This book is incredible. Brek is a great main character, andh is story is heartfelt and endearing. It is the story of a man with a good heart who does what he has to do to survive. The secondary characters are also so good. They feel so real and I felt like I was put right into his era along side these colorful characters. The story itself is written so incredibly. You will feel all emotions as you read, but will be moved by both the love and the hate that is in this story.
If you are a fan of historical fiction interspersed with romance and/or books set around an Irish immigrant in the 1920s, you must read this book. I could not put it down and want to read more about this world.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Erin Wolfhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngErin Wolf2020-10-17 14:59:292020-10-17 21:23:06Grosse Pointe by Natalie Barnes – Review by Erin Wolf
Grosse Pointe by Natalie Barnes was such a good story. I was drawn in just from the cover and then read the description. It takes place in the 1920s and it is very well written. The author does a great job of describing things, that I wouldn’t even have thought of. Such as the boys first seeing the statue of liberty, their first experience in a car, concern whether they will have electricity or indoor plumbing, and courting a girl in the 20s. Brek leaves his mom and home of Kilkenny, to board a boat to America when he is just 15 years old. He is lucky enough to make a friend on the ship, and they bond together and watch each other’s back. It is sort of a coming of age story, mixed with mild gangster life in early America. The book has a lot of slang, that I am not sure if its Irish slang or just of the times… That took me a bit to get used to and understand what they were saying. The words repeat so you get used to it and don’t even notice after a while. I recommend this book and can’t wait to read more by Barnes.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elizabeth Sanchezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElizabeth Sanchez2020-10-15 09:44:172020-10-15 09:44:17Grosse Pointe by Natalie Barnes – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez
Grosse Pointe by Natalie Barnes is a brilliant historical fiction novel that will transport you right to the time in which it is set. This book has been so well written you can vividly picture exactly what the author is describing and the characters. I loved Brek and his whole demeanour. He felt so unpolished which is exactly what I would want from his type of character. He for the time and the genre perfectly. This is the first book that I have read by this author but it certainly won’t be the last. Well written and interesting this is a book I would definitely recommend!
Grosse Pointe by Natalie Barnes is a fictional historical romance story and an enthralling and interesting read. It is set in the 1920’s the times of violence and drugs, trouble and gangsters, prohibition and the entanglement of the mafia of the times. Natalie has done a great job at weaving a tale that helps you get lost in their world. There is pain and suffering for our characters, but the price is not to high when you’re on the road to love.
Grosse Pointe by Natalie Barnes was a really good read! This is the first novel I’ve read from this author, and I wasn’t disappointed at all. This novel is set in the 1920s, and seemed to be a really good fictional novel that still portrays the history of that time period in the United States. It did take me a couple of chapters to get into the story, and get used to the Irish dialect and dialogue that is used throughout. Once I got used to it, the novel completely dragged me in, and I could hardly put it down. It was very well written with a great storyline. I can’t wait to read more from this author in the future!
Maggie Armstrong grew up enchanted by her father’s tales of blood feuds and border raids. In fact, she could have easily fallen for the man portrayed in one particular image in his portrait collection. Yet when her father reveals he was himself an infamous Border reiver, she finds it a bit far-fetched—to say the least—especially when he announces his plans to return to his sixteenth century Scottish home with her in tow.
Suspecting it’s just his way of getting her to accompany him on yet another archaeological dig, Maggie agrees to the expedition, only to find herself transported four hundred and fifty years into the past. Though a bit disoriented at first, she discovers her father’s world to be every bit as exciting as his stories, particularly when she’s introduced to Ian Rutherford, the charming son of a neighboring laird. However, when her uncle announces her betrothal to Ian, Maggie’s twentieth-century sensibilities are outraged. She hardly even knows the man. But a refusal of his affections could ignite a blood feud.
Maggie’s worlds are colliding. Though she’s found the family she always wanted, the sixteenth century is a dangerous place. Betrayal, treachery, and a tragic murder have her questioning whether she should remain or try to make her way back to her own time.
To make matters worse, tensions escalate when she stumbles across Bonnie Will Foster, the dashing young man in her father’s portrait collection, only to learn he is a dreaded Englishman. But could he be the hero she’s always dreamed him to be? Or will his need for revenge against Ian shatter more than her heart?
