In an ever changing world, this book gives new meaning to the word family. Family is not only about who you choose to love but who loves you. It is about the family you are born with as well as the family you choose to create. This beautiful, sometimes harsh, look at a true modern family is beautiful and heartwarming and wonderful and accepting.
This story is about Dane and Mike. Although they have dedicated their lives to each other, each is searching for something more. Dane wants to bring a woman into their relationship so that they can have a family. Mike is not sure and so he reacts by cruising for men. Dane meets a woman that he feels deeply connected to but she is not interested in his version of family. Mike finds and brings a woman to the relationship. Mike falls in love with her, while Dane grows to love her. She becomes what Dane always wanted, and adds children to their life. All the while, Dane continues to develop a relationship with his deep connection. Each partner finds their own version of happiness.
The honesty between Mike and Dane, the acceptance, the love, the desire, the ability to share their partner’s dreams while not stifling their own, the understanding, is relationship goals. This author has made my list to watch, a permanent spot on the TBR List.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00M Policicchiohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngM Policicchio2023-06-05 16:17:092023-06-06 17:57:57Fireflies (The Physical Collection) by A.R. Hadley – Review by M Policicchio
Not exactly sure what was the cause but a rift has settled between her daughter’s, Ruth makes a plan to take a vacation with her two daughters and one granddaughter to see if she can do something to heal it. The only problem is that Ruth is dying of cancer. She might not make the trip. As Ruth’s family gather for her birthday, she makes Merci, the granddaughter, promise that she will ensure the trip will happen if Ruth is there or not.
As the trip gets closer, the chasm between sisters has only gotten bigger. Merci is worried that she won’t be able to convince her mom to go on the trip. Merci is also hiding things from her family. She has decided that she will reveal them on this trip.
This heart wrenching story is from the POVs of all women involved. Each gets their say. Each gets to reveal their truth. An overarching theme is their faith, how that gets each through the hard times. One even faces a battle of questioning God and her faith due to the actions of others.
This story of love and family is beautifully told. Although not my usual fare, the story is just the get lost in your feels, tear-jerking, redemption story of sisterhood that would be best read on a beach with the warm breeze quickly drying the tears off your cheeks or in a garden of blooming posies.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00M Policicchiohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngM Policicchio2023-06-03 14:29:592023-06-06 17:37:30The Promised Plan by Sharon Hughson – Review by M Policicchio
I love Efrem. He is sweet and caring and adorbs and knows how to make a woman scream. Where can I get me one of him?
Miranda is in the middle of a nasty divorce. Her soon-to-be ex is a jerk of the highest order and he is only getting worse. The soon-to-be ex sends his daughter to live with Miranda because he can’t be bothered with a teen anymore. Miranda is finding more and more reasons she is glad he is going to be an ex real soon.
Efrem has a secret. He is a vigilante so that he can even out his karma. He holds on to guilt for his role in a family tragedy he is not willing to let go just yet. He decides to distance himself from his family to get his head straight and meets Miranda. There are instant sparks! He manages to get Miranda to agree to hire him. Now he just has to figure out how not to seduce his boss.
As Efrem’s secrets are revealed, he accidentally puts Miranda and her stepdaughter at risk. Now he has to step back into the role he doesn’t want anymore to keep them safe. Will Miranda forgive him for his secrets? Can his family forgive him for his role in the tragedy? Can Miranda get away from her ex?
This action packed thriller will keep you flipping pages just to find the answers to those questions. The tension! The author put together another amazing, fantastic book in this series! If you haven’t read about the previous Popov Boys, start here and then catch up!! Efrem is worth it!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00M Policicchiohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngM Policicchio2023-05-29 23:40:262023-05-30 08:13:20Punk (Popov Boys Book 6) by Leslie Georgeson – Review by M Policicchio
Love this series. This thrilling addition will keep you wondering the entire time, who is playing who. Lorenzo and Izzy’s chemistry will singe you through the page.
Lorenzo’s smug confidence makes him perfectly suited for his role as Consigliere. As he fights for his family, he encounters a woman fighting for her’s by seeking revenge. Lorenzo must find a way to protect his family while finding his heart.
Izzy is a woman dead set in what she knows, or what she thinks she knows. Izzy is dead set on getting revenge for her father. This has her crossing one of the strongest mafia families and has put her in the crosshairs of Lorenzo. Can they work together against a common enemy once Izzy has more information regarding what really happened to her father without tearing each other apart?
As Izzy and Lorenzo battle each other, danger continues to seep in from the outside. Will Lorenzo be able to protect Izzy from everyone including herself? Through the multiple twists and turns, this author proves why she is one of the best again and again. Amazing addition to the series.
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I was a bit surprised by this story. The depth of feeling, the exposure to trauma, the direction of the story. There was just so much to appreciate. The only thing that I can’t take was the way it ended. How could Lyle do that? How could the author do that to me?!?!
