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Absolution by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Jessica Stone

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AbsolutionAbsolution by Anise Storm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Absolution by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Jessica Stone

This book threw me for a complete loop! I had no idea what I was getting myself into, but how interesting! This is a lovers to enemies to lovers? Mystery, romance, suspense, spooky, …honestly I’m not even what genre to label it but spicy masterpiece.

Dominic was dealt a pretty bad hand in life, always working multiple jobs for what he needs from a young age, the one bright light in his life was Juliana, that is until one terrible night Juliana goes missing. She’s presumed dead, and Dominic is blamed for her murder After spending some time in jail, Dominic is aquifer and released but when he gets out he has one thing on his mind, revenge for those that have wronged him, and taken everything from him. That is, until he meets her…
Whitney is just a normal girl, works a good job, content with her life, that is until one strange day she starts hearing a voice inside her head, and that voice is begging her for help.

Without giving away too much this story just dives right into the deep end, I was a little hesitant at first but within the first few pages I fell in love with the characters. I’ve laughed and she’s a few tears, the emotions that the characters, Dominic, specifically feel in this book are gut wrenching. Let’s be real Dominic and Whitney’s connection is so fierce it’s palpable, had me blushing more than a few times and sighing with happiness by the end of this story.

What a Wonderful read.

Absolution, Anise Storm, Taylor L. Ray, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Dark Romance, Suspense, Romance, Jessica Stone, February 2023

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Fear Inc: Volume 3 by Melinda Valentine – Review by Jessica Stone

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Fear Inc.: Volume ThreeFear Inc.: Volume Three by Melinda Valentine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Fear Inc: Volume 3 by Melinda Valentine – Review by Jessica Stone

So if you cannot tell by the title this is book number 3 in an ongoing motorcycle MC romance series. It’s the first novel I’ve read from this author but I do believe now I will be going back to read the first two, but I don’t personally feel like you have to read the first two books to enjoy this one. There are characters brought in from previous books who spark intrigue but nothing to confusing.

Krysta is young and dumb and in love with her older brothers best friend, recipe for disaster right? They try and try but as all good things, somethings got to give, thus a steamy relationship begins between Krysta and Kasper. But as the going get tough, the tough(Kasper) get gong, when Krysta unexpectedly gets pregnant, young dumb and in love, Kasper drops her like a sack of potatoes, breaking not only her heart but her trust.

Fast forward 6 years in the future, Krystas finally moved on, though never able to forgive or forget her heated past with Kasper she’s engaged and … happy….
As life progress and Kasper has grown he’s finally ready to be the man for Krysta that he couldn’t be all those years ago, which is great for him, but Krysta is not so easy to forgive the hurt she suffered from him. Will she ever be able to? Can they have a relationship or will life, her brother and the MC come between what always been simmering between them.

I feel like this book focuses a lot on Krysta and jaspers relation ship but there is a little action/drama between them and a rival family who have cause issues in the past that throws a little fun twist in there. I love the macho, I won’t let anyone hurt you, protector vibes.

I think that the chemistry between the characters was fantastic, Krysta is a wonderful intelligence, strong willed FMC with a head on her shoulders and the brains to not only know she deserves better but demand it.
Kasper… started off as kind of a dingus in my book, he really dropped the ball with his whole, I’m not meant to be a dad, can’t own up to his choices/consequences thing and when he first started to “pursue”, admit feelings for Krysta again I was not in his corner, but as the story progressed, he redeemed himself and I now approve.

Wonderful read, it’s steamy, fun, playful, heavy at times, has a side of action, there’s more than a few gasp worthy moments, 100% worth a quick read. This author knows what she’s doing, 10/10 would recommend this series if you’re new to MC romance type books, this will suck you in!

Fear Inc: Volume 3, Melinda Valentine, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Romantic Suspense, Romance, Suspense, Jessica Stone, January 2023

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Sharing His Nanny (Forever Our Girl Book 2) by Tori Chase – Review by Jessica Stone

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Sharing His Nanny (Forever Our Girl, #2)Sharing His Nanny by Tori Chase
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sharing His Nanny (Forever Our Girl Book 2) by Tori Chase – Review by Jessica Stone

Let me start off this review by saying this book is SPICYYY! Spicy, like I had to set the book down more than a few times and take a moment to breathe and cool down, holy moly.

I LOVED this book, I love the characters, I love the forced proximity, reverse harem, somewhat Cinderella feel to this book.

Stella is a doll, shamed her whole life because of her weight and body type all she wants to do is take the fashion world by storm with her all inclusive clothing line. But after a falling out with her investor, who happened to be her boyfriend, she’s desperate to find new investors before she has to give up on her dream.
Stella ends up in a pretty wild predicament living at her Step brother Charles beach house in Malibu as a nanny for his daughter Gia. What she didn’t expect was to not only fall in love with his daughter but to feel a spark for Charles 2 best-friends who are staying there as well for the month.. and maybe for Charles as well.