Andrea Matthews is the pseudonym for Inez Foster, a historian and librarian who loves to read and write and search around for her roots, genealogical speaking. In fact, it was while doing some genealogical research that she stumbled across the history of the Border reivers. The idea for her Thunder on the Moor series came to mind almost at once. And the rest, as they say, is history.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/21BB8CC9-ECCA-4114-B78C-6306B489A02F.jpeg900600itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2020-10-10 00:00:262020-10-19 11:48:35Thunder on the Moor by Andrea Matthews
A woman in love… An infuriating Scot… A tantalizing chase.
Kirstine MacDunn has loved Brodie MacNaughton forever. He returns her affection—as his best friend and confidante. After enduring one too many of his infatuations, she finally takes matters into her own hands.
Brodie knows it is his destiny to lead Clan MacNaughton, but his grandfather insists the honor goes to the oldest. When Brodie and his brothers struggle to convince the chief that tradition is not always the best path, he turns to Kirsty for support. She surprises him with more than advice. A kiss that sends unexpected fire through his veins.
Pride, Highland politics, and tragedy collide, proving Brodie’s ability to lead. But when a resentful clan member’s revenge threatens Kirsty, he realizes how precious and allusive true love can be.
Bestselling and award-winning author Aubrey Wynne is an elementary teacher by trade, champion of children and animals by conscience, and author by night. She resides in the Midwest with her husband, dogs, horses, mule, and barn cats. Obsessions include wine, history, travel, trail riding, and all things Christmas. Her Chicago Christmas series hasreceived the Golden Quill, Aspen Gold, Heart of Excellence, and the Gayle Wilson Award of Excellence and twice nominated as a Rone finalist by InD’tale Magazine.
Aubrey’s first love is medieval romance but after dipping her toe in the Regency period in 2018 with the Wicked Earls’ Club, she was smitten. This inspired her spin-off series Once Upon a Widow and the Scottish Regency series A MacNaughton Castle Romance with Dragonblade Novels.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/An-Allusive-Love-copy-web-copy-scaled.jpg1200800itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2020-10-06 00:04:062020-10-19 11:47:40An Allusive Love (A MacNaughton Castle Romance #2) by Aubrey Wynne
This is my first book by Alexa Kang. This book is really good to read. At first I was unsure how to take the story after reading a few chapters I understood better. The storyline deals with the different of classes. This is the story of love, friendship and loss as well as war time.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Piperhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngPiper2020-09-28 15:22:022020-09-28 15:22:02Rose of Anzio – Moonlight (Volume 1): a WWII Epic Love Story by Alexa Kang – Review by Piper Foster
Grosse Pointe by Natalie Barnes is a superb historical fiction story- a bit of a mafia romance set in the prohibition era. This is my first read by Ms. Barnes, so I really didn’t know what to expect going into the story- but I was pleasantly surprised by what I found between the covers, and am glad I took a chance and grabbed myself a copy of this book to read. I will definitely be going back to see what else of Natalie Barnes work I can find to explore. I will also be keeping my eye out for any new releases from her, also. Like I said, this story is set in the prohibition era- the year, 1926- with gangsters, dolls, bubbly, and guns. I really enjoyed the way the author brought the period to life- I was right there, experiencing the story right alongside the characters. It did take me a couple of chapters to get into the story, but once I got a handle on the story and style- things became more interesting.
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 Hayes2020-09-28 13:42:562020-09-28 13:42:56Grosse Pointe by Natalie Barnes – Review by Angela Hayes
A twist to the world war II story, this is a story of a young girl who is sent away from her home far away to Chicago for her own safety. As she struggles with the new society and a completely different culture, she meets a young man, who first detests her opinions and later they begin liking each other. As the war progresses, things around them change, and with US on the brink of war, the normal people’s lives get affected. Children are pressurized to serve and after the attach of Pearl Harbor, things get drastically changed. How this turn of events affects the young couple’s life forms the crux of the story. It is a good story, albeit I found it a little slow at times. But overall, it is a good story for historic fiction. I liked it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Anantha Rusumhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAnantha Rusum2020-09-28 10:51:272020-09-28 10:51:27Rose of Anzio – Moonlight (Volume 1): a WWII Epic Love Story by Alexa Kang – Review by Anantha Rusum
I’m going to start by saying that Moonlight is the first book in the Rose of Anzio series, and I definitely recommend reading it! I don’t usually read the historical romance genre, but when I read the blurb on this book it definitely caught my attention. I adored the dynamic between Tessa and Anthony, I couldn’t put this book down, finishing it in just a few days! Alexa’s attention to detail is immaculate, and will transport you back to pre war era Chicago in this amazing love story. I very much look forward to reading the next book in this series and I recommend you check it out!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Finn Cunninghamhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngFinn Cunningham2020-09-27 12:01:472020-09-27 12:01:47Rose of Anzio – Moonlight (Volume 1): a WWII Epic Love Story by Alexa Kang – Review by Finn Cunningham