This is the story of Kyle and Lyle. Brothers by heart and not by blood. Kyle grew up hard and fast. His mother died when he was very young. His father was not a good man. One day Kyle was at the playground when he saw a younger boy getting bullied. Kyle stepped up and defended that boy, Lyle. From that day forward Kyle and Lyle were inseparable. Unfortunately, Lyle’s life was not much different from Kyle’s. The only difference was that Lyle’s mom was still around until he was 12, Kyle was 14.
When Lyle’s dad found out about the relationship between Lyle and Kyle that had changed from more than just brothers, Kyle was kicked out. This was the first time Lyle felt Kyle’s abandonment. As Lyle and Kyle grew older, Lyle continued to deny his feelings towards Kyle because of all the horrible things Lyle’s dad had screamed at him for years after Kyle left. Kyle and Lyle had a huge fight, each saying some things they didn’t mean but it ended with them not talking. Now, their dad has died and it is time to go home to finally put him to rest.
Can Kyle and Lyle come together after 4 years apart to put everything behind them and move on? Will they destroy each other in the process?
This beautiful story of love, recovery, and family will touch you down to your soul. I suffered through a long day at work after a short night because I could not put this book down. I was gutted after each verbal argument. It was hard to watch Kyle walk away. It was even worse to see Lyle’s choices. I am still not sure all the pieces are put back together after the shattering ending. I can only hope the heart will mend after the next one. Phenomenal.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00M Policicchiohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngM Policicchio2023-05-19 06:21:502023-05-25 13:10:53Afflicted Love (Rhythm & Heart Series) by Autumn Sand – Review by M Policicchio
This high adrenaline series starter is fantastic. There are so many characters that you are introduced to that you almost can’t pick a favorite. I can’t wait to read Bomber’s second chance at love.
Ava is a good girl. She has always done what her parents wanted. She married the man they picked out for her. She lived with his abuse for years. Ava’s husband slowly took everything away from her. When Ava decided she had enough, she ran to the only place she could think of, her sister and the MC where her brother-in-law was a member.
Reaper was the president of War Brothers MC. It and his brothers were what he called home. He protected both at all costs. Reaper had seen her at Elena’s wedding. They shared a brief moment before the husband came over and interrupted. Now she, Ava, was at his clubhouse, beaten, bruised, shell-shocked, and seeking refuge from the husband. This meant danger. The husband wanted to get her back. That didn’t seem to be all that was brewing on the horizon.
There are many unanswered questions that I am sure are part of the series story line. I can’t wait to find out how they develop as this series goes on. I am a sucker for a good MC series. Looks like I might have my next MC family. I will throw on my cut and ride along! Fabulous start!!
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This was a different choice for me. Not really into historic romances. This one was not exactly what I expected. It was good. Some surprises along the way.
Isaac and Walter have been friends since Isaac jumped into Walter’s wagon. They journeyed across the country together and settled in San Francisco. Together their friendship has grown. They are firefighters. They are business partners. They are BFFs. Isaac doesn’t know that Walter is also secretly in love with him. Walter doesn’t want to tell him in case Isaac doesn’t feel the same.
Suzette wasn’t even supposed to make the journey to San Francisco. She was banished to America with her brother, a rogue, to avoid scandal. Once in SanFran, Suzette falls for both Isaac and Walter. She won’t choose. Suzette believes she will never have love. Isaac and Walter don’t make her choose. They offer her a new option, love them both. Suzette explains that she can’t. She may or may not be married. Neither Isaac nor Walter care. They just want to be together.
When the missing possible husband from France shows, drama ensues. Problems arise. Pistols are drawn. Threats are made. When Isaac and Walter have to rescue Suzette from a ship bound for France, tragedy occurs. It is beautiful chaos.
This might not have been my normal but there was enough steam and fun to keep the pages flipping. If you like historical romances, you will like this one.
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One arching theme that I am finding throughout this series is the need to balance one’s dreams with someone else’s. Rowan says it best when she says that she is putting herself first, not taking a backseat to anyone else’s career, and will not expect anyone to take a backseat for her dreams. Finding that balance between the partner’s goals is important. I think that each person is willing to find ways to make both dreams/goals work is HUGE!!
Rowan has a lot going on. Her father disclosed that he has a secret daughter that he abandoned right before he died. He asked Rowan to find her sister. Rowan and her father were working on restoring the family’s seaside inn and is now doing it alone. Rowan recently quit her ‘big city’ job to come back home to run the inn. She also walked away from a 5-year relationship because he was diminishing her. Now she has a limited amount of time to get everything up and running for a family wedding.
Chris is on a mission of sorts. He is on vacation to help out a friend and make a trek to his father’s place for a visit. Chris is actively trying to avoid going to his father’s, hence the favor for a friend. This favor has him checking out a small seaside inn. The friend? The half-sister of the current owner’s. When Chris gets to the inn, he realizes that his preconceived notions of his friend’s half-siblings were all wrong. Now he has volunteered to hang out at the inn and help Rowan with the wedding.
Sparks fly…figuratively and literally. Massages are given. Rings are exchanged.
