Posts

The Ghastly Gumball by Naomi Valkyrie

💜 .•°*°•.💜 BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE 💜 .•°*°•.💜
The Ghastly Gumball by Naomi Valkyrie
Hosted by Itsy Bitsy Book Bits
Genre – Paranormal Romance, RomCom
Page Count – 98
Cover Designer – RMGraphX
Magic, Romance, and Shifters – OH MY!
This is a zany, wacky story about a guy named Lockwood King.
There’s magic.
There’s humor.
There’s chaos.
There’s meddling by outside forces (but it’s for their own good – really, it is).
There’s sort of fated mates (fate gets a little push – okay, a big shove, but everyone deserves an HEA, right)?
There’s a bit of cursing (the magic and the swearing kind).
There’s inconvenient tentacle wrestling. (Don’t ask me, I just write what the characters tell me to).
And speaking of tentacles, did I mention the cigar-smoking octopus named Clyde?
If you don’t like absurdly unbelievable tales and magical mishaps, this probably isn’t the book for you. You’ve been warned.

~ AMAZON ~

Click here to view the Book Trailer for The Ghastly Gumball by Naomi Valkyrie

Click here to experience a Chapter Reading of The Ghastly Gumball by Naomi Valkyrie

Naomi Valkyrie, often called a Firebrand Provocateur, brings her unique Autistic perspectives and curiosities to life by weaving tales of deep connection, mystery, and romance. She is inspired by being able to spontaneously create a thought that takes on a life of its own, opening up new adventures for her readers.

 

The Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy realms are particular areas of interest for Naomi as they allow for the vast exploration of magic, adventure, and the impossible while creating diverse characters that her readers connect with on an emotional level.

 

When she isn’t attending to familial connections, Naomi loves a dark, comfy reading space surrounded by the symbolism of her spiritual archetypes and her daemon/familiars, while she sips her tea and immerses herself in imagination.

FACEBOOK ~ INSTAGRAM ~ PINTEREST ~ WEBSITE ~ MEWE ~ TWITTER ~ BOOKBUB ~ GOODREADS ~

~ WEBSITE ~ FACEBOOK ~ TWITTER ~ PINTEREST ~ YOUTUBE ~ INSTAGRAMFACEBOOK GROUP ~ TIKTOK ~

Double Delight (Double Delight Series #3) by Julie Castle – Review by Angela Hayes

Double Delight: The Complete SeriesDouble Delight: The Complete Series by Julie Castle
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

 

3 Stars

 

Double Delight: The Complete Series (Double Delight #3) by Julie Castle contains the two books in this contemporary romance series. With plenty of chemistry, spice, and sizzle- this box set will steam up your reading session.
April Love
April Brooks (28) is left reeling in the wake of her cheating ex. But running into her old high school crush, Will, is about to teach her more than she anticipated. Her life is about to get a spicy upgrade.

Monica’s Manhunt
Her we have the best man, Matt, and bridesmaid, Monica, (for Will and April’s wedding) – whose bubbling chemistry boils over in the lead up to the wedding. Get set for plenty of red-hot reading…

Happy Reading…

Thank you, Julie Castle!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

View all my reviews

Fire Meets Fire (Wretched Soulz MC #2) by Manda Mellett – Review by Robin Rankin

Fire Meets Fire: Wretched Soulz MCFire Meets Fire: Wretched Soulz MC by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fire Meets Fire: Wretched Soulz MC

Ms. Mallet is one of a few special authors that I don’t bother with looking at the synopsis before reading, I just read and she has yet to disappoint me.

We have gotten to know Chaz casually through the Satan’s Devils, but now we get to know him. What a character!

Helo has been through so much in her life and come out on top. With all she has dealt with I wasn’t at all surprised by her reaction to Chaz. She is a bad @$$ and I love her for it.

I look forward to additional books Wretched Soulz and hope to see more from the Satan’s Devils in the future.

View all my reviews

Finding Love (Clumsy Little Hearts Trilogy Book 2) by Julie Navickas – Review by Angela Plate, June 2024

Finding Love (Clumsy Little Hearts Trilogy Book 2)Finding Love by Julie Navickas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It was a lighthearted and fun romantic comedy that had me smiling from start to finish. The author did a great job of building a believable world and creating characters that felt real and relatable. The story was well-paced and kept me engaged, making it a quick and satisfying read.