I loved reading the book Grosse Pointe by Natalie Barnes. It is the story of a young man, Brek O’Brien. The book takes place in 1926 and it tells a story about drugs and trouble. It is also a story that includes the light that Brek has been searching for in the person of a young woman named Gabriella. Brek is a young man who does what he has to survive. Gabriella is a young woman who is beautiful and intelligent. What does the future hold for Gabriella and Brek? This is a story that has emotional moments as well as heart-pounding and suspenseful scenes. I grew to care about Brek and Gabriella with each chapter that I read. The author does a wonderful job in weaving a tale that made me get lost in another time. The story is also written in such a way that the story and characters come alive on the pages. Don’t miss out on a journey that is at times heart-pounding and suspenseful. I would highly recommend reading it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Laura Furutahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLaura Furuta2020-09-27 10:55:372020-09-27 10:55:37Grosse Pointe by Natalie Barnes – Review by Laura Furuta
This story begins with Julie Jensen writing to her sister to tell her that she has moved to England with the family of the children that she looks after. It is a surprise to herself that she made the decision to go and that she is looking forward to the challenge of living somewhere completely different to her life in the midwest of America. We join her as she moves into her accommodation in East Grinstead at the Saint Hill mansion which holds the international headquarters of the Church, who the family work for.
She is signed in and told where she will be living, which turns out to be one of the outlying cottages and not the mansion, as she hoped, once she has lugged her enormous suitcase of belongings there, she meets Sheila who she will be living with, Sheila helps her to settle in and takes her on a tour of the grounds.
As Julie settles into her routine of childcare during the day and her artwork for the church at night, she slowly gets used to the changes and differences she is encountering, although, she is enjoying meeting the people who pass through from all around the world and learning about their cultures and personalities, be that during work, where they enjoyed meals, in the old ballrooms where they could enjoy hobbies and leisure time, or at the parties which the Church throw on weekends she makes friends and flirts with some of the men, but only one really catches her eye. She was also enjoying the freedom to walk around the surrounding countryside, villages and scenic areas, as well as exploring the mansion and the surprises it hid.
This is where these relationships all start to develop and other opportunities come Julie’s way, however, not all of these opportunities are equal, some good and some bad, but all are things which turn her life around and as she continues life with the church and the new places she visits because of this, her life changes in ways she could never have imagined.
This is a story which leads you around the world in a flurry of emotions and excitement, where choices are made, relationships develop and break down, love and loss cause disruption and all of these things create a journey worth reading and exploring.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Roxsanne Lesieurhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRoxsanne Lesieur2020-09-27 10:49:442020-09-27 10:49:44Better To Have Loved by Christy Nicholas – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur
I thoroughly enjoyed this World War II epic love story by Alexa Kang. Set in the summer of 1940, fourteen year old Tessa Graham has been sent from England to live with the Ardley family in Chicago. This move is for Tessa’s safety and happens just before the Blitz in London. Finding herself in a unfamiliar city and feeling claustrophobic by the rich and prominent Ardley family she finds herself exploring the infamous South Side. Here Tessa discovers a world of jitterbug dancing and gets immersed in the powerful Irish community. Meanwhile eighteen year old Anthony Ardley is now of age to be conscripted but he does not want to leave his privileged life on the campus of the University of Chicago. Anthony is sole heir to the Ardley fortune and is expected to stand with his staunch isolationist beloved uncle. However he is tempted to join his more radical classmates wanting American intervention. Both Tessa and Anthony are discovering themselves but they also discover each other as their paths keep crossing time and time again and their relationship changes over time. This is a wonderfully written coming of age story and an epic love story all in one. The authors detailed descriptions of time and place really transported me back to pre war era Chicago and into a world that felt as though it was fast loosing control. The main characters, Tessa and Anthony were well defined and relatable and I liked how their opinions of each other changed as did their relationship throughout the story. The will they, won’t they aspect to the story definitely kept me guessing and happily turning the pages. This book gripped me from start to finish as the plot was multilayered and the narrative kept the book flowing nicely making it an enjoyable read. The authors note at the end clarified some historical facts and was interesting. I look forward to the rest of the series and being back with Tessa and Anthony and what ever the future holds for them both.