I have enjoyed each installment of the series. I think Rowan’s fiery nature is one of my favorites. Worth the read! The whole series is. Add to your TBR.
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This quick read was perfect for spending an hour-ish lost in an instant romance. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this one. But I took the chance and was happy I did.
Riley finds herself staring up at pair of beautiful blue eyes one day when she was out getting coffee. There is an instant connection for Riley. To Riley, he doesn’t seem to feel it. He, Tristen, does feel it. Tristen doesn’t think he should get involved with Riley when he can’t seem to shake his last semi-girlfriend. Yeah, the ex is going to be a problem.
Over several months, Riley and Tristen keep bumping into each other. The connection only gets deeper until one incident severs it. Many months later, Riley and Tristen run into each other again. The connection remains. And it is hot, like seriously on fire. Then it gets steamy!!!
I enjoyed the slow-burn (no pun intended) of this insta-romance. It was refreshing to see them getting to know each other, even peripherally before getting to the steamy. Great story!
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Madeline and Mike keep you in the action, on the edge of your seat, and guessing how things are going to turn out. In this episode in the series, Madeline is retained for a missing person’s case and a suspicious identity case. Slowly as Maddie and Mike start to put the pieces together, they realize they are linked. Things get even muddier when a second missing person’s case is dropped in their lap and becomes linked to the two cases.
As Madeline and Mike get closer to the perpetrators, how the three cases are linked becomes clearer. With two found persons and a dramatic ending the cases come to a conclusion.
The action will keep you clinging to the corner of your couch cushion. Take the time for this thriller. It is worth the nail biting!
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Not exactly enemies anymore but not exactly friends, Riley and Cole pick up where we left them. The sparks between them could light a small town but neither was willing to budge. Secrets are surfacing. As the tensions mount in the house, it appears that everyone is out for themselves except maybe their parents.
Things change when danger seems to creep around Riley from all directions. Riley’s father is really the bad man her mother has always talked about him being. When he pops up the first time, Cole stops something more from happening. Then, things take a crazy left turn when he pops up the 2nd time. Cole and Damon learn all the family secrets and what Riley has been hiding all this time. Cole, Damon and the cousins join forces with Uncle Ronan to make sure Riley is safe.
This series, especially this book, has been a roller coaster of emotions that keeps you on the edge of your seat and flipping through the pages. Until it ends, then it leaves you wanting more and missing your friends. This is the type of series that I just need to wait until they are all out and then spend the weekend immersed in their world because I can’t wait until I get to jump back into their Elite world again. I feel lost without them.
Read this one. Be sure to read them in order, but read this one. Read them all!!!
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I am ready to fall in line and obey Chandler’s commands! Daaaaaaannnnnngggg!! This book is on fire. My ears are still warm and I finished hours ago. I am so frazzled about where the book ended. How could he do that?
There are so many unanswered questions. So much I wanna know. I don’t care if this series is 2 or 20 books, I am wrapped up just like Cassandra in the silks. I need to know. How involved is her uncle? What is actually in the bag that the thief wanted? Will Chandler believe Cassandra when she tells him the truth? They were so close to having that conversation before things went crazy. Will Jean get away from and away with everything? Will Chandler and Cassandra make a new life together and walk away from his family?
Beautifully and sensually written. The way Cassandra describes the feeling of soaring, falling, and being in the silks is amazing. Not sure if the experience would have been different if I read it versus listened, but the book is a feast for the senses. The description of colors, smells, tastes and so much add to the delight of reading this amazing thriller!!
I can only hope that the next one is as delicious, fantastic, and pleasurable as this one.
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I should not be surprised at the varied and depths of emotions this author can evoke from me. But I find myself surprised again. The story keeps you involved from beginning until the end. Each mystery is part of the larger story that continues to build. The devotion from these childhood friends is the backbone for each guy. The growing SSG is a fantastic compliment to the guy group.
Natalie is trying to find out the truth behind the secrets surrounding her father’s death. She walks away from her posh lifestyle in Paris to re-establish herself as a municipal employee in Providence, the city that contains the answers she is looking for. She meets Grayson through normal business and decides that he is a jerk.
Grayson has been in a dark place ever since his uncle’s secrets and deception came out. Grayson has been shaken to his very core. He has been grouchy and growly, not caring who he insulted. It was during this time that he met Natalie. When he started hanging out with her, for business of course, he discovered that there was more to this woman than her persistence for government documents and signatures. Her creative soul spoke to his wounded soul in a way no one else had ever before.
I love this series. These characters are real despite their millions. Facing down secret societies and masked villains are commonplace for this group of friends. A wonderful chosen family that defies the quests and coded operations. Looking forward to the next in the series. Forrest!!
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I can’t believe the author did this to me. There were so many ways to make Mitch realize that he loves Lauren and things needed to change. He didn’t need to do that. Nope. Not at all. I can’t express how angry I was at Mitch and Lauren for most of this book. How could he? How could she think going for drinks was okay?
