Spook Squad by Allan Evans is an intriguing YA paranormal story that was difficult to put down until the very end. This story has a bit of everything- paranormal, thrill, adventure, friendship, mystery, humor and more. Abbey is a young teenager with a special gift that makes her far from normal. She can see and speak to spirits and supernatural beings. She has her own little ‘Spooky Gang’ of friends who support her despite her quirkiness, and work along side her on her paranormal adventures. This story is a part of a series, however, I had no issues reading this as a standalone. The writing was fantastic. The story and characters were well-written and given just enough depth that the story flowed perfectly without the feeling that it was dragging on. Overall, this was really a fun, spooky and enjoyable read! I look forward to going back and reading the other stories of Abbey as well!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katiehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie2024-10-15 18:46:052024-10-22 19:28:07Spook Squad by Allan Evans – Review by Katie Turner
The Discovery of Magic by L. J. Evias is book one in The Intrigue of Magic series. Alice is a fantastic archer and she competes for a scholarship in hopes that it is enough to convince her parents to remain stationary and not move her away from her friends. While the book begins a bit slow, it gives the reader the opportunity to observe going through the normal motions of being a teenager with Alice and her friends before things take a drastic and unexpected turn for all of them. Entering into a realm of magic and political war in Parsa, the story is written so that we can experience the adventure with many of the characters. While moving around from different characters doesn’t always work well in every story, I really loved getting to experience the adventure in different perspectives and felt it worked perfectly here. I thought the writing was really wonderful. Descriptive enough without going overboard. The characters were well-developed and very interesting and engaging. If you enjoy a good YA with a little bit of everything to offer- a touch of romance, drama, magic, adventure, danger- you may really enjoy delving into this fantasy world! Definitely excited to see where the next book leads to!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katiehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie2024-09-30 16:59:052024-10-01 10:19:45The Discovery of Magic (The Intrigue of Magic Series) by L. J. Evias – Review by Katie Turner
Made to Love Her by Michele Sims is my first read by this author and I was pleasantly surprised. The story was a very quick read, but no less an adventure carved out of romance and suspense. Leica and Cade are a dream couple. Married with children and growing evermore in love as time goes on. But when they find themselves in the middle of a dark scheme, trust and loyalty are put to the test. The characters were very well developed and it was easy to fall in love with the relationship between the main characters. If you are looking for a quick read that will squeeze your heart and also keep you on edge, I highly recommend. I read this with no problem as a standalone!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katiehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie2024-09-14 15:24:362024-10-01 07:04:48Made to Love Her (Moore Family Saga Novella) by Michele Sims – Review by Katie Turner
Shadowed Storm by Mavery Ellscott is the fourth installment to the Shadow Defense Security series but could easily be read as a standalone. This story follows Alexis, an oceanographer who is quite the avid lover of the water and the whole world that lies beneath. Alexis comes across a dangerous alga during a dive that could wreak irreparable damage to the waters if released. With the help of her sexy former Navy SEAL friend, Seb, they try to eradicate the problem and keep themselves safe in the process. However, their enemy has a lot of power, a lot of resources and will not allow Alexis to put a stop to the nefarious plan so easily.
I really, REALLY loved this story and I feel like the author’s world-building and writing has been so consistent and perfect across these stories. She has done such a wonderful job creating likeable and realistic characters and gives the reader the perfect amount of detail to really make the story flourish without going overboard. Definitely recommend if you love a good thriller that will keep you on edge with a twisty storyline and amazing characters!