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 Gordon2020-09-26 16:09:152020-09-26 20:20:11Rose of Anzio – Moonlight (Volume 1): a WWII Epic Love Story by Alexa Kang – Review by Jennifer Gordon
I won’t lie this is not normally my genre, historical romance, but once I saw it was a WWII era read I knew I would love it. I really have a penchant for this historical time period in our world and all these different angles and aspects of it. I will say this was quite a unique point of view and I enjoyed that departure from the typical story told around this time. Alexa Kang was also a new author to me so I am delighted that now I have a new author to discover more after having finished this one.
Rose of Anzio – Moonlight is the first book in the Rose of Anzio series by Alexa Kang. This is definitely one of those reads that appears to set us up for the rest of the series. It is more informational and really makes the reader fall in love with Tessa Graham, our main character. We find her as she is moved to Chicago out of fear for her safety in England during the war. There she must learn an entirely new way of life and find her role amongst the people she is surrounded by. The story shows a really good span of things that a girl could experience as she comes of age in a trying and scary time for the world. I very much cannot wait to see how her story progresses with the next book in the series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Liz Vrchotahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLiz Vrchota2020-09-25 15:41:522020-09-25 15:41:52Rose of Anzio – Moonlight (Volume 1): a WWII Epic Love Story by Alexa Kang – Review by Liz Vrchota
This story begins in a rose garden in Chicago where Tessa is seen clipping some roses in a messy fashion by Anthony, who proceeds to tell her off. He goes into his house to see his parents and proceeds to tell them what has happened outside, he is shocked to learn that Tessa is a member of the family and that she has come over from England without her parents to wait out the war. This first meeting sets the tempo of their interactions as time goes on and even though they live in the same house, they lead very separate lives.
Tessa is fourteen and thrown into a life which is completely different to her one in England, with all the pressures of high society and private schooling when all she wants is to be left alone so she can enjoy her own company. That is until she makes a friend at the post office where she posts letters to her parents, as this friendship starts to develop and she goes to visit them where they live, another whole new world opens up to her. It is more like what she was used to at home and she relishes the both the familiarity and newness of it all.
Anthony is eighteen and studying at the University of Chicago and spends most of his free time training with the University swimming team, the rest of his time he spends with his friends or coming home over the holidays to see his close knit family. Their discussions also become about the war in Europe and how this is affecting their lives as well as Tessa’s. They have strong views as to why Americans shouldn’t join in and these discussions become more heated and opposing to the ones he is hearing at university, but there are always going to be discussions about the war and when the conscription bill becomes the law, this triggers the need to make a choice as to which side he is on.
When Tessa and Anthony’s paths keep colliding and their opinions of each other change, there are sides to both, which the other cannot see and as the war comes closer, their lives will change, in ways which they will not expect. As the war comes closer to them, their friends are drafted and chance encounters fling Anthony into Tessa’s other world.
This is quite a shock to both of them, but will their differences keep them apart and become a hurdle that they cannot overcome, or will they choose the same sides and handle the war together in their own ways?
This is a story of love, friendship, loss and courage as they face the life that pre-World War II and it’s challenges will bring them.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Roxsanne Lesieurhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRoxsanne Lesieur2020-09-25 09:34:582020-09-25 09:34:58Rose of Anzio – Moonlight (Volume 1): a WWII Epic Love Story by Alexa Kang – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur
Better To Have Loved By Christy Nicholas 5 out of 5 stars
I loved reading the book Better To Have Loved by Christy Nicholas. It is a beautiful story that pulled me in from the beginning. I love the character of Julie Jensen. She is a young woman who is making her way in life. She is a wonderful artist and has a passion for life. This story chronicles her adventures, her loves, and events that change her life. Julie’s character is one that I grew to love with each chapter that I read. You can’t help but want her to be successful and happy. The book is an emotional one and mine went up and down the entire time I was reading the story. This is a book that I found myself getting lost in. The author has an amazing talent in making both the storyline and the characters come alive. I also enjoyed the secondary characters and their interactions with Julie. Don’t miss out on a story that you won’t want to put down until the final page. I highly recommend reading it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Laura Furutahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLaura Furuta2020-09-25 07:38:482020-09-25 07:38:48Better To Have Loved by Christy Nicholas – Review by Laura Furuta
Better To Have Loved: A True Story by Christy Nicholas was a great read. It is a little different from the other books of hers that I have read- but still had all the touching and emotive qualities that I have come to expect from her books. As the title would suggest, this is a true story- based on her parents love- and as the author tells it, this is the story that inspired her to begin her writing career. This is a story of love, family, growth, a little mystery, adventure, memories, hope, and faith. I won’t reveal any of the details- as I really think this is one story that you should go into without knowing too much- and let Ms. Nicholas and her story, surprise you. Well done!
