the story. They were strong, interesting to read about and certainly kept me entertained. This book is exactly what I have come to expect from this author and I would highly recommend it to everyone.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2023-10-11 15:50:582023-10-16 14:21:52House of Blood and Whispers by Natalina Reis – Review by Kerry Baker
This is the first book by this author that I have read and I was not let down. I really could not put this book down. I really liked how the author was able to create the world in which this series is built in. The characters seemed to just jump right off of the pages and I felt as though I was in the midst of the action and adventure. I really like how the book has a good balance of drama and romance. The main characters just are so unique and their chemistry is phenomenal. I really look forward to reading more from this author as well as this series in the near future.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Caralee Loonathttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCaralee Loonat2023-10-11 14:23:072023-10-16 14:21:23Wild Lavender ( Heart and Hand Series Book 1 ) by Nicole E. Kelleher – Review by Caralee Loonat
Just loving this coverart ! You can feel it’s going to be an epic !
Lady Aubrianne ( Anna) loves her people and she will do anything to protect them , she’s beautiful, brave and strong . Look , I think her marriage left her more than a little disillusioned, what she expected and what she got is worlds apart . Lord Roger , her husband is a cruel and nasty piece of work but his wife is no fading wallflower and is up for the challenge and on more than one occasion she stepped in for someone else and bore the brunt of his cruel sadistic nature .I admire her strength .
Then there’s Larkin and he has a history with our Anna and I so wish things could’ve been different from the start for them and one could feel the tension between them …..
Not an easy read because of the hardships and cruelty endured but getting lost in the secret passages and the steamy scenes relieved a little of that emotional scarring 🫣😉
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heidihttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeidi2023-10-11 05:26:392023-10-16 14:19:20Wild Lavender (Heart & Hand Series Book 1) by Nicole E. Kelleher – Review by Heidi Sturgess
In a world run by a tyrant, how can you survive? Cahki is going to figure out how to not only survive but escape and she’s going to try and help as many people as she can along the way. Between her strong will and intelligence, and the son of the emperor in her corner, Cahki is a heroine that will quickly win your heart. There are twists and turns that will keep you turning your pages well past bed time. Can the couple find a way to free their kingdom?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Nichole Chrismanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngNichole Chrisman2023-10-10 20:12:032023-10-16 14:14:39House of Blood and Whispers by Natalina Reis – Review by Nichole Chrisman
The twists and turns in this book were phenomenal. I love when I’m on the edge and I never know what’s going to happen next. The way the author can have me envision everything has me in love. Amazing characters with a fantastic story line has me wanting to read more of the authors work. I can’t wait. I highly suggest you check this book out!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashley Sugarhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshley Sugar2023-10-10 18:56:112023-10-16 14:12:23House of Blood and Whispers by Natalina Reis – Review by Ashley Sugar
This was the first book I had read by this author but it definitely will not be the last, as I thoroughly enjoyed this exciting fantasy romance and it had me hooked throughout. The independent and feisty Cahki was kidnapped in order to warm Emperor Min’s bed. However, this turns out to be the worse decision he made, after all inside her lives the strength and ferocity of a fjord dragon! Prince Sung-Jin is the sole heir to the throne of the Southern Kingdom, but his father believes in ruling by fear and that applies to his son as well who carries the scars. The Prince plans to free his people from his father’s cruelty and when he meets the white haired Cahki he believes she can help him, and in turn he can free her. Cahki agrees to marrying Sung-Jin even though he’s a stranger and her enemy if it means no longer being a slave. The couple set out to rescue the kingdom and it’s people who live in fear from a cruel Emperor with no morals and unsavoury appetites. Even though the court hates it’s ruler, the odds are against Prince Sung-Jin and Cahki, but they are both willing to try, and either win or die! The setting and characters were brought vividly to life by the descriptive narrative, which made me feel immersed in the storyline and engaged with the characters. This was a real page turner and it had me captivated from start to finish, I definitely recommend reading it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Gordonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Gordon2023-10-10 17:29:042023-10-16 14:11:21House of Blood and Whispers by Natalina Reis – Review by Jennifer Gordon