Blood and Ravens by A.D. Brazeau is book one to The Casket Girls series. I honestly believe this is one of the best paranormal stories I have read in a long time and absolutely loved essentially everything about it. All the characters were all well-developed. I particularly loved Greer and Theron and their forbidden love as Theron is trying to please Hades but cannot help what he is feeling for his “little rabbit”. Plenty of other paranormal aspects add lots of depth to this story. The gothic setting also gave me a certain aesthetic that I can never get enough of. The author’s writing was exceptional and kept me engaged and the pages turning from beginning to end. I was overtaken by intrigue from the very first page, and it didn’t stop even after the story ended. I am definitely hoping for more to come!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katiehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie2024-08-04 15:56:192024-09-27 08:43:29Blood & Ravens (The Casket Girls Book 1) by A.D. Brazeau – Review by Katie Turner
The Veil was such an exciting read for me, from the very first page. I loved how this story was completely unlike anything I had ever read before. It didn’t have that feel of a recycled story whatsoever. The characters were wonderfully crafted, the world was expansive and unique. The author did an excellent job giving me, as the reader, a visual of all the beauty and chaos taking place inside this fantastic tale. I love a good rollercoaster, and this story was nothing short of ups, downs, and twisty turns. I felt like this is a very strong beginning to this series, and I hope there’s many more to follow!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katiehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie2024-07-31 18:00:042024-09-26 13:08:45The Veil (The Veil Realms Series Book One) by Karli Rush – Review by Katie Turner
Taste of Honey is a compilation of three very steamy, erotic stories- The Gift, The Commander’s Club and Once in Love. If you enjoy spicy heat at nearly every turn of the page, you should definitely give these three fast-paced stories a try. Each story features a woman who finds her way into the arms of a sexy, dominating male. But there is a lot more than simply sex and submission taking place. There are evolving feelings growing under the surface- intrigue, trust, lust, love. I felt each character really brought something unique to their story. It may not be my usual type of story to pick up, but I would absolutely read more by this author. I loved Julie’s writing and ability to be so in-depth with her descriptiveness and characters, while keeping the story moving along at a quick pace!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katiehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie2024-07-30 16:21:462024-09-26 12:51:57Taste of Honey (Taste of Honey Series) by Julie Castle – Review by Katie Turner
The Sins of Men: An American Revolutionary War Drama, by Danny J. Bradbury, is a tale weaved of historical fiction where we meet of a young boy named Peter. Peter is living in poverty as a young boy, and if his life wasn’t hard enough already, he makes a decision out of desperation to help his family and his young little life suddenly becomes darker and hopeless. At ten years old, he is thrown into prison and has to struggle to survive and stay safe. Then he is forced to join the war to fight against the French and the hopelessness settles in. But when he finally escapes the shadows that shackle him, he finds some purpose again.
While there were definitely many parts of this story that made my heart shatter for Peter, his ability to dig deep and find courage and resilience within himself during the harshest of times really captured the strength of the human spirit passionate to live, wanting to find a purpose to keep going. This story was heartbreaking and beautiful at the same time. This story had just the right amount of intricate detail and clearly knows this era well. The characters were not all good, or likeable but they were perfect in their roles to tell this tale.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katiehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie2024-07-26 17:33:362024-09-26 12:40:53The Sins of Men (The Peter Smith Chronicles) by Danny J. Bradbury – Review by Katie Turner
Lost Hollow: A Small Town Science Fiction Romance, written by Donna S. Frelick, is the first book to the Alienville series. Moira’s twin sister Claire, who is on her way to visit, goes missing without a trace. Moira sets out to find her sister, whose last known location was Allenville. Moira is hit with dead-end after dead-end, trying to piece together where her sister may have gone. The Allenville citizens, including the hunky chief of police Moira has enlisted for help, Seth Call, have a fairly good idea of what has happened to Claire, but it would be very difficult to explain or get her to begin to understand the hidden truths of Allenville and its ways.