Lauren and Mitch face the end of their marriage. Lauren has been in love with Mitch since she was six. He has always been there. He was her brothers’ best friend. He was her best friend. He was her everything. There seems so much built up between them that they have never discussed, never even said out loud. Was the wall between Mitch and Lauren too great to climb? Did they even want to put in the effort?
With a surprise trip to Las Vegas, where they eloped, surrounded by happy memories, Mitch and Lauren agree to rededicate themselves to their marriage. But will things change when they get home? Will it matter that one of the biggest obstacles between them just went up in flames? How will old problems making mistakes affect everything?
I know that when Mitch and Lauren discuss losing themselves in each other and forgetting who they were, I almost cried. If you have ever been in a long term relationship, this is a problem you face. It was tough to read. Even with the completely sappy ending, read this series. Find the time in your day. Add it to your TBR list. Make this family part of yours. Beautiful!!
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Savage Lies picks up one year after the end of Savage Start. Riley and her mom have moved back to Santa Monica. Riley finds herself alone, her mother off with a boyfriend that Riley knows nothing about, starting a new school. The first day Riley bumps into the eyes she can never forget, the set of lips that belong to a kiss she cannot stop feeling, tasting. Cole.
Cole figures out that Riley is the daughter of the woman his father is dating quickly. Cole decides that despite the intense attraction that he can’t explain that he is going to use Riley to inflict pain on his father. Riley turns out to be no easy target. She is spunky and fiery. The back and forth, the games, the slow torture between Riley and Cole is only adding fuel to Cole’s fire, his desire. After a couple of heated, hate filled kisses, Riley and Cole find themselves in an awkward situation. His father and her mother wanted to get married. Cole is dead set on making sure that never happens.
HOLY COW!!!! The sparks and chemistry between Cole and Riley. If these two would just ever just take a moment to have a conversation without all the hatred and evil plans. When these two finally get together it is going to be nothing but fireworks. Between the secrets and lies, Cole and Riley manage to find each other and grow close without all the drama. This book is dark, dirty fun! Can’t wait for the next one!
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Have you ever just wanted to reach through the page and shake some sense into a character? Well, I did. I wanted to shake some sense into both Abby and Nate. Once their relationship became more, they both should have realized that they had more than just friend-feelings for each other. I have to admit that I was completely concerned when Colin came back into town. But when Nate just took off and moved to Ocean City! OMG!!!!! Completely frustrated. This fun romp through friendship and a pregnancy is worth every minute you spend yelling at Nate just to tell Abby how he feels. The comedy, the realness of the characters, the supporting cast, the sisterhood, and so much more make this book worth every star and explicative yelled at a character! Looking forward to reading about Jane. Can’t wait for Jake to find his love.
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Not quite what I expected but a good read. The characters seem a little larger than life with the name and label dropping. I get that it describes the level of money and celebrity but not my thing.
Flynn has had some hard knocks in life. She found out accidentally that she was adopted. Her birth mother died months before locating her. Her tennis career ended in a white water rafting accident on a trip that she should have never been on that also left her then boyfriend in a wheelchair. There is more but that is just the highlights. When she meets Chavez, he makes her feel things that she has not felt in a very long time. But Flynn has never been good at relationships and finds self-sabotage works well as an exit.
Chavez has never had to stop proving things in his life. He has to continue to prove to the tennis world that he deserves to be where he is, on top. A couple of recent hits in his personal life has made keeping his famous temper under control a little more difficult. That is until he meets Flynn. Flynn seems to be the thing in life that helps him keep it all together. Now Chavez just has to find a way to not only not scare Flynn off but break through all the walls she has built around herself.
When all the secrets that Flynn has managed to keep from Chavez’s all-seeing eyes threaten to derail Chavez’s rebuilt career, Flynn must find a way to let him in and save his career. I want a man so dedicated to knowing, pleasing, supporting, protecting his woman as Chavez. I am all in on him. Although I may not understand all the labels, I understand his loyalty to familia and the woman he wants to be in his life forever. Their chemistry is palpable. Totally worth the read.
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Lily is a true superstar in every way. Sold out tours, grammys, gold and platinum albums, fans by the millions, and stalkers (every true star has one or two). So when some nobody that was set up by his mother stands Lily up, not once but twice, she is confused and frustrated. Lily takes matters into her own hands and tracks him down. When she meets him, he is nothing like she expected but everything about him intrigues her.
Rhys didn’t want to date some mega pop star. He didn’t want to date at all. Since his divorce, his mother just won’t leave him be. When his mom sets him up with Lily, Rhys does his best to avoid the situation until he can’t, she is standing on his porch. As Rhys gets to know Lily, he finds that nothing he thought about the mega pop star is true. The one thing true about her is that he is falling for her.
Can a relationship with a normal guy withstand the spotlight of a mega pop star?
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Great story. Calliope’s decision to run away from Phillipe was the best decision of her life. I am so glad that she gave Brandon another chance. And Curtis, he deserved more of her anger since he was a jerk but it was heartwarming to see Calliope and Curtis back together.