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 Hayes2020-09-25 07:35:242020-09-25 07:35:24Better To Have Loved by Christy Nicholas – Review by Angela Hayes
Rose of Anzio – Moonlight (Volume 1): a WWII Epic Love Story by Alexa Kang is a gripping and effortless tale of two people trying to make sense out of their chaotic world. I found this book to be highly detailed and so well written that I was instantly hooked by it. This is the first book that I have read by this author and I have to say I loved every bit of it. I always do enjoy a well written war story and this has to be one of the best that I have read. I really felt like you connected the characters and felt their experiences with them. The author has done an amazing job of portraying what it must have been like during war time America and exploring the emotions that must have been felt at the time. I thoroughly enjoyed everything about this book and I am so excited to read the next in the series!
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 Baker2020-09-24 14:50:362020-09-24 14:50:36Rose of Anzio – Moonlight (Volume 1): a WWII Epic Love Story by Alexa Kang – Review by Kerry Baker
Such a fun read. I really enjoyed this story and the period that was portrayed. The characters were all really nicely written and the storyline flowed nicely, I was never bored and couldn’t stop reading. I always feel sad for characters that have arranged marriages, some cases it works out nicely, but in Bridget’s case it did not. I was devastated for her when her ship was seized by pirates and they killed off the entire crew except her, and then she gets rescued by the wonderful Valan. You can tell throughout the story that there is real chemistry between Valan and Bridget. Bridget is so sweet to fall in love with Valan only to leave him to fulfill her promise to her clan to marry the laird Rodrick. I liked the the evil that was placed in this story in the form of the greedy Rodrick. Fighting through some trials together, find out if Bridget and Valan can truly be together. The ending was sweet, steamy, and surprising. This is my first book by this author and after reading this one, I can’t wait to see what else Mrs. Siddoway has to offer.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Carrie Reedhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCarrie Reed2020-09-24 09:45:072020-09-24 09:45:07Rescued by Valan (The Pirates of Barra: Highland Raiders) by Jennifer Siddoway – Review by Carrie Reed
I thoroughly enjoyed this exciting historical romance, it had an exciting storyline with swashbuckling pirates and plenty of romance. As the newest pirate captain of Clan MacNeil, Valan sets out to prove his worth but rather than finding treasure he finds a women in need of rescuing. Lady Bridget MacKay has unhappily set sail in order to fulfil her promise of marriage when her ship is attacked by pirates. Neither Valan or Bridget can deny the instant attraction they feel for each other or ignore the chemistry. Valan must reconsider his vow of bachelorhood and Bridget must decide whether to carry on with her marriage or continue her adventures with a pirate. I loved all the diverse characters in the story from Valan and Bridget to the pirate crew. I liked how the chemistry between Valan and Bridget sizzled off the page. I found that the plot was action packed and I was hooked from page one. Due to the authors detailed descriptions I really felt immersed in the story and ‘life at sea’ was really bought to life.
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 Gordon2020-09-23 17:31:182020-09-23 19:22:37Rescued by Valan (The Pirates of Barra: Highland Raiders) by Jennifer Siddoway – Review by Jennifer Gordon
Rescued by Valanis the second book in The Pirates of Barra: Highland Raiders series by Jennifer Siddoway. This has quite a lot going for it- from pirates, historical romance, action, adventure, danger, drama- and did I mention pirates? This should have grabbed me right from the get-go, having all the ingredients that I love to find in a story. This could have been a red hot five star read for me- but unfortunately, it didn’t live up to my expectations. I really did try to connect to/with the story and characters, but something was missing for me. I’m not sure exactly what- but there was something a little ‘off’ with the story- especially her capture, what transpired prior to her being rescued, and then her reaction afterwards. It just didn’t ring true…. The idea of the series does intrigue me, so I will go back and read the first book and explore that story. As well as reading this book again in a month or so, just to see if I still feel the same way, or if I was just having an ‘off’ reading day with this book.