The story has a few punches from out of no where, keeps you intrigued and guessing right when you think you know where the story is headed. There’s a decent amount of character building and backstory on each of the 4 main characters but I could definitely use another novel diving deeper into who they all are, before or even after this book.

Like I said before this book is spicy, definitely not for the faint of heart. I picked it up and read it in one day, it was wonderful. Super excited to read more from this author, she touches on some awesome relevant things going on in our world today such as current social standards, heteronormative constructs, body image, social standards.

I could probably go on and on about what made this book stand out to me as far as the writing and relevance, but I don’t want to give away too much.

Sharing His Nanny, Forever Our Girl Series, Tori Chase, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, BBW, Erotica, Romance, Jessica Stone, January 2023

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Married Blind (King of Screen Book 2) by Morgana Bevan – Review by Jessica Stone

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Married Blind (Kings of Screen, #2)Married Blind by Morgana Bevan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Married Blind (King of Screen Book 2) by Morgana Bevan – Review by Jessica Stone

A wonderfully written contemporary romance, forced proximity, marriage of connivence, this book was a blast to read!

Our FMC Abi, is already working three jobs trying to make it, and afford to pay for the care of her sister, who has cancer. On a whim, she signs up to be choose for a reality tv show, (Married Blind)that has a big payout, the last thing she expects is to be chosen. Now all she has to do is marry a total stranger and fake being in love, easy peasy right, she can get through anything to help her sister.

Fin, our lovely MMC, heartthrob, famous actor, “the next Ryan Reynolds’s” is, well to put it frankly, a playboy. Fin, already having a bumpy imagine, and after being recently caught in a precarious position has one last chance to save his imagine, and his career for that matter. All he has to do is marry a total stranger, fake being in love, and have the whole world watch everything for three months. He’s an actor, this should be no problem for someone with his skill set, right?

This was a fun read, I love forced proximity stories, it definitely ups the angst and tension between the characters and there is absolutely no lack of that in this book. The relationship that forms between our characters is everything I wanted from this book and then some. It’s fun flirty, a little weird at times, but so very wholesome, it definitely made my heart beat a little faster.
This is a standalone in the series and the first that I’ve read from this author but I’m excited to read more from her.

Married Blind, King of Screens Series, Morgana Bevan, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Contemporary Romance, Romance, Jessica Stone, December 2022

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Love Tools (Bluestone Series Book 1) by Isobel Reed – Review by Jessica Stone

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Love Tools (Bluestone Series, #1)Love Tools by Isobel Reed
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Love Tools (Bluestone Series Book 1) by Isobel Reed – Review by Jessica Stone

The quintessential love story, this book was a fast an fun read.

Lily, trying to escape her boring, listless life and dead end job in London, moves to a small town in Montana after inheriting a Hardware store from a father she’s never known.

Jake, a longtime friend of Lily’s fathers, is immediately intrigued with lily upon meeting her shortly after she arrived, he’s bemused by her sailors mouth and posh accent, but even more so taken by her beauty. Known as the town playboy, he’s ready to give up his ways and settle down with lily, he knows she’s the one for him. The only problem is getting to know lily and convincing her that he’s no longer that man.

This book was fun, it’s very fast pace, which I loved, the characters have a wonderfully witty dialogue, and though the book felt fast paced the relationship built between the fmc and mmc was anything but. The romance was slow and sweet, drawn out just perfectly. I’m a sucker for a headstrong female lead, but even more i can’t help but getting sucked in by a male lead who acknowledges that female lead’s abilities, and powerful traits.

All and all a wonderful book, definitely worth the read, not my usual type but wonderful nonetheless, superb writing and story telling from this author, can’t wait to read more from them!

Love Tools, Bluestone Series, Isobel Reed, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Contemporary Romance, Romance, Jessica Stone, December 2022

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Degrees of Innocence: Dark Mafia Romance (Cruel Deceptions Book 1) By Via Mari – Review by Jessica Stone

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Degrees of Innocence (Prestian Series, #1)Degrees of Innocence by Via Mari
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Degrees of Innocence: Dark Mafia Romance (Cruel Deceptions Book 1) By Via Mari – Review by Jessica Stone

I’ve been blown away a lot quite recently with the “mafia” romances I’ve been reading and this one once again, did not disappoint.

Pretty straightforward story about a strong independent, intelligent woman, who ends up falling for the man she never saw coming. Katerina or Kate as she likes to be called is a design consultant hired on to a new job, when her and her team are flown out as a team to spend some time working on a design concept. Some crazy things start happening shortly after they arrive and Kate ends meeting our gorgeous gorgeous man Chase. Not knowing that he’s the billionaire who hired her team for the project at the time, it’s already too late for Katerina to get away from this man. From the moment he met her, Chase is enthralled with her brains and beauty, and don’t get me wrong, Kate feels the attraction as-well, it even has her thinking she might have found something special, something real, that is until she finds out Chase is her new billionaire boss. Their connection grows, but so does the danger surrounding them, and the ever growing threat to Kate from an unknown enemy. Is it linked to her new acquaintance to Chase or does it have to do with who Kate is and where she comes from….