House of Blood and Whispers is a fantasy romance full of action, drama, angst, violence, danger, and a tyrannical leader. The cover of this book is stunning and immediately drew me in which is why I picked it up to read. That, and the title really captured my attention. The story centers around the characters of Cahki and Prince Sung-jin who must team up to try to stop the tyrannical reign of Sung-jin’s father, Emperor Min. Sung-jin is tired of living under the reign of his father who rules the land with force and fear. Sung-jin is kind, tender, caring, and a fierce warrior. He hates how cruel and perverse his father is and wants to bring an end to his reign of terror. Emperor Min is cruel, has no morals, and does not care who he hurts to get ahead. Cahki was kidnapped and held captive by Emperor Min to be part of his harem of other kidnapped women. She is strong, feisty, brave, and a force to be reckoned with. Sung-jin and Cahki have a mutual enemy in Emperor Min and want to be free of his tyranny. When Prince Sung-jin offers her a chance at freedom by marrying him she reluctantly takes it. Together they must fight for freedom for themselves and for the kingdom. Danger lurks around every corner and the dynamic duo must fight for their own survival. This book has a captivating storyline that will have you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. I highly recommend this book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2023-10-10 16:44:532023-10-16 13:53:33House of Blood and Whispers by Natalina Reis – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
This was not my typical read but I still enjoyed it! This historical romance has everything from action to steamy romance. This is a fast paced read with strong characters especially Anna. I really enjoyed the world building and the author’s writing style. There is definitely a good balance between the overall plot and the romance. I will say there are some situations in the story that may be triggering to some who are SA survivors. I enjoyed the story but did struggle reading those parts but they are important to the storyline.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Carlahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCarla2023-10-10 13:20:032023-10-16 13:52:54Wild Lavender (Heart and Hand Series Book 1) by Nicole E. Kelleher – Review by Carla Clemmons
Cahki is a warrior of the Northern Islands, fierce, intelligent and full of passion for life as she knows it, until she is kidnapped by traffickers from the Southern Islands in order to be the Emperor’s concubine, which in no woman case is something to look forward to. When she escapes from the bad guys another man takes her liberty away once more.
Sung-jin is the prince of the Southern Islands and future heir of the Emperor, but he does have morals and wants to abide by the law, not like his titanic father. But in order to do so he must take the throne and establish a new order of things. Having Cahki as his wife may aid the cause, but how will he make this happen?
Since the very first line this book takes you to a world of magic, battle and wit, full of engaging dialogue and awning descriptions is a story to read and reread.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Paloma Fierrohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngPaloma Fierro2023-10-10 10:50:212023-10-16 13:51:39House of Blood and Whispers by Natalina Reis – Review by Paloma Fierro 10/10/23
I just finished this book and let me tell you that I didn’t want to put it down! Of course I had to many, many times for normal life stuff, but every free chance I got, I grabbed it to read a little more. One chapter at a time I slowly finished it. Not because it was slow going, but because I was just crazy busy this week! If I had the time I’m sure I would have finished it within a day or two. Aubrianne (aka Anna) isn’t prepared for her marriage to Lord Roger of Stolweg. The fantasy of a loving home and husband is dashed away as soon as they arrive at the Keep. He’s so cruel to everyone when he’s home and frequently gone to unknown places otherwise. He’s hiding something and she and her new found friends (the servants that keep Stolweg running) fear him and his plans. She knows that her life will be coming to an end soon, just like his first wife. Roger only had two uses for her. Breeding horses and providing him with an heir. She starts a breeding program that flourishes, but providing an heir not so much. When the stable boy is tied to a post for lashes, Anna jumps in and takes his lashes for herself, not realizing that she fuels Roger’s sadist’s desires more. He becomes increasingly ugly and sadistic to her and she has the scares to prove it. Uncovering what he is up to and killing him before he kills her are her focus. When the Royal Guard show up unannounced to look into her husband and his dealings with forbidden realms, she fears she may have missed her chance. Larkin, one of the guards there to investigate Lord Roger, realizes that he knows Anna from years before. He caught her sneaking about court and he’s never been able to forget her since. Unfortunately for her, if her husband is punished for the treason they suspect, she could very well be implicated and put to death as well. Larkin’s gut tells him more is happening at the Keep, but how can he prove it? It’s a race to figure out what Roger is up to and stop him before it’s to late. Lord Roger or the King himself will be the end of Anna if she’s not careful. This book will have you on your toes! Trust me, it is that good! I was sad for Anna, but also wished the best for her and all the Keep’s people. Well, not Roger and some of his men, but the rest of them! I can not wait to read more of this series!! If you like epic fantasies, hot romances, murder, secret passages, love and war, and of course horses you will fall in love with this book too!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jaimie Salmon-Colburnhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJaimie Salmon-Colburn2023-10-10 10:02:552023-10-16 13:51:12Wild Lavender (Heart & Hand Series Book 1) by Nicole E. Kelleher – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn
Wild Lavender: A Fated Lovers Epic Romantasy (Heart & Hand Series Book 1) by Nicole E. Kelleher- 4 out of 5 stars
First book in the Heart and Hand Series and boy did it not disappoint. This book is a historically fantasy with castles, kingdoms, warriors, and secrets. So many great elements for this second chance medieval romance novel. I can not wait to see what else this author has in store for the future of this series. I recommend this read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elisha Johnsonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElisha Johnson2023-10-10 05:46:152023-10-10 09:06:30Wild Lavender (Heart & Hand Series Book 1) by Nicole E. Kelleher – Review by Elisha Johnson
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tabithahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTabitha2023-10-09 23:05:072023-10-10 09:01:14Wild Lavender (Heart & Hand Series Book 1) by Nicole E. Kelleher – Review by Tabitha montero
This is a fast-paced, engaging story that you don’t want to miss out on. Reis’s storyline is perfection and the character development is sublime. I love well-developed characters and both Sung-jin and Cahki grow independently and together nicely. I would classify this as a fantasy, enemies-to-lovers, action novel and it’s done so well. There are so many twists and turns throughout that I was on the edge of my seat and one more chapter turned in to five. It was really hard to put this book down! Definitely a must read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Megan Kimleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMegan Kimley2023-10-09 06:38:112023-10-10 08:56:49House of Blood and Whispers by Natalina Reis – Review by Megan Conley
House of Blood and Whispers by Natalina Reis is an epic and immersive romantic fantasy that really showcases the authors masterful worldbuilding and storytelling talents. I know that I can always count on Ms. Reis to deliver an engrossing and enjoyable read, and this book was all that and then some. It turned out to be one of my all-time favourites of her works, so far- and that’s saying something because Ms. Reis has some truly fantastic books to her name. Apart from the incredible world-building and superb characters, there is so much more happening in the story, from action, adventure, danger, drama, romance, politics, corruption, agendas, intrigue, secrets, lies, emotion, and high stakes. The book also comes with a map that really helped to bring everything to life and helped me visualise the world so much better. As always, Ms. Reis writes beautifully, and her talent is very apparent throughout the book. This is pretty captivating reading. The premise is not only intriguing, but it has also been executed beautifully. The author did a great job of infusing quite a lot of emotion, tension, and romance into her story that had me avidly reading the whole way through. The inclusion of the glossary of the translations for some of the words used in the story, also helped and added another dimension to my reading experience. I can’t wait to get my hands on ‘House of Blood and Pirates’ the prequel to this book- which is set to be coming soon. Colour me excited!!! Happy Reading…
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2023-10-08 22:59:502023-10-10 08:55:47House of Blood and Whispers by Natalina Reis – Review by Angela Hayes
This was definitely a well thought out book. Just like any first book, there’s a lot of world building it in and background to get the feel for the lore behind the series. It was detailed perfectly, well paced, and honestly very very creative. Definitely an original work of fantasy that isn’t generic fae, vampires, etc. the characters were well thought out and given a lot of depth. I did think it was a very slow start though, and for me it didn’t pick up until the last 15% of the book. But I did like it, and if you like pirates and magic, give it a shot!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lucy Machardhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLucy Machard2023-10-08 22:35:052023-10-10 08:55:33The Calamities of Camden Callahan (A Revenant Novel) by Brittany Tucker – Review by Lucy Machard
Cahki is a girl not to be messed with!! Emporer Min is after her for his harem and along the way to his palace, Cahki is abducted. How odd that she’s abducted by the Emporer’s son! Prince Sung-jin captures her in order to save her from his disgusting father.
When it seems the only “safe” option for saving herself is to marry the Prince, Cahki learns that they will have a very special marriage ceremony. They travel over a few days to the correct place, the deed is done, yet Cahki and Prince Sung-jin are better enemies than a married couple.
Will they ever fall in love or will they always have a strained relationship? Will the Prince be able to overturn his father and run the country the way he sees best?