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 Hayes2020-09-23 11:16:482020-09-23 11:16:48Rescued by Valan (The Pirates of Barra: Highland Raiders #2) by Jennifer Siddoway – Review by Angela Hayes
Rose of Anzio – Moonlight (Volume 1): a WWII Epic Love Story by Alexa Kang is a YA historical coming of age story. It is a nice read that is full of emotions as two people who can’t stand each other learn that there is more to the other. A sweet romance blossoms between all the unfamiliar, uncertainty, upheaval and the difference between the higher classes and lower classes. I wasn’t sure I would like it at first, but I kept reading and found that this touching story is well written and an enjoyable read.
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 Bishop2020-09-23 08:09:392020-09-23 08:09:39Rose of Anzio – Moonlight (Volume 1): a WWII Epic Love Story by Alexa Kang – Review by Jenni Bishop
I love a good historical adventure/romance. And I LOVE when there is an accent involved. I can always hear the lovely brogue in my head but cannot replicate it on my own. Regardless I thought this was an exciting, extremely well written adventure that held my attention from the very first page. Exciting, passionate, and action packed, this book had my attention immediately. I loved this book and cannot wait to read more in this universe.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heather Lovelacehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeather Lovelace2020-09-22 16:00:272020-09-22 16:00:27Rescued by Valan (The Pirates of Barra: Highland Raiders) by Jennifer Siddoway – Review by Heather Lovelace
I love historical fiction and this book sounded like it was right up my alley. Kang weaves a rich tale based in the pre WWII Chicago. I found the premise fascinating and found myself invested in the characters fairly quickly. Overall I found this to be a good read but one I believe I will more greatly appreciate in the context of the larger universe within the series. I look forward to picking up the next book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heather Lovelacehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeather Lovelace2020-09-22 15:36:092020-09-22 15:36:09Rose of Anzio – Moonlight (Volume 1): a WWII Epic Love Story by Alexa Kang – Review by Heather Lovelace
This is my first historical pirate romance story. I would have to say that this story grabbed me from the first page until the last. The story’s foundation is solid which makes it believable. The characters are complex and fully developed. I love the idea that a pirate learns to love more than the sea air and the treasure they find/loot/steal. Valen is a new captain of a pirate ship. He thought that he would never have romance as his life is on the seas. That all halted when he found Lady Bridget. He has fallen for her but there is one problem, she is betrothed to another man. There are some tough decisions that Lady Bridget needs to make and Valen needs to live with the decisions that she makes. Will the high seas call to Lady Bridget? Can Valen be a new captain and respect the decisions that are made? Will he fight for the woman he falls for? I highly recommend reading this story to find out these answers and so much more.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Erica Fishhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngErica Fish2020-09-22 14:40:532020-09-22 14:40:53Rescued by Valan (The Pirates of Barra: Highland Raiders) by Jennifer Siddoway – Review by Erica Fish
Rescued by Valan (The Pirates of Barra: Highland Raiders) by Jennifer Siddoway an original action adventure romance story. I am new to Jennifer’s writing style, but I found it easy to read and enjoyed the characters. The story starts off a little slow but soon picks up speed and intensity. Who doesn’t love a good Pirate story? I will leave it to you to make your own opinion and keep the spoilers to myself.
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 Bishop2020-09-21 04:59:332020-09-21 04:59:33Rescued by Valan (The Pirates of Barra: Highland Raiders) by Jennifer Siddoway – Review by Jenni Bishop
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Piperhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngPiper2020-09-21 04:59:092020-09-21 04:59:09Rescued by Valan (The Pirates of Barra: Highland Raiders) by Jennifer Siddoway – Review by Piper Foster
Rescued by Valan (The Pirates of Barra: Highland Raiders #2) by Jennifer Siddoway Was a great 5 star read. This was a great historical romance, I was pulled right in by the authors writing.
Lady Bridget has an arranged marriage and is on her way to go through with the wedding, when her ship is overtaken by pirates. When she meets Valan there are instant sparks. Will the hot pirate interfere with her plans?
Valan is a new captain of the MacNeil clan, so getting a big treasure would be great. What he didn’t expect to find was a woman that he finds himself very attracted to.
We get so much in this great read, action, danger, romance, and so much more. I really liked both characters very much. They were perfect for each other. The author does a great job of pulling you in with her writing, you feel like you are right there with the characters. This can be read as a standalone. All of the secondary characters added a great element to the story. If you’re looking for a great pirate romance this is the book for you, 1-click and get started today.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Michelle Austinhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMichelle Austin2020-09-21 04:55:132020-09-21 04:55:13Rescued by Valan (The Pirates of Barra: Highland Raiders) by Jennifer Siddoway – Review by Michelle Austin
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