I cannot stress enough that I absolutely loved this book! The characters, the plot, the descriptions-everything melded together perfectly! The author did exceptionally well to keep the story moving at just the right pace to hold my interest from beginning to end without being too detailed or not detailed enough. I would love the opportunity to read the next book, to see how the story continues for these characters!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katiehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie2024-07-15 17:35:442024-09-26 12:18:39Lost Hollow: A Small Town Science Fiction Romance (Alienville Series Book 1) by Donna S. Frelick – Review by Katie Turner
Salt Love by Marika Ray follows Kenna’s life after her whole world begins to tatter at the seams in a matter of days. Among the wreckage, she receives news that her aunt has died and flies to Florida to meet with a lawyer to discuss her aunt’s final wishes. It’s there that she meets Dec Boggs, a friend and neighbor of Kenna’s aunt. While he is absolutely infuriating to her, she can’t help but be curious about him…and feel an attraction to him. She is temporarily less than thrilled to find out that she is sharing ownership of Maeve’s boat club with him. As the story continues unfolding, a connection between the two of them really begins to flourish. But can their pasts be left where the past belongs, or will secrets keep them from truly letting love in again?
This story had me cheering Kenna on from the very first page. Her lack of luck had me laughing but also feeling sympathetic. When it rains, it pours! But once Kenna finds her footing, she really begins to shine. If you enjoy a well-written romantic comedy with a nice helping of sweet and spicy, I highly recommend this book! I will be looking for more books by this author in the future.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katiehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie2024-06-30 19:13:582024-08-20 12:27:59Salt Love by Marika Ray – Review by Katie Turner
A Patriot’s Tale, written by Nicole Pierman, is a story set during the Revolutionary War. Lily Thompson is a young woman who has lost her only family. We travel along with Lily as she navigates her way through hurdles and challenges to obtain retribution by any means necessary for all she has lost. Lily is a little tough to side with at first, but as her strength, courage and determination begins to shine, she becomes such an admirable character. I felt this story really gained momentum quickly, and the pages kept on turning. I believe the author did a wonderful job at researching the topic and has weaved together a very interesting work of historical fiction.
Having relation to a grandfather and grandmother, who both served as spies under the command of General George Washington, this particular war and the stories around it, always have my interest piqued. I am glad I took the time to read this story and I do recommend it if you’re a fan of detailed historical fiction stories about war.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katiehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie2024-06-09 08:58:402024-08-15 13:50:11A Patriot’s Tale by Nicole Pierman – Review by Katie Turner
Greetings from Asbury Park by Luigina Vecchione is a heart capturing story about war, the strength of family and still having the room to love deeply after witnessing so much devastation. I was absolutely captivated by this story from beginning to end! I loved Mariella, her family, Jack. The author put a lot of heart into telling this story and it shines through radiantly. Splendid writing and detail. The characters were all very realistic with personalities and interactions to match the setting.
Highly recommend to any lovers of historical fiction who enjoy a story that is so perfectly descriptive that you are experiencing and feeling everything with the characters- from their fears to sharing their beautiful heartfelt moments. Very well done! I’m very excited to start the next book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katiehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie2024-06-01 10:24:112024-08-15 11:34:09Greetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two love story (Jack & Mariella Book 1) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Katie Turner
Italian American by Luigina Vecchione is a beautifully written sequel to Greetings from Asbury Park, where here the reader can experience Jack and Mariella settling into their new lives together in America. There is a lot of turmoil for Mariella leaving behind the life and everyone she knew to travel to an unfamiliar land where acceptance of immigrants is not so easily found. As things start to seemingly begin to calm, terrible news brings Mariella back to Rome and she wonders if she can really bring herself to leave again.
I really felt like this was a strong sequel to the first story. Sometimes with sequels, the storytelling is more rushed and loses its luster. However, the author really kept the momentum of this story rolling throughout. You could perhaps read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading both stories. This story was raw, emotional, heartbreaking and heartwarming all in one book, and I loved feeling everything along with the characters. I was not disappointed at all. I look forward to more stories by this author in the future!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katiehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie2024-06-01 10:20:532024-08-15 11:33:59Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Katie Turner
Lydia and Kate are two very different individuals, and lead very different lives- which often seems to be the case between true best friends. When both of their lives seem to be in different layers of complete shambles, they join together for support and embark on what they hope to be a soul healing adventure. But things do not go quite as they had initially planned.