This was an enjoyable book. I did appreciate the warning in the front of the book about things that may trigger a reader. There were several moments where I found myself laughing out loud while reading this. Cahki is a force to be reckoned with and her quips are unexpected at times. There were times I wanted to smack her or the Prince. The story was well-written and enjoyable!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Julie Johnsonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJulie Johnson2023-10-08 21:55:452023-10-10 08:55:12House of Blood and Whispers by Natalina Reis – Review by Julie Johnson
4 Stars House of Blood and Whispers by Natalina Reis
House of Blood and Whispers is a wonderfully written Fantasy Romance that I absolutely loved reading. This author has quickly become one of my favorite Fantasy Romance authors. Her attention to detail and wonderful character makes it impossible to put the book down. Let me just say what a cover I can’t stop staring at its intriguing. This is a fast-paced story that takes on quite the journey. Can their kingdom be saved even when it seems everything is stacked against them? I don’t want to give away anything. I highly recommend reading this book. I can promise you won’t be disappointed. I can’t wait to read more from this Author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dawn Daughenbaughhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDawn Daughenbaugh2023-10-08 21:32:452023-10-10 08:54:27House of Blood and Whispers by Natalina Reis – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh
4.5 stars House of Blood and Whispers by Natalina Reis is a fantasy tale. I always jump to grab Natalina’s new book when I see it is out as her stories are refreshing and unique. Natalina has a way of telling a story that brings her narrative to life. The non-stop action and enough twists and turns to will keep you glued to the pages and invested in the outcome. There is lots of emotional turmoil in this story yet there is also beauty. The storyline is intriguing and kept you on your toes as we journey along with their trials and tribulations of escaping a tyrannical ruler and freeing not only themselves but it’s people as well. I loved the main characters and how even in the midst of the cruelty of the world as they know it, they were able to adapt and find happiness. Cahki was brought to a world where a despicable Emperor resides and expects to be obeyed but he made a mistake when he captured her. She will not go down without a fight. She has hope that freedom will be won. House of Blood and Whispers is a twisty romantic fantasy where violence and viciousness are commonplace, a place where their survival is at stake and danger is around every corner. A world that is controlled with an iron fist, cruelty, arrogance and lies, now becomes one of a fight for their survival. I am interested to see what Natalina gives us next.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2023-10-08 21:01:132023-10-10 08:54:03House of Blood and Whispers by Natalina Reis – Review by Jenni Bishop
Cahki is a strong woman raised by adoptive parents in a small community in the northern part of the kingdom, an area well known for fair beauties; something the emperor is well known to have a taste for in his concubines.
Unfortunately the Emperors men come to the North and Kidnap Cahki and start a journey back to the Emperor, but these men had no idea who they just kidnapped.
Cahki is strong, and isn’t going to go down without a fight. She finds herself in a new port after having escaped her captors only to be captured and put in a different cage…. but who is her savior? None other than the Son of the Emperor, but he has a plan to free her, but wants help saving their kingdom from his father and its going to require she marry him. Cahki is no ones property and assures herself this is just a temporary situation to get her freedom…but can something else bloom in both of their icy frozen hearts while they race to save a Kingdom from a war that will mean so much death and destruction. A must read to find out!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Melissahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMelissa2023-10-08 20:56:542023-10-10 08:53:49House of Blood and Whispers by Natalina Reis – Review by Melissa Saxton
From the beginning of Wild Lavender, I was kept on my toes, wondering what was going to happen next. The prologue had me hooked and only got better from there. Wild Lavender has a little bit of everything. First, it’s more of a period piece, set around Medieval times, so the views on marriage and loyalty are a little different. Second, the sadistic, cruel actions of Anna’s husband Roger might elicit a trigger warning. However, I think this part is necessary in the storyline to show the hardships and misery Anna endures and overcomes. The book also has danger, adventure, romance, politic, and a bit of the mystical. The characters are realistic, flawed, believable, and loveable (even those we love to hate). Overall, Nicole E. Kelleher’s world building is top notch, from her vivid physical descriptions of the kingdom to the often heartbreaking accounts of the characters’ thoughts and feelings. I can’t wait to read the next book in the Heart and Hand Series!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Mandy Otthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMandy Ott2023-10-08 20:25:002023-10-10 08:53:41Wild Lavender (Heart & Hand Series Book 1) by Nicole E. Kelleher – Review by Mandy Ott
Wild Lavender (Heart & Hand Series Book 1) by Nicole E. Kelleher is a great fantasy romance
Nothing will stop Lady Aubrianne from defending the people she loves as a healer and covert warrior. She discover the reason behind her evil husband’s frequent absences with the help of her closest friends. She prepares for the worst and works quickly to avoid being connected to his nefarious deeds.Larkin, a second-born aristocrat, becomes tired of his arrogant behavior. Larkin seizes the opportunity to look into the king’s accusation of treason against the wealthy Lord Roger. He soon finds out that the woman who has been appearing in his nightmares for years is actually Roger’s wife. He must now decide what will happen to Lady Aubrianne. The penalty for involvement is death.