View all my reviews

Five Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Shannen Kern

Five Tries to Get It RightFive Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a powerful story! I was initially pulled in by the beautiful cover, but upon reading the synopsis, I knew this would be an emotional journey. Little did I know just how emotional it would be! It’s a beautiful book about friendship and how crucial that bond is during times of loss and depression. I loved the travel destinations and the journey of finding themselves through it all. The characters were incredibly easy to relate to, and I felt like the flow of the story was smooth and unfolded naturally. There were some unexpected twists and turns that I won’t give away, but they definitely surprised me! I highly recommend picking this book up and letting yourself journey alongside Lydia and Kate. Maybe you’ll find kinship with them as well!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

View all my reviews

Fire Meets Fire (Wretched Soulz MC #2) by Manda Mellett – Review by Shannen Kern

Fire Meets Fire: Wretched Soulz MCFire Meets Fire: Wretched Soulz MC by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This author is one of my favorites, so it was a no brainer to grab this book immediately! I dove right in as soon as I got home and never put it down once the entire time which may or may not have led to me bumping into doors and walls. Worth it! Chaz is the MC president who is in charge of a lot of things. Most men don’t dare stand up to him, but Helo isn’t most men. In fact, she isn’t a man at all, but has no problem going toe to toe with Chaz. I admire her tenacity and her demand for respect. Getting to experience the push and pull between these two was absolutely heart pounding, and I loved every second of it. If you’re looking for an incredible adventure of romance in an MC, you’d be hard-pressed to find another author that’s better than this one! I am off to find another book by this author to get lost in.

Reviewed by @shannlynn

View all my reviews

The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series) by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada – Review by Jenni Bishop

The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and AboutThe Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About is a great way for kids to learn about animal care and their welfare when out and about in the public or just learning basic needs in everyday life.
This fun and engaging story has beautiful illustrations that help kids see what is being narrated and gives them a better appreciation of the story.
Giselle and Jennie also provide a checklist to use if you so choose on things to do and where you can take you puppies to help them on the right track to being their best selves.

Reviewed by @jennadb

View all my reviews

Whiskey Throttle (Moto X Series Book 6) by Brooke May – Review by Tausha Treadway

Whiskey Throttle (Fever Falls, #3)Whiskey Throttle by Riley Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Whiskey Throttle (Moto X Series Book 6) by Brooke May. This is book 6 in the Moto X series and its the story of Lincoln and Rush. Rush has been hurt in his past and therefore does not want a relationship. He never wants for company but the thought of a serious relationship and feelings are not in his field of vision at all. Rush and Lincoln have been friends for a long time and when they start sleeping together things are pretty intense but its with the knowledge that “no strings attached”. So when Rush gets hurts in a Motorcycle wreck and Lincoln pretends to be his boyfriend to get in things change. Lincoln doesn’t really know how to be in a relationship either and it scares him too but feelings do get involved and Rush and Lincoln are both a little lost. Will they be able to get their heads on straight and try to be in a relationship that they both want but are too scared to admit? Read this M/M motocross read to find out!

View all my reviews

Five Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Paula R Sayers

Five Tries to Get It RightFive Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Such a good book about the power of friendship. Kate has decided that life is no longer worth living. Her best friend Lydia is not going to let her give up. They embark on a trip around the world to relive some of their youthful adventures. Will Lydia be able to help Kate save herself?

View all my reviews

Five Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Jayme Raffauf

Five Tries to Get It RightFive Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A great story with so many layers. Both heartwarming and heartbreaking, but relatable characters dealing with so many emotions and situations. Lydia and Kate are working on their friendships, while both have their own losses, grief, challenges, emotions, distractions, and more to work through…along with the added layers of mental health struggles for Kate. There could be some triggers, but overall, this is a well written story that was enjoyable to read.

View all my reviews

The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series) by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada – Review by Megan Rea

The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series)The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Nevada and Chen have gone above and beyond AGAIN in this book to show what it takes to raise and train puppies. I cannot say enough about these two authors and how much research and time they put into their books to show not only kids but adults as well what is needed when deciding whether or not to get a pet. This installment focuses on the socialization aspect of pet ownership and the ups and downs of it and what you can do as a responsible pet owner. I love how thorough they are and the illustrations are phenomenal. They also do a fantastic job of weaving a story in as well.
Reviewed by @meggs1717

View all my reviews

Murder a la Christie (Golden Age of Mystery Book Club) by Marilyn Levinson – Review by Megan Rea

Murder a la Christie (Golden Age of Mystery Bookclub Book 1)Murder a la Christie by Marilyn Levinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you are looking for a light-hearted murder mystery, then grab this book right now! This is your classic whodunit with twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I adore the main character, Lexie, and her determination to figure out who murdered one of her dearest friends, Sylvia. Levinson does a great job paying homage to Agatha Christie throughout her novel and I can’t wait to pick up another one of her novels. I loved her characters and her plot line was well-thought-out and driven.
Reviewed by @meggs1717