Ok so that being said, this one’s a hottttt one, granted I’ve read spicer but this had me sweating a bit. The chemistry between these two is undeniable and so much fun. Chase is very controlling, domineering, typical manly man ,I will protect you, you’re mine sort. And Kate is very much a, I can do things by myself, I don’t need you holding my hand, stop telling me what to do, I’m a grown woman, type of gal. They butt heads in the most delicious way possible.

I absolutely loveee the spin on the mafia romance, the book has ties to the mafia don’t get me wrong but it’s not fully centered around big mafia men telling women what to do, keeping them safe, being the main story. The action/mystery of who is behind the increasing attacks on Kate kept me guessing all the way to the end and still I was flabbergasted. I still have soooo many question I need answered, I cannot (hopefully) wait to read more about these two and delve deeper into their life and the story of those surrounding them.

Wonderful mix of smutty, mysterious, mafia romance all put together and packaged neatly, I think this author did a wonderful job building her characters and starting this world, I’m excited to see more!

Degrees of Innocence, Dark Mafia Romance , Cruel Deceptions, Via Mari, Reviews, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Romance, Mafia, Romantic Suspense, Jessica Stone, November 2022

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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Jessica Stone

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Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Prequel)Defiant Princess by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Defiant Princess (Mafia Elite Series Prequel) by Amy McKinley – Review by Jessica Stone

This book was a lot of fun to read! I’m very into mafia romances, but I’ve yet to read one not only told from a mafia daughters point of view but also MULTIPLE MD’s views.

These are some lovely princesses with a whole lot of personality! What would you expect from a mafia princess though, especially when their lives are all anything but their own.

Each girl has and individual story to be told that weaves into the others, these women are learning how to navigate wanting their freedom to love how an whom they choose, knowing their entire lives that it will never be their choice. All on their last leg of freedom it seems, with impending arranged marriages and familial obligations these girls are ready to do whatever it takes to feel some sort of control, wether it be in the love department or something as simple as one’s passion.

I did not go into this book knowing that it was prequel to a series I’ve been dying to read in its entirety, which is sooooo awesome. I’ve only read one other book from this author, and in the Mafia Elite series but I absolutely loved it so I’m now EVEN more excited to read more in this series. I did read some spoilers looking into this series more, that ruined some surprise coming in the other novels but helped me get more excited to continue reading this authors works. She drops some bombs, expect the unexpected.

I feel like this book COULD be read on its own, but once you read it you’ll be aching for more mafia drama. Im hoping the author puts out more material from the point of view of these women beside the mafia men. Fingers crossed!

Defiant Princess, Mafia Elite Series Prequel, Amy McKinley, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Mafia, Romantic Suspense, Jessica Stone, November 2022

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Elemental Fire (The Hidden Realms Book 1) by EG Manetti – Review by Jessica Stone

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Elemental Fire (The Hidden Realms #1)Elemental Fire by E.G. Manetti
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Elemental Fire (The Hidden Realms Book 1) by EG Manetti – Review by Jessica Stone

This is the first book in a new series from an author I’ve never personally read yet, but one I’ve heard and read, nothing but amazing things about.

Right off the bat it’s easy to tell how vividly this author pictures her stories while writing them, the depth in the world and characters she’s creating is astounding. All the characters in my opinion were complete, not leaving out much that you need to know other than a desire for more time with them each individually.

The story was terrific, or female lead is a strong, witty, independent(without being to head strong), woman with a career and a wonderful moral compass. Our make lead is masculine, intelligent, loyal and a total hunk of course. Now through these two together and you have a WHOLE lot of page turning steamy goodness. It’s not often that I get invested into characters as deeply as I did with Sin and Raz, their chemistry was addictive, it was all I could hope for when I started this book, and it did NOT let me down.

Without giving away to much, Sin is a PI with a knack for seeing through glamour, which not only comes in handy with her line of work, but also the realm the live in full of magic and “other” beings hiding in plane site.
Rad is a man of many things, power that he’s honed for century, wealth a name for himself, you name it. The only thing he wants now is Sin, because to him she’s just that, pure Sin. Except there’s a whole lot of unexpected luggage that comes with what he thought would be a simple thing between him and her.

Anywayssss, if you want to know more you’re going to have to read this brilliant story, I promise you won’t regret it. You may just fall as deeply in love with the characters as I did. I Can’t wait for the next installment!!