Five Tries to Get it Right by Kathryn Dodson was my second book by this author. And while I knew I enjoyed reading her work, I still did not expect to love this story as much as I did! I loved and resonated with both of the main characters. What they were going through are such realistic feelings and tribulations for so many women entering into the second half of their lives. I am very pleased I chose to read another of her books, and I will continue to do so every chance I get!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katiehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie2024-05-19 11:20:542024-07-10 10:28:33Five Tries to Get It Right by Kathryn Dodson – Review by Katie Turner
Under Jackson Bridge by Susan Specht Oram is a riveting thriller that I could not put down. Irena Fishbone is trying to keep peace with her boyfriend Buzz and her ex-husband Jack, particularly for the sake of her daughter Kelly, but also because she cannot bring herself to hate her ex. He drives her a little crazy- choosing materialistic objects he can’t afford over saving their marriage, and his lack of financial support after divorce- but she clearly still cares for him and acknowledges his importance in their daughter’s life.
When several friends gather for a celebratory boating trip for Craig, Jack and Irena both end up in the ice-cold waters but only Irena is rescued. Everyone is either searching or keeping an eye out for Jack, but all they seem to find are strange clues, leading Irena and Kelly to believe he is still out there somewhere despite not recovering a body in the water. Did he make it out of the water that evening or did the sea take him?
If you enjoy a fast-paced thriller that will keep you guessing, you should definitely give this story a chance! This was my first story by this author, and I will be keeping an eye out for more.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katiehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie2024-05-15 18:01:502024-05-16 07:51:10Under Jackson Bridge by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Katie Turner
The True Purpose of Vines is the first book to the Winemakers series by Giovanna Siniscalchi. As I read the first chapter, I was not too sure where the book was going to take me. But as I continued on, I realized it was going to take me to a far more beautiful place than I imagined. In 1870 Portugal, during a timeframe when it was not considered normal for a woman to work so hard and be the household provider, there lived a headstrong widow, mother and passionate winemaker named Julia Costa-Ferreira. Julia has taken over her late husband’s business and does not need help or directions from any man. But here comes the handsome Griffon Maxwell, a pretentious Englishman who agrees to travel to Portugal initially to chase a debt with hopes of striking a deal. He didn’t realize he’d be chasing after the debtor’s heart as well. But can her independent ways and his conservative mindset find a way?
I loved the slow buildup of romance between these two characters, the descriptions, the setting. The author clearly took her time to do a lot of in-depth research to be able to take her readers to a historical period with elaborate, accurate detail. This was a beautiful story, and I look forward to the next one. I’d also like to mention how vibrant and gorgeous the cover is. A perfect representation for this tale. If you love a good historical romance and wine, this is the perfect story to find yourself lost in.
The Taste of Light – Book 2
The Taste of Light by Giovanna Siniscalchi is the second book to the Winemakers series. I have to say this book was absolutely beautiful in every way. From the setting of Portugal 1872 to the character growth of Pedro, who is previously portrayed as a bad guy. I really loved Anne. She is not just a proper lady who teaches Tony English, but also has the ability to be tough when required. These characters have so much depth and layers, along with the plotline. I absolutely implore you to give this story, as well as the previous book ‘The True Purpose of Vines’, a chance if you love a good historical romance. The author has a fantastic way of ensnaring you into her writing and helping you visualize everything as you read along.
The Truth About Myths – Book 3
The Truth About Myths, by Giovanna Siniscalchi, is the third installment to The Winemakers series. And what an enjoyable third book it was! In the beautiful setting of Portugal’s city of Lisbon, we meet a prim and proper Portuguese princess named Isabel. Although she is a woman, she has no problem with upholding what she believes is just and right. Isabel is sent off at the request of her brother on a trip to Spain concerning political matters. However, a frustrated princess finds herself beings escorted by a man, Henrique, who seems to get under her skin and infuriate her. And at the same time, you sense a curiosity brewing underneath her surface from the moment they meet. Their personalities do not mesh, but the attraction between them is evident from the beginning and the tension between them builds. The author has done beautiful work yet again at creating an equally fascinating world with wonderfully diverse and developed characters. If you love a descriptive story accentuated with beautiful history and romance, I recommend this entire set! I don’t think you’ll have any regrets.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katiehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie2024-04-30 18:07:572024-05-14 15:08:58The Winemakers Box Set (The Winemakers Series) by Giovanna Siniscalchi – Review by Katie Turner
Perfect by Tricia Copeland is the first novel I have read by this author and it did not disappoint! This was a quick, yet wonderful read about a young woman trying to navigate school, her dream career, friends and her love life. She is a sweet girl, full of love to give, but she’s not going to have anyone plan her life for her, or sacrifice being who she is and aspires to be. Lots of twists and turns lead her down several different paths to finding the true happiness she deserves, and I was rooting for her from beginning to end.