View all my reviews

Finding Love (Clumsy Little Hearts Trilogy Book 2) by Julie Navickas – Review by Jenni Bishop

Finding Love (Clumsy Little Hearts Trilogy Book 2)Finding Love by Julie Navickas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I couldn’t get enough after reading Trusting Love, so I jumped straight into this book Finding Love. I don’t usually pay much attention to covers but the covers so far in this series have caught my eye & they fit with the stories well.
This is Rachel & Miguel’s story. Sometimes it feels like you go through a never-ending cycle of Mr Wrongs & a Mr Right will never turn up & that is certainly the case for Rachel. Miguel is everyone’s perfect book boyfriend.
There are characters we have met before & new ones to welcome into the fold. This RomCom is filled with many emotions, that will make you laugh, cause a sniffle or two & sometimes there is the outright sweetness & cringe factor with a little quirkiness thrown in.
Finding Love is filled with music, witty banter, families, heartache, & heartbreak but there has never been a romance that has been so sweet & a lot quirky.
Bring on the third book in the Trilogy.

Reviewed by @jennadb

View all my reviews

Trusting Love (Clumsy Little Hearts Trilogy Book 1) by Julie Navickas – Review by Jenni Bishop

Trusting Love (Clumsy Little Hearts Trilogy Book 1)Trusting Love by Julie Navickas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved the Trading Heartbeats trilogy & now Tess has her own Trilogy in Clumsy Litte Hearts. I was so excited when I saw this, so I clicked, & it became mine.
Julie has the knack to have found the perfect formula to a perfect love story. Anybody that has not read anything by Julie, I encourage you to do so. I know you won’t be disappointed because I have become addicted. There is much to learn in Julie’s language of love.
Trusting Love is a wonderfully passionate & steamy tale. The characters are beautifully written, & I have fallen in love again. This complex tale is woven together with broken hearts, broken trust, broken souls, love, sweat, passion, pain, tears, & humour. It is an emotive tale yet there are times that had me laughing as well.
I was so enamoured with this story that I read it in one go. I enjoyed it so much I am off to read the next book in the Trilogy, Finding Love.

Reviewed by @jennadb

View all my reviews

Red (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 2) by MK Harkins – Review by Jenni Bishop

Red (Modern-Day Fairy Tale, #2)Red by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 stars
I have read just about all of MK’s books most I have absolutely loved others I have liked but felt they needed more.
Ashes is the first book in this Modern-Day Fairy tale series & this book Red is the second. So be sure to start at the first book as they share characters. With old & new characters Red continues on from it.
There is a lot going on in this short story which is a tale of loss, love, drama, angst & magical creatures as well as magic.
Want to know what the classic Little Red Riding Hood looks like with a modern-day twist well look no further here it is because I am not giving away anything.

Reviewed by @jennadb

View all my reviews

Murder a la Christie (Golden Age of Mystery Book Club) by Marilyn Levinson – Review by Sheri Schrader

Murder a la Christie (Golden Age of Mystery Bookclub Book 1)Murder a la Christie by Marilyn Levinson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Murder a la Christie is the first book in the Golden Age of Mystery Bookclub series. When a member of Professor Lexie Driscoll’s book club dies suddenly under questionable circumstances, it sets off a chain of events. Lexie uses her extensive knowledge of Agatha Christie’s work to determine what is happening. If you enjoy cozy murder mystery stories and the great stories created by Christie, you will enjoy this book. I enjoyed seeing how the author took what many fans of earlier written mysteries and made it her own. The characters were interesting and helped guide the plot along. The story was fun and enjoyable, keeping me reading late into the night. I look forward to reading more of this series in the future.

View all my reviews

Homicidal Innocence by V.J. Lee – Review by Jenni Bishop

Homicidal InnocenceHomicidal Innocence by V.J. Lee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cole Silverthorne is a hardnosed detective and at times a pain in the ar$e, letting nothing stand in his way of finding the culprit and this is one killer he has been after for a very long time. A killer he is determined to bring to justice. But he is now stepping on his toes when it comes to Maya. She may just be his downfall.
This psychological and twisted thriller will have you sitting to attention with shivers down your spine and wracking your brain. The twists and turns are well done I worked it out earlyish on, well almost. But of course, I had to keep reading. VJ has you chasing tails all over the place.
Diamond Valley home of the rich has become a killer’s playground. A place for their art to be displayed.
Homicidal Innocence is a cleverly crafted and complex tale and one of those must reads where the intensity, the intrigue, the suspense, the chills may just be too much to bear. Are you brave enough?