Calliope was never the apple of her mother’s eye. Callie often felt that she was the bane of her mother’s existence. That is how she treated Callie, strict rules, high expectations, constant pressure to be the best and perfect. Callie walked away from her parents, brother and friends to start a new life. It wasn’t what she expected. Callie was deceived by a man she trusted and ended up in an abusive relationship until she had reason enough to leave.
Brandon was Callie’s best friend growing up. Well, her brother’s best friend. Somewhere along the line Brandon fell in love with Callie but never told her. It was too late when she disappeared out of their lives. During a trek of self rediscovery, Brandon reconnects with Callie. Not wanting to let her get away from him this time, he follows her to her new home city of Paris. Once there, Brandon inserts himself into Callie’s life only to discover many of the secrets she has been hiding. Brandon commits to Callie despite her objections and helps her fight her ex.
I wish I could have heard Brandon play and sing. That is the only thing missing from this book, a hidden audio file of his voice. There is drama. There is action. There is a little bit of steam. There is forgiveness. There is healing. There is sooo much love. It is a good read. P.S. I knew it was the sister.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00M Policicchiohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngM Policicchio2023-04-01 22:30:182023-04-07 11:04:52His Forever Muse (The Echo Series Book 2) by C.R. Alam – Review by M Policicchio
I don’t know how these characters survive until the next book!! Between the non-stop action and all the medical drama, it is surprising that there are enough people for the next book. It is great. Don’t get me wrong. It is nice to see, especially in a book, that even highly trained operators get injured or hurt, but daaaaaannnnng!! The human body can only take so much.
Once again I find myself caught up in the characters and the drama of The Chase Care Group. My hat goes off to the doctors, nurses, and all medical professionals that actually live the rural medicine thing. They are a vital part of the community. So this mission has the operators, led by the soon-to-be president of Chase Care Group Peter Walter, rescuing a mother and her young daughter during a blizzard in rural Montana. When Pete and his group arrive on scene, the bad guys have already taken the mom out of the equation, leaving the little girl, Linde, in danger. After rescuing Linde from a burning building, Pete and Linde are in need of medical care. Their helicopter makes an emergency landing at the nearest hospital.
The nearest hospital has a couple of things going for it, it is close and it is open. When the patients arrive Pete finds himself looking into the eyes of the woman he could never forget, Dr. Rowena. The storm has brought a few other patients into the hospital including Matilda, a very sick young girl that just happens to be the daughter of the bad guy. Chaos, the storm, drama, and medical hijinks ensue! The action never stops. This is my second in the series and I have determined that they are a combination ER plus Lethal Weapon. Be sure to bring your cast lists from previous books. There might be some additions!!
Fantastic read. I found the action, the medical drama, and the couple of steamy scenes thrilling!! Suspense fans will like this one. Medical drama fans will like this one. Romance fans will like this one. There are some sensitive topics addressed. Be sure to mind the trigger warnings. Overall, a great read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00M Policicchiohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngM Policicchio2023-03-31 10:05:372023-04-07 10:37:27Under My Care (Chase Care Book 3) by R.L. Dunn – Review by M Policicchio
Super sweet, clean romance about getting over your ex and finding the one you were always meant to be with. Every character is realistic and relatable. Not everything is as it seems in the idyllic town of Buckeye Falls but the people are true and loyal.
After a traumatic experience, CeCe has moved on in her life and found a spot where she fits and where she can find happiness. And, she is really doing it. CeCe has a job she adores. True friends she never expected. Then there is the soon-to-be-possible romance with Evan. Everything is going good and it appears like she has finally moved on until a new food truck competition is announced. The judge being the one person she never wants to see again.
Evan is figuring it out. He loves the freelance web design he is doing. He loves working at the diner and learning to cook. Most of all, he loves CeCe. Just as he is finally convincing her to give them a chance, obstacles get thrown in their path. Can Evan be the grown-up he says he is?
I laughed. I awwed. I enjoyed. I yelled at Evan. I cheered when Eric went down. He deserved what he got and sooooooo much more. This was my first stop in Buckeye Falls. It was pleasant and I had a great time. The next time I am in the mood for a sweet and clean romcom, I know where to visit.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00M Policicchiohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngM Policicchio2023-03-28 22:31:152023-03-29 12:16:14Falling for You (Buckeye Falls Book 2) by Libby Kay – Review by M Policicchio
I was all in on the Devil’s Handmaidens after Tink but I wanna learn to ride and move to Montana after Shadow. This book wrecked me. The emotions that were evoked from me by this book were completely unfair. It wasn’t just one emotion, there were mixed emotions in bunches. As Shadow’s history was discussed, I felt anger at the b@sterds that hurt her but compassion for her and those that care about Shadow. I felt Shadow’s pain. The author made it so easy to feel with Shadow as her emotions dripped from the page and soaked your fingers as you read.