Every page had you hanging on every sentence and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. It is a very unique story with even compelling people. The story really transports you into this world. I couldn’t put the book down.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shadel Ayerbehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShadel Ayerbe2023-10-08 20:13:552023-10-10 08:59:41Wild Lavender (Heart & Hand Series Book 1) by Nicole E. Kelleher – Review by Shadel Ayerbe
This was an enjoyable read. I got hooked from the start and had a hard time putting it down. This story has so much going on like romance, angst, violence, murder, love, politics and so much more. This author did a great job writing a story that was intriguing and left me wanting more. Lady Aubrianne was such a strong character that I found myself rooting for her from the start. Lack and Aubrianne go through many ups and downs throughout this book. I look forward to reading the next book in this series. I recommend reading this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Candida Hopperhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCandida Hopper2023-10-08 20:11:352023-10-10 08:59:32Wild Lavender (Heart & Hand Series Book 1) by Nicole E. Kelleher – Review by Candida Hopper
I was obsessed with this book from the blurb alone and this only intensified when reading. The plot was brilliant and the way it was written, I have no words. I was drawn in immediately and the wonderful way the author narrated this, created a brilliant atmosphere and I could not put this down. I loved the way Cahki and Sung-jin created an uneasy alliance and learnt to work together, the journey as they found their footing felt believable and realistic. While I enjoyed both characters immensely, Cahki stood out to me. She’s fierce. A strong and fearless character willing to do what’s needed for those she loves. I love a character with good development, so I enjoyed seeing other sides to her as the story progressed, she’s not just a warrior quick to resort to violence, there’s more depth there and I loved it. I was rooting for the pair almost immediately, not only romantically but also in achieving their goals and this had me on the edge of my seat on multiple occasions, hoping for their success. This is the first book I’ve read from this author, but it certainly won’t be the last, if their other books are even remotely as enjoyable as this one, I’ve found my next fixation!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rebecahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRebeca2023-10-08 17:19:212023-10-10 08:57:46House of Blood and Whispers by Natalina Reis – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras
Wow this was an amazing read. I loved every minute of it. The author’s writing was captivating and I was pulled into the book right from the beginning. This story is fast paced with a tyrant Emperor, his son trying to save his people by overthrowing him and a woman who was supposed to just aid him but who ends up turning his world upside down.
When Cahki was kidnapped to become part of the Emperor’s harem it was a decision that would end up haunting the Emperor for ever. When the Emperor’s son Sung-jin finds her after she escapes her captors he comes up with a play to protect her while also having a spy on his father. All he has to do is marry her. But with the hatred and contempt Cahki has towards him he is risking his own life by treating her. The only way Cahki know she can survive is to work with the prince and be a pawn to help him take down his dad. But what happens when the fake marriage becomes something more. What happens when the fake feelings become real?
This story had my on the edge of my seat as together they have to work hard to find a way to outsmart the Emperor. I love Cahki’s character. She is such a strong and determined woman. She is fiercely independent and will think nothing of resorting to violence to protect herself and the people she cares about. As their story progresses it is lovely to see her vulnerable side come out and the transformation is beautiful. There were parts of this story where my heart was in my throat and my heart went out to them for the dangerous situations they find themselves in. But their strength and determination was so amazing to read. I honestly couldn’t put this story down, I needed to know what was going to happen but at the same time I didn’t want it to end.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Carrhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Carr2023-10-08 15:28:202023-10-10 08:57:31House of Blood and Whispers by Natalina Reis – Review by Kerry Carr
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Tears into Gold by Cori Cooper