Reviewed by @jennadb

View all my reviews

Catch a Cowboy (Match Made in Montana Series) by Rachelle Paige Campbell – Review by Shannon Fowler

Catch A Cowboy (Match Made in Montana Book 2)Catch A Cowboy by Rachelle Paige Campbell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story, these characters, this author. Hit me good with all the feels.

First: “External validation”

Then: “Children were a gift, forcing the grown-ups in their lives to snap out of their doldrums and look at the world with wonder.”

Absolutely love the sweet slow burn love that these characters develop. While both Ted and Stephanie are awkward around each other, which is so cute, they are strong and opinionated in their respective line of work, making them perfect for each other. I love the writing style of this author and the way she brings the characters together, even after a little turbulence.

This book is the second in the series but can be read as a standalone as each book focuses on a new couple. Looking forward to reading more about the Kincaid Ranch and family.

View all my reviews

By Your Side (Willowbrook Lake Series) by Ashley Erin – Review by Jenni Bishop

By Your Side (Willowbrook Lake, #1)By Your Side by Ashley Erin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

“Sometimes, life’s most beautiful surprises come from the heart’s quietest desires.” I love this.
Small town romances are often the best stories with their quirky and nosy neighbours and that is the case with this book. I have only read one other book by Ashley Erin and really enjoyed it so was happy to snatch this one up.
By Your Side is a beautiful second chance contemporary romance will leave you swooning. It is well written and gives you all the feels even more so as it is told in dual POV’s. Ashley has a way of writing characters that will melt your heart.
She thought she had one great love and would never find another. At least that’s what her heart felt. Moving on had never been so hard.
One broken heart, one old house, one grumpy contractor, one small town betting against her.
I read it in one sitting as I was truly hooked.

Reviewed by @jennadb

View all my reviews

Fire Meets Fire (Wretched Soulz MC #2) by Manda Mellett – Review by Nina Maes

Masterful! Just love this author’s work. Great story lines and characters with a touch of steamy romance. Fast read and page turning to the end. I love the flow of her writing and how she is able to make her stories come to life. I recommend reading any and all of her books, you will not be disappointed.Fire Meets Fire: Wretched Soulz MCFire Meets Fire: Wretched Soulz MC by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Masterful! Just love this author’s work. Great story lines and characters with a touch of steamy romance. Fast read and page turning to the end. I love the flow of her writing and how she is able to make her stories come to life. I recommend reading any and all of her books, you will not be disappointed.

View all my reviews

Five Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Melissa Fink

https://www.amazon.com/review/R36MMWBL58GK94/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_SRTC0204BT_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv

Five Tries to Get It RightFive Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Five Tries to Get It Right was an amazing book. Kathryn Dodson grabs your attention from the very beginning of the book. The story is very relatable. The detailing in the story is good. The world building and character building is great. This book was a page turner for me.

View all my reviews
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/187804543

Fire Meets Fire (Wretched Soulz MC #2) by Manda Mellett – Review by Allyson Ware

Fire Meets Fire: Wretched Soulz MCFire Meets Fire: Wretched Soulz MC by Manda Mellett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Once again, this author does not fail to disappoint. The author produced yet another amazing story, not just a repeat with different characters. I am once again impressed that Helo and Chaz have their own story and spotlight. Their stories are inspiring and nothing short of realistic.

Another bright side is that you do not need to read all of these novels in order to understand the plot. However, I still highly recommend reading the rest of the novels that involve the Wretched Souls MC. I can assure you that none of them will disappoint!

Review by @aware
View all my reviews

The Husbands by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Crystal Brehant

The HusbandsThe Husbands by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love love LOVE this authors books! I love her style of writing and her imagination. I believe this is my first book by this author that is not paranormal. This is more of a romance filled with suspense and danger! This story shows how one little thing can alter multiple lives forever. Is it in a good way, or bad?
She absolutely nailed this category too. This story was unlike any that I have read before. I thoroughly enjoyed it. If you have not picked up a book by Naomi Valkyrie, what are you waiting for? I fly through her books every time, finding myself having a really hard time putting them down.