Zoey/Shadow has always tried to blend into the background. It was a defense mechanism. If no one could see her, no one could hurt her. Shadow was used to being hurt. She doesn’t remember a time when she wasn’t being hurt. When Zoey was about 12, she was found by Tink, who forced Zoey to be her friend by never giving up on her. Tink has stuck by her ever since. Now someone else is trying to break through Shadow’s carefully crafted walls, well actually two somebodies. Hannah has attached herself to Shadow and isn’t letting go. But the real problem isn’t the annoying little sister, it is him.
Panther has been chasing Zoey for a while now. There is a connection between them he can’t explain. Maybe it is the work, breaking up trafficking rings, that they do together. It could be that she is the most beautiful woman he has ever seen. Panther got a glimpse of that beauty as he watched her face tattoos being applied. Panther thinks that her tattoos only enhance her natural beauty. Panther has asked Shadow to help him out on a big job. This is a ring that he has been tracking for years. When the time comes, the ring leader only wants to deal with Shadow, putting her in danger.
When Shadow is taken, Panther’s team, the Devil’s Handmaidens, Tink’s father’s MC, and a few friends help track Shadow’s whereabouts in attempts to save her. As they search, they discover secrets about Shadow’s past. Will they be able to save her in time? Will all the secrets still left to be discovered be what finally breaks Shadow? You have to read to find out!!
OMFG!!!!! What an emotional ride. I don’t know how you love a book that tortures your soul, but I do. I am deep with this series. No matter how much it hurts, I will read each and every book. These women are more than survivors. They are heroines just trying to give back, even if they have to crack a few heads to do it. I luv all the characters. I luv the over-protective alphas that get put in their place by the pixie-esque women. The realness of this series, of these women, is almost too much. But since they lived it, we can do them (the real women in the world facing these issues everyday) the honor by reading about it, getting angry about it, and doing something to stop trafficking in all forms!! Give me a kutte and the ink, I am in (minus the whole knowing how to ride thingy)!!!!!
I was not prepared for this book. I was not prepared for the feelings, the drama, the excitement, the laughter, the pure enjoyment of reading this book. If you haven’t, you should definitely read this one.
Brooklyn has worked her way to a directorship at the nonprofit she started working for as an intern in college. She has worked hard to get where she is. Brooklyn is a survivor, the foster care system and an abusive boyfriend that nearly killed her. Both her job and her life become threatened when her ex is released from jail.
One night while out dancing with her friend, Brooklyn met Jaxon and Oliver but she didn’t know who they were. It is not like they exchanged names on the dancefloor. When Jaxon and Oliver show up in her conference room as new donors for the nonprofit Brooklyn works for, the fireworks start. Jaxon and Oliver are part of an elite group known as The Four Knights. The boys grew up together, having each other’s back in the foster care system. When they aged out of the system, they decided to make their brotherhood official, all sharing the same last name. Along with Jaxon and Oliver, there is Aiden and Gideon. This foursome brings some interesting challenges for Brooklyn.
When the threats turn more deadly, Brooklyn starts relying on the Four Knights for more than just friendship. As the feelings become real, Brooklyn is scared and runs. She only gets to hide for a short time before her ex gets brave and penetrates the sense of security Brooklyn had driving her back to the Four Knights. Aiden, Oliver, Gideon, and Jaxon have no problem vowing to protect her now and forever. But will they be able to when a traitor to Brooklyn emerges from the shadows?
This book had me on the edge from the beginning. The chemistry between Brooklyn and the guys is dripping off the page. The tension from not knowing when or where her ex will strike next is tighter than a guitar string. The raw emotion that seeps each character as they discuss their past could cause your eyes to sweat. I was not prepared for this. I was expecting a steamy romp through the NYC clubs, not an emotional driven, highly intense thriller but that is what I found. And I am sticking around for more. Bring it on! Now I am ready. Now I know. I am sure the author will throw some curveballs in the next one just to keep me guessing but I feel ready. If I didn’t say it before, this book was phenomenal.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00M Policicchiohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngM Policicchio2023-03-22 09:12:252023-03-28 09:13:34Taming Brooklyn (The Club Kings Series Book 1) by Charlotte St. Pierre – Review by M Policicchio
This one was hard to read. I hate books that make my eyes sweat. It just isn’t fair. Minus that, another excellent book in the series.
Jocelyn met her best friends in the weirdest of ways, she dreamt of them. One night, she met Cameron and Reed in her dreams. They became fast friends, best friends. She wasn’t sure they were real. They couldn’t be, right? That wasn’t how you met people. But she had them for a while, then tragedy struck leaving Jocelyn broken, empty and alone. She refused to see them in her dreams. After 6 long years, she popped back in one night just to check in. They were there. Just like they had always been.
Cameron and Reed, cousins, had tried to move on but they couldn’t. When Jocelyn reappeared, it felt like they were whole again. And they had each other again. Until Jocelyn ran, again. When a chance encounter all found them on the same cruise ship, Jocelyn found out just how real Cameron and Reed were. Together, they found strength and love. Getting their families to accept their nontraditional relationship was going to be the next hurdle.