Elemental Fire, The Hidden Realms Series, EG Manetti, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Paranormal, Romance, Jessica Stone, October 2022

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Boss’s Vendetta (Sicilian Gods Book 1) by Via Mari – Review by Jessica Stone

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Boss's Vendetta: Dark Mafia Romance (Sicilian Gods Book 1)Boss’s Vendetta: Dark Mafia Romance by Via Mari
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Boss’s Vendetta (Sicilian Gods Book 1) by Via Mari – Review by Jessica Stone

This is a deliciously dark, enemies to lovers, mafia romance that I promise will make your toes curl with all the sexual tension.

Salvatore Larussio’s life just got a whole lot more interesting, due to some unfortunate circumstances Salvatore’s (or sal as his family call him) cousin steps down and next in line to become head of the family “business” putting sal in line for the thrown. But with great power comes great responsibility and a turf war the likes of which we’ve never seen.

Natasha, is a bold, feisty, smart beautiful woman and doctor who’s recently taken a position as running a clinic in the Larussio’s casino, but what no one knows is the job isn’t what brought Natasha, it was a long held vendetta against the Larussio’s.

Will Natasha get her revenge before she falls pray to the dark eyes and smoldering look of her new boss.
Will Sal come out on top of these mafia wars and secure his territory and the safety of his family, or will the both fall together.

All and all a splendid read, I love the premise of the story, it was a mafia romance but with a twist, very refreshing and fun to read something outside of the norm. I’m a big enemies to love fan so this book hit the sweet spot, the relationship between the two main characters is an emotional, sexually charged rollercoaster in my opinion.
Natasha is a take no crap, knows her worth, get things done type of girl which is one of the things that cause her to clash heads with Sal so much.
Sal is your typical baddie, he knows he’s smoking hot, rich, powerful, all the things a mafia romance mc should be, so throwing a hard headed woman, who questions his every command and tests his every limit is *chef’s kiss* EVERYTHING.

I’m pretty excited to read not just more from this series but the author, the story was immaculate, the world and character building was well thought out and the spice was juuust right.

Who’s ready to see which Larusso man is next to meet his match?? This girl!

Boss’s Vendetta, Sicilian Gods Series, Via Mari, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Mafia, Romantic Suspense, Jessica Stone, October 2022

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Burn (Elemental Warriors Book 1) by Joanna Morgan – Review by Jessica Stone

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Burn (Elemental Warriors, #1)Burn by Joanna Morgan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Burn (Elemental Warriors Book 1) by Joanna Morgan – Review by Jessica Stone

Who doesn’t love a hot, buff, elemental warrior who’s single minded focus is making sure you’re safe? No one, that’s who.

This paranormal romance has a wonderfully new story that grabs you and sucks you in.

Levi is a fire elemental who is part of an elite group of warriors who has one job, to protect everyone from this nasty stuff called chaos, and track down the sleepers before the Chaolt do. But then by chance, or what I call fate he’s at the right place at the right time and saves Brooke, from a fire, and she’s exactly what Levi’s been looking for. 🔥

Brooke can’t stop obsessed over this hot stranger who saved her life, and thankfully for her fate just keeps thrusting them together.
But what Brooke didn’t know is she’s a “sleeper” a human with latent abilities and are waking inside of her, unfortunately that makes her a target for the evil Levi’s been fighting to stop.

Both characters are relatable and their chemistry is fantastic, the story is new, a different take on an elemental story than those I’ve read before but comparable in every wonderful aspect.

I’m pretty big into paranormal romance, forced proximity, lately so this filled my cup very well.
The author did a good job at world building and did not rush to skip through the important character and world building details. The idea to this book is fantastic, the thought put into using real events in history as a premise in this story as to what the sleepers can do is just awesome. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series, I definitely can be read as a stand alone but after reading this I’m unsure anyone could say they don’t want more of this series.

Can’t wait to see what Joanne and our Elemental warriors have in store for us.

Burn, Elemental Warriors Series, Joanna Morgan, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Paranormal, Romance, Jessica Stone, September 2022

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Jake (Billionaire Blind Dates Book 1) by Toni Denise – Review by Jessica Stone

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Jake (Billionaire Blind Dates Book 1)Jake by Toni Denise
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jake (Billionaire Blind Dates Book 1) by Toni Denise – Review by Jessica Stone

This novel is the first in a mafia series about a group of highly privileged and devastatingly handsome men, your typical mafia romance, with an interesting twist.

Jake is tired of women who see him as a billionaire and only wanting him for what he can do for them, so after being persuaded by his friends he joins a new app for blind dating, the twist? It’s actually “blind dating”. The women he meets will only get to know him by the sound of his voice and the connect they can hopefully form without all the money and good looks involved. But Jake only agrees too four dates and if he doesn’t find a true connection on those dates, he might just swear off love and relationships forever.

Lauren a strong willed independent woman, is looking for ANYTHING but a relationship, or someone to take care of her. But after a series of unfortunate events Lauren is badgered into giving the dating world another try by her new roommate, it’s a literal shot in the dark. The last thing she expected is finding a connecting so strong with someone she’s just met. The only problem for Lauren, is the man at the end of that connection is exactly what she fears.