View all my reviews

Ten Little Sandpipers by Kim Ann- review by Karrie Sears

Ten Little SandpipersTen Little Sandpipers by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ten Little Sandpipers by Kim Ann- review by Karrie Sears
Fun and interactive book for the younger readers (0-4 years) learning to count. Well written and great facts about sandpipers towards the end. The find and seek game at the end is well done. A quick little read before bedtime or nap time. Definitely recommend!

Ten Little Sandpipers , Kim Ann, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Kids, Family
Karrie Sears
June 2024

View all my reviews

Ten Little Starfish by Kim Ann – Review by Karrie Sears

Ten Little Starfish: Ocean and Marine Life Books for Children (Marine Life Counting Collection)Ten Little Starfish: Ocean and Marine Life Books for Children by Kim Ann
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ten Little Starfish by Kim Ann – Review by Karrie Sears
Beautiful colors and well written. Easy read for little ones before bed, nap time or anytime. The tidbits of information on Starfish to help jump start knowledge on little ones is fantastic. I like that fact there is a song that can be played even if you’re not reading the book. Definitely one I’ll be reading to my littles.
Ten Little Starfish, Kim Ann, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Kids, Family
Karrie Sears
June 2024

View all my reviews

Ten Little Sea Turtles (A Counting Collection) by Kim Ann – Review by by Karrie Sears

Ten Little Sea Turtles: Ocean and Marine Life Books for Children (Marine Life Counting Collection)Ten Little Sea Turtles: Ocean and Marine Life Books for Children by Kim Ann
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ten Little Sea Turtles (A Counting Collection) by Kim Ann – Review by
by Karrie Sears

This is such a fun and cute counting book. The story is so well written with the rhymes and ease of understanding for little ones. Most definitely going to be a go to for when the little ones are over. The fun facts about Sea turtles are a great addition. The illustrations for this children’s book are excellent! The QR code at the end with the song is a great idea!

Ten Little Sea Turtles, A Counting Collection, Kim Ann, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Kids,Family
Karrie Sears June 2024

View all my reviews

The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series) by Jennie Chen and Giselle Nevada – Review by Jennifer Crain

The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About (Porter and Midge Children’s Book Series)The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About by Giselle Nevada
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As a parent or pet owner, you’re likely looking for a children’s book that not only entertains but also educates kids about responsible pet ownership. “The Puppy Adventures of Porter and Midge: Out and About” by Giselle Nevada and Jennie Chen is an excellent choice! This engaging tale follows CJ and Lora as they embark on a journey to train their puppies, Porter and Midge, for the Independence Day Parade. The story is both fun and informative, teaching kids the importance of early socialization and training for puppies.

What sets this book apart is its ability to balance entertainment with education. The colorful illustrations and lovable puppy characters will captivate young readers, while the helpful checklists and real-life adventures encourage kids to participate in their own pet’s socialization. The story is also relatable, as it highlights the challenges and rewards of training a puppy, but can be a little wordy at times.

View all my reviews

@bookworm1909

Murder by Moonlight (Felines of Fairytale Forest) by K.L. Montgomery – Review by Kerry Baker

Murder by Moonlight (Felines of Fairytale Forest Book 1)Murder by Moonlight by K.L. Montgomery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Just as I have come to expect from this author, this is a surprising, unique and well written story that caught my attention right from the word go! It has a fun feel about it, despite the overall nature of the story, and yet still managed to be intriguing to read. I loved the way the author developed the overall story and I found it to be a really interesting book to read.
This author is one of those that I no longer bother to read a description for. Her books are always great to read and I pick them up without hesitation. I would highly recommend all of her work and this book is just another one to add to the collection!

View all my reviews

Five Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Kerry Carr

Five Tries to Get It RightFive Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is such am emotional story. The author deals with such emotional topics such as grief, loss, betrayal, and the biggest on of all mental health. It is a beautiful story of friendship and the struggle of finding yourself and learning to live again.

Lydiahas found her life hard after losing her husband and her daughter leaving for college. She finds herself alone and not knowing what to do with herself. Until she gets a call to help her friend Kate.
Kate has hit rock bottom and doesn’t want to live anymore. When she wakes in hospital with Lydia she isn’t happy. Lydia means well but she doesn’t understand why Kate wants to end her life.
In an attempt to bring her friend back from the brink of despair Lydia suggests taking a trip, travelling to all the places they went in their 20s.
Could this journey help them both heal and learn to live again? What happens if Kate is still set on ending it all?
And when someone from Lydia’s past returns will she lose her focus on protecting and saving her friend for a second chance at love?

This story is very emotional, heartbreaking as much as heartwarming. The characters are well developed and i feel for them both but how can you save someone who doesn’t want to be saved?

View all my reviews