I totally get why Jocelyn pulled away the second time. I adore how this author handles telling the families and friends of the throuple. I am sure in one of these, someone will not accept them and that will be part of what the throuple has to overcome in the story to be together. These short, intense reads are a delightful palate cleanser for some of the darker stuff I read. This author is on my permanent TBR list. Another fantastic book!! Keep’em coming!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00M Policicchiohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngM Policicchio2023-03-16 16:13:562023-03-20 08:28:54Ocean’s Three (Made In Heaven #2) by Elena Kincaid – Review by M Policicchio
This book had me laughing nearly the entire time. Between the pranks and banter, I had a smile on my face for most of the time I spent reading this one! It is great!!! Hollis and Cash are the ultimate couple. The supporting characters are worth getting to know. I luv Cash’s mom, am frustrated with Hadley, scratching my head with Miller, wondering what’s up with Carter, and needing to know more about Lynn.
Hollis walked away from a swanky corporate job to follow her passion to open her own business. She planned everything about her business from the name, the colors, the location, to the marketing and growth. She planned everything. Everything but her neighbor. He is rude, he is crude, he is cold, he is gorgeous, he is sooooo sexy. He is Cash. What Hollis thought was a friendly request to leave her room in their shared dumpster turned bad and now is practically an all out prank war between her and Cash.
Cash couldn’t believe his luck when Hollis moved her business next door to his. That momentary elation quickly changed. He didn’t mean to snap at her, she just caught him at a bad time. Now, Cash can show no mercy when it comes to the prank war. When Cash’s brother is accused of breaking Hollis’ sister’s heart, the stakes are raised. Cash believes that Hollis is responsible for an anonymous tip to the Health Inspector. Hollis thinks that her family is responsible for the Health Inspector and the expensive upgrades/changes he is demanding. Hollis and Cash call a truce for a few weeks to help save his business.
This book is fabulous. It was great. The misunderstandings. The pranks. The banter. The family. The friends. The beer names. It is just wonderful. Throw in the steam and more to come (I hope), this author is the winning combination! You have made me a fan. I am in. For this series and probably others, but definitely this one! Insert Applause here!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00M Policicchiohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngM Policicchio2023-03-16 15:48:152023-03-20 08:28:41Ale’s Fair in Love and War by Sylvie Stewart – Review by M Policicchio
If I didn’t say it after the 1st one, I will say it now…. I LOVE THIS SERIES!!! The characters are relatable and real. The problems they face are realistic. The solutions are a little easy but, hey, not everyone struggles every day. The steam is good. The dialogue is funny.
Walter “Walt” Bennett recently bought the Kirby Homestead. It was part of his big revenge plan but he could justify it to himself by saying he was helping Mrs. Kirby meet her financial burdens let by her son. Walt has plans for the apple orchard. Plus, this is the first time he has lived on his own. One day while on the Bennett Farm, Walt meets Elyse. Elyse is there to offer Becky a screen test for a major food network. When Becky agrees to go to Atlanta for the screen test, Walt decides to accompany Becky (big brother, protective).
Elyse was taken with Walt the minute she laid eyes on him. Elyse has worked hard in the television industry to get where she is. Her life used to be in New York but the change to Atlanta has suited her. Now she has a chance to develop Becky’s talent into a major star brand. When the director and Elyse disagree with the direction to take Becky’s on screen presence, Walt causes fireworks on set and embarasses Elyse. Elyse finally decides she has had enough and drives to visit Becky and Walt. A winter storm traps Elyse and Walt together. Will they rekindle their connection?
The action in this story keeps it moving along. There are some surprises along the way. The Bennett family never fails to shine and come together to solve the issue. A delightful story and my favorite (so far)! Can’t wait for Book 3!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00M Policicchiohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngM Policicchio2023-03-16 15:42:112023-03-20 08:28:34Shameless Love (The Bennetts of Langston Falls Book 2) by KG Fletcher – Review by M Policicchio
In this addition to the series, Reed is in the process of getting ready for Diesel’s wedding when he wins two passes to a local movie premier. Not finding anyone available to go with him, Reed goes by himself. A beautiful woman happens to sit next to Reed. When things start popping off at the premier, Reed uses his training to bring a quick end to a potentially devastating event. Not even knowing her name, Reed enlists the beautiful woman sitting next to him to assist him in providing first aid to those in need.
Christy, the beautiful woman, is happy to help. Christy finds herself attracted to this “real life hero”. Reed decides to help Christy become more secure in her environment by teaching her to shoot. When Reed gets sent on a mission and can’t reach out to let Christy know he had to go, Christy doesn’t understand. The minute Reed comes back, his thoughts are about her and he speeds to her place. Reed explains that he doesn’t always get to say goodbye when they get called for a mission. But that is the life of a Navy SEAL partner, if she wants to undertake it.