Will Lauren let her fear of wealthy men, and stolen independence cloud her judgement and guide her away from a shot at true love? And will Jake let go of the past and embrace a future after the heartbreak he’s endured?

Terrific book, loved the “blind dating spin”! It’s pretty relatable as a strong independent woman myself to put myself in Lauren’s shoes and see where her hesitancy comes from. On the flip side I have been in a position that I would akin to jakes and sometimes it’s hard to convince yourself that people can be good and different.

The author wrote this book well, the characters are totally lovable, I laughed, I cried, I yelled in frustration, all and all definitely exceeded what I wanted to get out of this read. Cannot wait to follow the stories of the other billionaire baddies featured in this novel!

Jake, Billionaire Blind Dates Series, Toni Denise, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Contemporary Romance, Romance, Jessica Stone, September 2022

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Jessica Stone

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale, #1)Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Jessica Stone

This book is a modern take on Cinderella, and wonderfully done in my opinion. With out giving away to much Ashes, is about a young girl named Ashley(ironically enough) who if forced into serving her wicked step mom and step sisters and work in her stepmothers recently acquired mortuary after her fathers recent death.
Harry is a handsome and troublesome bad boy musician who is being forced to attend her school after getting into some legal trouble and this is where their worlds collide. It is a classic, she doesn’t want anything to do with him, and he wants no one’s attention but hers, which she obviously won’t give to him, everyone is fighting to keep them apart troupe.

Ashley is strong independent and snarky and hilarious trying to navigate losing her father who was her world, and Harry is a bad boy rockstar, who may have a strong exterior but inside he’s fighting his own battles.

All and all very well written, I always find quick witty banter between characters to be refreshing, it helps for me to fall in love with them.
The author did a wonderful job in bringing just enough information about each character (including the side characters AND villains) to build the story but not make it feel like an overload of unneeded information. I believe this book can be read as a standalone but I’m hoping for more in this series, for me it was a quick read but that’s because once I started, I couldn’t stop. So if you’re looking for a good, YA, Cinderella, modern day retelling give this book a read, you won’t be disappointed.

Ashes, Modern-Day Fairy Tale Series, MK Harkins, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, YA, Romance, Fairy Tale, Jessica Stone, August 2022

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Ashes of Sin and Stardust (AnchorX) by Lindsay Murray – Review by Jessica Stone

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Ashes of Sin and StardustAshes of Sin and Stardust by Lindsay Murray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ashes of Sin and Stardust (AnchorX) by Lindsay Murray – Review by Jessica Stone

What a great book, it was the dark, late night, steamy read I was looking for and definitely has me floored to read more!

Lindsay Murray did a great job bringing these characters to life with not only interesting back story’s and supporting characters but also with how in depth and raw she got with them. I felt myself relating to both Alice and Reuben at multiple times through out this book. Alice is.. wild to say at the least, a real BRAT but rightfully so after she’s been abused by so many, why should she believe that it’ll ever be anything different. Rueben on the other hand is a perfect example of a tortured soul, wanting what he believes he cannot have, things that won’t fit perfectly into the little box that he’s carefully created to store his world in.

There’s so much depth to the story and the trauma an healing that takes place, I laughed and cried more than a few times. I Found myself angry at times and also trying to read faster to see how things pan out at the end. I Couldn’t put this book down that’s for sure, also, did I mention how STEAMY it is.

This book is not for the faint of heart(if you know what I mean) it definitely touches on some rough (to some) topics, and the spice is for the seasoned reader looking for something to kick things up a notch, and the characters? Made for you to fall madly in love with. Can’t wait to devour more from this wonderful author!

Ashes of Sin and Stardust, AnchorX, Lindsay Murray, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Erotica Romance, Jessica Stone, August 2022

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Princess of Prias by Courtney Davis – Review by Jessica Stone

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Princess of PriasPrincess of Prias by Courtney Davis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Princess of Prias by Courtney Davis – Review by Jessica Stone

A wonderful spin on an age old tale of a orphaned girl becoming much more.

Elle is a 27 year old gynecologist who just wants to find her place in life, want to feels like she fits in. Having lost her mother when she was a baby, she is raised by her aunt Sarah grateful for all that she has but still curious about all that she lost as a baby. Then tragedy strikes and suddenly Elle aunt Sarah is no longer around and Elle is now completely alone in the world… or at least that what she thought. Suddenly Elle is thrust into a world and future shes only imagined in her wildest dreams. Beautiful stars and galaxy’s, wonderful new planets, hidden princesses and a dark and steamy guide sent to watch over her, Elle is finally able to answer all the questions she’s spent her life asking, but at what price.

I thought this book was lovely, I relate to Elle quite a bit, her quirky nature, curiosity and skepticism are all quality’s that add up to make her the perfect main character. Throw in a steamy broody bodyguard just trying to do what’s right and save the world and I believe you have the makings of a wonderful story.