I’ll definitely be looking out for future books by this author. I thought this story was wonderfully written, and it didn’t feel over-the-top like many romance stories do. If you’re into the romance genre, I would definitely recommend!
Rhapsody in Black: An Elena del Carral Mystery, written by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra, is a very intriguing mystery thriller as well as a tribute to the author’s mother- a former ballet dancer and teacher named Elena del Cueto. Our main character, Elena del Carral, is invited back to Terpsichore to audition for the Black Rhapsody ballet. While some of Elena’s former colleagues are genuinely happy to see her again, others are clearly offended by her return. When a series of events begins to unravel after Elena’s return, it becomes clear who the perpetrator is really targeting. But why? And what is this secret that Elena has been keeping?
I loved getting a glimpse of the dedication of these dancers as well as what the competitive ballet world can be like in this fast-paced thriller. The way the author brought this story to life with exceptional writing and well-developed characters kept the pages turning and my interest piqued from beginning to end. This is not the first story I have read by the author, and I felt that she has once again succeeded in executing a great suspenseful story. I highly recommend!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katiehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie2024-04-15 12:23:072024-05-14 14:04:00Rhapsody in Black: An Elena del Carral Mystery (Rhapsody In… Series, Book 1) by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra – Review by Katie Turner
England: Cultured, Classic, and Charming: A Guide to Hidden England, by Christy Nicholas, is a very interesting travel guide of England packed full of a vast amount of topics for anyone wanting to learn more and explore the land and culture. Not only does this book cover places to see, but also lots of bits of history, legends, people and more! If you have a desire to learn more about this fascinating land, or plan to take a visit, you may find this book helpful for ideas on places to see. I’ve always wanted to visit England, and this book only made me want to go even more. This book is a quick, easy read but l felt there was a lot to learn from it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katiehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie2024-04-13 21:49:152024-05-14 13:54:48England: Cultured, Classic, and Charming: A Guide to Hidden England (The Hidden Gems Series) by Christy Nicholas – Review by Katie Turner
The Hood of Sedna is the first book to the Stevie Capot Chronicles series, written by author Mina Skye. This twisty, turn-y story features a multitude of fantasy and paranormal aspects. Fae, witches, magic, and so much more to appeal to many lovers of the fantasy genre. Stevie is a reincarnated version of herself; however, she does not know who she is or where she came from, except she emerged from a tree. Taken in by a Scottish family, she was given the name Stevie and learned to once again speak and learn ways of living. However, it became blatantly clear she did not age and took on a nomadic lifestyle, leaving behind the family who took her in. As the story progresses, she encounters three men who may be connected to her true story. There were a couple parts that had me scratching my head but overall, nothing that would keep me from wanting to read a sequel! It’s unique, with lots of character development and parts that will make you chuckle too. Highly recommend for lovers of paranormal fantasy who want a truly unique story to dive into!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katiehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie2024-03-28 13:51:472024-05-03 11:06:32Hood of Sedna (Stevie Capot Chronicles) by Mina Skye – Review by Katie Turner
Give Us Bad Boys & Billionaires by L.M. Mountford is a compilation of many spicy short stories that cater to all types of kinks and sinful desires. If you enjoy in-depth sexy adventures with well-developed characters and plots, this book just might tickle your fantasies. Despite being short, each story is descriptive with believable characters and scenarios. Although not every story particularly appealed to me personally, I still found an aspect in each story that I found enjoyable that keep the pages turning!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katiehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie2024-03-25 17:22:392024-03-26 11:32:12Give Us Bad Boys & Billionaires by L.M. Mountford – Review by Katie Turner