Christy is a little too naive for me. I get that she was out of it after the premier and probably wasn’t paying attention to where she stopped for gas. But that kind of thing seemed to keep happening. I was happy when she got the puppy. That was a step towards her independence. I am also glad they were taking the relationship slow. Still a solid entry in the series. Looking forward to the next ones!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00M Policicchiohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngM Policicchio2023-03-13 22:52:532023-03-16 10:05:55Real Movie Hero (Green Brotherhood: SEAL Team XII Book 2) by Debra Parmley – Review by M Policicchio
Where do you start with this book? The chemistry between Jack and Isaac is palpable through the pages. The action is spine tingling. The drama is and the feels are so nerve wracking. That scene with Vivi and Emilio, I wanted to punch him so bad. The family bond is so sweet and yet, suffocating.
After an amazing graduation weekend in Chicago, Isaac returned to the Big Easy and family business missing the woman who captivated his heart, body and soul. Maybe he should have told her his real name. Now it is five years later and a long-time family friend is asking for a favor, to protect his daughter and granddaughter.
Five years after the best weekend of her life gave her the best gift in her life, Giacomina “Jack” is spirited away to New Orleans to be protected by her father’s friends during a family crisis. Upon walking into the office, Jack finds an older version of the man that gave her Viviana. Then meets Isaac. Imagine Isaac’s surprise when he sees Jack and then his own eyes on a little girl. But Jack’s arrival brings danger with her. Now Isaac must risk himself and his family’s plans to protect Jack and their future together.
Between the action, the drama, the steam, the heat, and the banter, this book is unputdownable. If this is where you are starting your journey with this family, that is fine. You will find that it is easy to catch up. And will only make you want to binge read EVERYTHING!!! Pull up your chair at Nana’s table for Sunday dinner, all Hawkes family members welcome!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00M Policicchiohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngM Policicchio2023-03-11 22:47:322023-03-13 08:52:05Ruthless Hawke (The Hawke Family Second Generation Book 1) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by M Policicchio
This was another heartfelt installment into this series. How can these brothers not make you swoon??
When Noah Pierce finds himself as the guardian of a nearly 7 month old baby girl, he knows he is in way over his head. To make it worse, the nanny he hired makes his heart feel things he has not felt or allowed himself to feel in a very long time. As Noah has to make tough choices about the baby’s living arrangements, hearts get broken and secrets get revealed.
The nanny, Amy, falls hard and fast for both Noah and the baby girl. Even she doesn’t realize the extent that her feelings about her past get swirled up into the mix of Noah and baby. When the tough choices get made, Amy realizes that there is so much she has not grieved in her life. Will she be able to find a way past her grief, acknowledge that Noah isn’t the same as the guy in her past, and forgive herself?
There is nothing like a man that can play an instrument and sing. Noah can win me over any time by singing love songs in my general direction. On a side note, this author continues to shine in the way she addresses mental health issues. When Amy determined that she needed professional help to deal with her grief, she sought it, got it, and it was good. Everyone deals with trauma in their own way and this author shows a way of support and non-judgement. Bravo!!
Can we find a lost Pierce Brother or two to continue this series? I hate to see it go. It has been a joy and a pleasure to be their mate (the Aussie kind) throughout this journey.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00M Policicchiohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngM Policicchio2023-03-07 23:02:202023-03-10 14:45:18Cry Baby (Pierce Brothers Book 4) by Belinda Williams – Review by M Policicchio
Know your triggers. Read and Heed the content warnings. This one has a few. Despite the dark material the story is sound and interesting. What happens when the one that ignites your soul is the one that shouldn’t, the one that can’t, is your more than just your enemy?
Viviana’s life was forever changed when she found her best friend murdered. Viviana only had one purpose after that, revenge. She found someone willing to help her to get it. A mafia family trained her to be a weapon and withstand all the brutalities that her target exhibited. The only problem with her plan was the target’s son. He wasn’t supposed to look at her with those unique eyes and relight her long dead heart. He wasn’t supposed to touch her and set her skin on fire like she never knew she would feel. He wasn’t supposed to make her feel in any way because he wasn’t supposed to be there.
Nazario knew what he was supposed to do with his life. Keep it together long enough to take his father out and then take his father’s empire for his own. Nazario wasn’t expecting a kink in his plans. He wasn’t expecting her. When Viviana showed up on the arm of his father, Nazario was shocked and doubtful of her intentions. He told her to go. He told her to let him do what he needed to do. She did not listen. Now not only are his plans at stake, but his heart and her life.
The story is carefully weaved between Nazario and Viviana’s POVs with some flashbacks for good measure. I found myself wanting to scream at the characters just to talk to each other, to explain their feelings, not just to assume or overthink the situation. But I guess that is why I am a reader not a writer. I want to know if Nazario ever gets over his hang ups about his family history and they have a baby! Solid read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00M Policicchiohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngM Policicchio2023-03-05 22:26:342023-03-10 13:59:13Deadly Intentions by Anise Storm – Review by M Policicchio
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Fireflies by A.R. Hadley