I personally feel like this book could be read as a stand-alone but I would love to see a follow up novel or even a prequel novel solely about her mothers life leading up to the events of this book. This books does a wonderful job at building the world for you though, the author put a lot of thought into world building and detail, very wonderfully written.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and cannot wait to indulge in more written work from Courtney Davis!

Princess of Prias, Courtney Davis, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Fantasy, Romance, July 2022, Jessica Stone

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Distant Memories (Nurse Morgan Series Book 2) by Kate MacInnis – Review by Jessica Stone

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Distant Memories: A Nurse Morgan Series: Book TwoDistant Memories: A Nurse Morgan Series: Book Two by Kate MacInnis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Distant Memories (Nurse Morgan Series Book 2) by Kate MacInnis – Review by Jessica Stone

I have not read the first book in this series but I definitely will be going back now and reading it.

Morgan, our hilarious main character is just a girl with an unusual gift trying to navigate life as a full time nurse and ghost whisperer. No but really, this girl has her hands full at all times, a house full of ghosts that “share” her space, a hospital full of hectic ghosts and an evil seductress ghost with her sights set on Morgan’s… kinda boyfriends? Can this girl ever catch a break?

This story was a delightful little book to read, I laughed, I cried, I definitely became emotionally invested in not only Morgan and Dr Hunky’s relationship, but Morgan and her ghostly friends as well.

Written well and completely, it was easy to fall in love with this author’s writing style, very quirky and fun with a splash of supernatural mystery. If you are looking for a quick fun read this book is for you. I would suggest reading the book prior to this one to have a better understanding of how the relationships in the book were formed but I don’t believe that it’s a must to enjoy this tale. Can’t wait to see what’s next for our girl Morgan!

Distant Memories, Nurse Morgan Series, Kate MacInnis, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits. Paranormal, Romance, July 2022, Jessica Stone

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Levi (The Brothers of Creekside Ranch Book 1) by Edith Mackenzie – Review by Jessica Stone

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LeviLevi by Edith Mackenzie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Levi (The Brothers of Creekside Ranch Book 1) by Edith Mackenzie – Review by Jessica Stone

Bella, a young English aristocrat is forced to go into hiding, after leaving her abusive Russian mafia boyfriend Dmitri and turning him in for his crimes awaiting his trial. The last thing Bella expected was becoming a nanny to an orphaned girl in a house full of gorgeous and slightly bossy men.

Levi, an ex- Navy SEAL, recently returned home to his family ranch after losing both of his parents, he and his two brothers have taken over caring for not only the ranch, but also their little sister Allie who’s been left devastated by their recent lose.
The last thing Levi needs right now is some snooty beautiful English woman coming into his life and fighting his every word. But that’s exactly what he gets when asked by an old friend to house Bella and keep her safe.

So under the guise of her being a nanny hired to take care of Allie, Bella, now going by Beccy learns the ins and outs of farm life. Between Dodging two gorgeous brothers whom she started to consider family and one brother who can’t seem to say anything nice to her, but for some reason she can’t get him off her mind, she has her hands full. Bella definitely didn’t know what to expect, especially when she finds herself falling in love with Levi, can Bella and Levi work through their own past traumas and find love and safety within each other’s arms. Or will the past catch up to them…

Terrific book, the dynamic between the brothers makes for a wonderful read, throwing a spicy little through bread in added the perfect amount of flavor to make for a captivating read. I love that this book dives into so tough subjects as we discover some of Levi’s past as a ex navy SEAL while still keeping the story light and enjoyable. Its definitely something I’d like to see more off.
I would LOVE to read books about the other brothers, they are very charming and though we only skim the surface of them as characters in this book, they are hard not to fall in love with.

There’s a lot of growth in Bella during this book as well, I believe that she came from a place of privilege and was thrust into a unknown situation and family dynamic which forced change where there otherwise wouldn’t have been any.

All and all a 4 star read!

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The Mastermind (WaterFyre Rising Book 1) by Nadia Han – Review by Jessica Stone

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The Mastermind (WaterFyre Rising, #1)The Mastermind by Nadia Han
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Mastermind (WaterFyre Rising Book 1) by Nadia Han – Review by Jessica Stone

The Mastermind this book is just that, masterfully written! This intense, edge of your seat, brothers best friend, billionaire boss, alpha male, suspense romance with just the right amount of spice hit the spot!

Remington Starke, is a self made billionaire with a dark past, and a brilliant mind. Brought back to his home town due to business with WaterFyre, a project he and his childhood friends are working on. Remington soon runs into his best friends little sister, after buying the. Implant she works for and soon realizes she isn’t so little any more.

Audri Wu, is just a girl trying to find her way, she’s tired of breaking her back for a company that doesn’t respect her, but is unwilling to rely on the money that her brother tries to provide for her. With a passion for making beautiful jewelry, she’s just trying to find a way to make her passion her full time job.
After years apart, both having grown up quite a bit, Audri and Remington cannot deny the burning attraction they have for one another. Unfortunately dark secrets and even darker dangers from their past and present seem to be following them both closely. Will the both be able to beat their pasts and find a to be together or will the past finally win?