It Comes From Within, by Naomi Valkyrie, is the second book to the House Valdis series. I highly recommend reading the first book prior to beginning this story, along with the short prequel House of Valdis Origins: Xenobia, as it gives you a comprehensive look into Xenobia’s former life. The author struck gold again with It Comes From Within. I felt like this story held up very strong alongside the previous book, which I also very much enjoyed. The creativity put into crafting this world of Xenobia and her friends held me captive from beginning to end. There are a lot of elements weaved into the story, which surely can appeal to many types with genre preferences. I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a book full of fantasy and adventure showcasing an exciting storyline with well-developed characters. I will be keeping an eye out for another installment!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katiehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie2024-03-15 11:52:502024-03-26 09:17:01It Comes From Within (House Valdis Series) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Katie Turner
The Rise of House Valdis is my second time reading work from author Naomi Valkyrie. I started with the prequel to this story, House Valdis Origins: Xenobia. While not ‘necessary’ to read the prequel to this book, it was a quick read and I think worth it to really get to know the background of the main character, Xenobia.
I loved the way this story came together. With the descriptions, character developments and getting different points of view of the characters involved, it was so easy to feel the same feelings with them. The pages didn’t stop turning. This story seemed to have a little bit of everything! The author is incredibly imaginative and keeps you locked in until the end. I highly recommend to book lovers who love a strong female lead, where supernatural fantasy meets with sci-fi. It works!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katiehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie2024-02-29 13:09:202024-03-25 10:57:05The Rise of House Valdis (House Valdis Series) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Katie Turner
House of Valdis Origins: Xenobia by Naomi Valkyrie is a short prequel to The Rise of House Valdis and gives the reader a close look at the reality Xenobia faces as a slave. Held captive under many rules, the slaves have to be extremely careful what they do or say, otherwise they face severe punishments. Xenobia does not trust anyone or being close to people, except for her roommate, Urd. When they are sold to a new master, things really take a turn for them both and not in the best of ways.
Although a very fast read, this story was well-written and packed with a lot of details to give a good look into Xenobia’s earlier life. If you like tension and adventure, I highly recommend taking time to read this quick prequel!
Deja Brew All Over Again by Sylvie Stewart is the third book to the Love On Tap series, and possibly my favorite! I am undecided but I loved them all to be honest. This story gives us a good look at the youngest Brooks brother, Miller (the little rascal!), and Maisy. Poor Miller is constantly trying to do the right thing throughout all the books, and he just can’t seem to find much luck. Then he is nominated as Maisy’s runaway car from her would-be wedding and a fun rollercoaster unfolds from there. This story had me laughing a lot. I loved the antics, the evident chemistry, but also the story had a realness to it. Bear, Maisy’s brother was a highlight as well! The characters have their share of flaws, but there is so much more depth to them. I definitely recommend reading all the books to the series. You could read as a standalone, but I personally feel it’s worth reading them as a series!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katiehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie2024-01-31 20:31:312024-02-14 15:16:43Deja Brew All Over Again: A Runaway Bride Romance (Love on Tap Series) by Sylvie Stewart – Review by Katie Turner
Smooth Hoperator by Sylvie Stewart is the second installment to the Love on Tap series. This story circles barkeeper Carter and Sunny the librarian whose personality clearly matches her namesake. Their characters were very well fleshed out as complete opposites, but they jive in a way that kept me wanting more. The chemistry between these two really had me turning the pages. They both want changes in their lives and agree to help one another, but little did they know where it would take them. I adored this story, and the writing. It was a great addition to the series and I loved getting a peek into another Brooks brother’s life. I am highly anticipating the next book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katiehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie2024-01-31 20:17:462024-02-14 15:16:09Smooth Hoperator (Love on Tap Book 2) by Sylvie Stewart – Review by Katie Turner
Ale’s fair in Love and War by Sylvie Stewart, is a deliciously steamy romantic comedy that centers around a bar owner named Cash and his business neighbor, Hollis, who runs a dog groomer shop next door. And while he cannot get enough of teasing her and making her miserable at times, he also can’t seem to get her off his mind. And the feeling is mutual. But when the bar is suddenly under the radar of a health inspector and Hollis comes to his aid, Cash cannot help but think it’s her guilty conscience fueling her desire to help when things get very deep for Cash and his family business.