I’m pretty big on alpha male romances, and this one did not disappoint in that aspect, the fight for Remi to deny Audri the one thing he wants most, made my toes curl with anticipation the entire book. I love that the author made Audri soft and vulnerable, but strong willed and career minded at the same time. I love a strong male lead but I LOVE a stronger female MC. This book does all that an more, with a dash of suspense, due to hidden secrets and dark past to add spice to a book that could solely be a romance brings this book to a whole new level.

This is the first book from this series and from this author!! I’m very excited to explore the world she creates and to get to get to know all the WaterFyre men a lot better.

The Mastermind, WaterFyre Rising Series, Nadia Han, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Contemporary Romance, Romance, Suspense, June 2022, Jessica Stone

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Devil’s Breath by Lang Johnson – Review by Jessica Stone

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Devil's BreathDevil’s Breath by Lang Johnson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Devil’s Breath by Lang Johnson – Review by Jessica Stone

Devils breath is a book about Sera Dwari, brilliant chemist and assassin who has created a new drug called Devil’s Breath using her degree in chemistry. She’s cold and ruthless and will stop at nothing to make her criminal father proud and full-fill his wishes. That is until she meets her unknowing benefactor Cassius. Cassius Batista is a ruggedly Hansom billionaire from a small town in Wyoming, all he wants to do is live his life out in the world doing the things he enjoys, hiking, rock climbing, anything for some adrenaline. Unfortunately Sera has been hired by someone close to Cassius to kill him but as time goes on and she gets to know her next mark more and more, she’s starting to doubt she can kill him, or stop herself from falling in love with him…

Absolutely Terrific book! Brilliant writing! Positively in love with the character building from this author. The cold collected facade presented by Sera to everyone that covers up the sad girl underneath, who just wants to make her father proud and pay him back for the life he gave up for her.

On the flip side there’s Cassius who’s all out there from the get go, a honest up front guy with A plus qualities. But Cassius is not just some pretty, rich man, he’s smart and cautious, and that caution is telling him that there’s more going on then what Sera showing him and everyone else.

Lies, deception, love, family, betrayal, this book has it all to suck you in and keep you waiting and wondering what’s going to happen on the next page. A slow burn that builds up to a crescendo, shattering hearts and family’s.

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Collateral Damage (Mafia Elite Series Book 6) by Amy McKinley – Review by Jessica Stone

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Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance (Mafia Elite Book 6)Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Collateral Damage (Mafia Elite Series Book 6) by Amy McKinley – Review by Jessica Stone

This is the first book I’ve read from this author or in this series, there are multiple books that come before this one but you do not have to have previously read those to understand this story. This story, Collateral damage, follows Hayley and Trey.

Trey still reeling from the death of his previous girlfriend meets Hayley prior to this book but chooses to walk away having not healed from his loss.
Months later Hayley gets kidnapped, and Trey is asked by Hayley’s step father Allen,(who sits on the board of the hospital Trey works at and Hayley’s mom owns)to find and save Hayley from whatever fate awaits her, Trey will do anything to get Hayley back.

After some crazy twist and turns Hayley and Trey end up in a twisted web of lies and secrets that just might tear them apart or worse one of them could wind up dead.

A very slow burn, friends to lovers, mafia romance, with just the right amount of action. I can’t wait to read more in this series. It introduces you to many faces who have their own books in the series and if they are as good as this one I’ll be on the edge of my seat the entire time.

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Flame and Crystal Thorns (Fae and Crystal Thorns Book 1) by Kay L. Moody – Review by Jessica Stone

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Flame and Crystal Thorns (Fae and Crystal Thorns, #1)Flame and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Flame and Crystal Thorns (Fae and Crystal Thorns Book 1) by Kay L. Moody – Review by Jessica Stone

This is the first book in a spin off series, but for anyone out there who thinks this book sounds interesting and wants to just dive right in, you do not have to read the prior series to read this book and I promise it its worth the read.

Exciting,…Full of Adventure and Magic
This book can be read by itself or in relation to series. Chloe and her sister have finally settled into life outside of Faerie with her Fae brother and his family nearby. Chloe enjoying a mundane existence is kept busy providing remedies for the townspeople (nonmagical remedies) as an apothecary, However her life is about to be thrown into chaos. An unexpected visitor from her past appears suddenly, demanding Chloe’s return to Faire to save her older sister and all Fae. The danger comes from mortals using iron to trap the Fae in their kingdoms and their poison began affecting the human realm. Can Chloe save her sister kingdom and all of Fae kind?

I genuinely enjoyed this book, it does end in a cliffhanger, so I’m patiently awaiting the next book. I am also now going to go back and read the series before this, I have a feeling I’m going to really enjoy the previous episode series.