I loved the antics between these two. The character flaws and insights to their thoughts and feelings really helped to tie this story up very well for me. It had me laughing and wanting to smack them upside the head at the same time. Great writing, great storyline. Definitely recommend if you enjoy a good, spicy rom-com.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katiehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie2024-01-31 20:02:202024-02-14 15:16:01Ale’s Fair in Love and War by Sylvie Stewart – Review by Katie Turner
Alien Redemption is a science fiction novel by Gloria Oliver. The story unfolds around Claudia, also known as Dr. Z, who is trying to find a way to make a living while hiding from her past under a false identity. Her options are limited, as avoiding a background check is crutial. An opportunity to become a medic on a merchant ship is in front of her, however the captain claims to know who she is and essentially blackmails her into taking the position. And Captain Bennett’s antics do not seem to end there. The Captain seems to enjoy showing the lengths his cruelty can extend to when they happen across an Avian race on a secret mission. How far will he go, and what can Claudia do to protect these beautiful creatures?
I really enjoyed the entire book! The pages turned and turned. I stayed intrigued and guessing. The character and plot development was spot-on! I definitely recommend for sci-fi fans who love a fast, but no less interesting read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katiehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie2024-01-04 08:46:512024-01-13 16:56:58Alien Redemption by Gloria Oliver – Review by Katie Turner
The Befallen, by Cambria Williams is a thrilling fantasy story. Sloane, who just wishes to not be invisible, embarks on a journey alone that her father would normally accompany her on. However, he cannot come this time and she has to be strong and go by herself. Sloane is disabled from a birth defect, but she doesn’t want to be special, just seen as a person. When she returns, things are not how she expected them to be. Tolvar has not had it easy but upon crossing paths with Sloane, he acquires to be better.
I absolutely loved Sloane and her strength. I felt the characters were well written and the depth of the development had me turning pages until the very end. I highly recommend and although this was my first book by Cambria Williams, I would not hesitate to pick up another story by this author!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katiehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie2023-12-25 20:18:592024-01-13 14:05:41The Befallen (The Unsung and The Wolf Duology) by Cambria Williams – Review by Katie Turner
A Journey for Dorothy by P. Creeden is the 8th book to The Reluctant Wagon Train Bride series. Dorothy is a volunteer nurse after 25 years of working in the nursing field. Her husband has passed away several years prior and her only companion has been her faithful dog, Scout, whom she enjoys roaming the land with. An opportunity arises for her to move westward on the wagon train heading to Oregon, and she wants to go. But the thing she has been avoiding since the loss of her husband is her only ticket to make this new life possible.
Reverend Elias Stone’s faith calls him to travel from Tennessee to the west to bring aid to lost souls. Dangers along the way lead him to Dorothy and the two of them entwining in what they plan to be a short-lived relationship of sorts. But is that really want destiny has in store for them?
I really adored the strength both characters displayed and trusting in their faith to guide them on their adventure to a new life. Beautifully descriptive, characters were well developed and yet seemed to continue their growth on their journey. For a feel-good, sweet adventure, this story was very enjoyable to read and would recommend to anyone who enjoys historical, clean romance.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katiehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie2023-12-19 10:10:582023-12-20 14:25:10A Journey for Dorothy (The Reluctant Wagon Train Bride Series) by P. Creeden – Review by Katie Turner
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Spook Squad by Allan Evans