All and all a wonderful magical and supernatural themed book, with anything but your typical main character.

 

A Veil of Gods and Kings (Apollo Ascending Book 1) by Nicole Bailey Review By Jessica Stone

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A Veil of Gods and Kings (Apollo Ascending, #1)A Veil of Gods and Kings by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Veil of Gods and Kings(Apollo Ascending Book 1) by Nicole Bailey Review By Jessica Stone

A Veil of Gods and Kings is a wonderful reimaging of the Greek myth of Apollo and Hyacinth, an interesting twist on an M/M, Enemies to Lovers, Slow Burn, Greek mythology.
One thing that caught my attention immediately about this book is how skilled the author is at creating such a mind-blowing immersive and vivid world. From the beginning I could picture every little detail from the fruit on the tress to the vivid blue and white hues of the sky
The first book of four in the ‘Apollo Ascending’ series this slow burn, fade to black, NA romance story told from multiple perspectives, did not fail to pull me in and hold me until I had no choice but to keep reading until the end. The main character of the story, Apollo is nothing if not relatable, with his disdain for being told how to live his life to his sassy attitude towards hyacinth, and his undeniable charisma, he was immediately my favorite character. Though this story is also being told from two other perspective, it leaves you equal time to get to know every character and to fall in love with each one, opening the possibility to further explore the other characters story in the future.
I enjoyed the empowerment on not only men being in less than favorable situations with unwanted destinations in life, but it shows the struggle of these strong women just trying to walk their own path in life, no matter what, or with who that might be.
If you’re looking for a new interesting take on Greek mythology, with fade to black type romance, I would highly recommend this book for you. I’m excited to see what this author has in store for us readers and where she’ll take us with her phenomenal characterization!

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Blood & Ravens: A dark, paranormal romance (The Casket Girls Book 1) by A.D. Brazeau – Review by Jessica Stone

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Blood & Ravens: A dark, paranormal romance (The Casket Girls Book 1)

If I could give anything an honest 5/5 this book would be the one, unfortunately I don’t believe in a perfect score.

To be honest I wasn’t quite sure if this book was going to be able to catch my interest when I read the synopsis, but it did that and then some, it sucked me in and I couldn’t find the will to put it down until it was finished. It started out slow but the mysterious circumstances around the main character Greer was enough to keep me waiting with bated breath hoping to find out how this mere girl of 22 ended up with no recollection of how she came to be on a ship bound for an unknown destination with nothing, but dreams of a man shrouded in darkness and mysteries.

Right off the bat Greer decides to make friends with a few women in the same circumstance as her and from there the story takes way. Throwing her into an unknown town with a group of unlikely friends they are faced with true terrors from things that go bump in the night. Faced with nuns, dark beings and a world no one knew existed these “casket girls” must find a way to survive each night hoping that the light of each day will bring them closer to answers and freedom they crave so badly. Now add a little splash of dark romance from a man called the dark knight, one she’s sure will be the end of her but haunts her every dream, and heart stopping twists and turns on every page, and you have the makings of this magnificent book.

This book takes you for a wild ride, into a supernatural world I did not expect when I picked it up but it did not disappoint, the authors attention to detail, the characters feisty, loyal, strong headed natures, the supernatural aspect, all and all made for a wonderful read, I cant wait to see what comes next!

Blood & Ravens, The Casket Girls Series, A.D. Brazeau, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Vampire, Romance

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Class Clown (Ghost Girl Series) by Allan Evans – Review by Jessica Stone

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Class ClownClass Clown by Allan Evans
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Class Clown (Ghost Girl Series) by Allan Evans – Review by Jessica Stone

Going into this book I was completely blind to the previous happenings in book 1 of the series “Abnormally Abbey” and to be honest I was terrified that I would have no idea what was going on, that was 100% not what happened. To say I was pleasantly surprised with this book, is an understatement. I immediately fell in love with Abbey this quirky, cute, 80’s loving, albeit “a little old for her age” girl with a wonderful sense of humor.
This book lacks nothing as far as capturing you and dragging you into a story about life, growing up, navigating the hardship of high school and …clowns.

A captivating story of a 14 year old girl, just trying to make friends at a new school and fit in, while juggling an ability to see things that nobody else can, the dead…
Abbey has just transferred to a new school and after a exciting summer spent at camp, Abbey; ready to take on a new school year, joins the soccer team and finally make some friends, hoping for ones she can keep. Unfortunately, life doesn’t always give you what you want, after a trip to the circus with her family Abbey starts seeing clowns all around her new school, what’s even worse now her new friends are starting to disappear.

I could not recommend this book enough, the supernatural twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time, while the lighthearted interactions between characters gave me everything I needed from this book. Hoping we see much more from this promising author Allan Evans and our spook magnet Abbey.

Class Clown, Ghost Girl Series, Allan Evans, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, YA, Paranormal, Jessica Stone, March 2022

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