Love this twist on Little Red Riding Hood. I always appreciate how Wickstrom is able to weave learning and storytelling together into one. This is the tale of Little Red and how she is able to thwart the wolf who eats Granny (don’t worry…Granny survives). Little Red uses scientific methods her Granny has taught her to prove that the wolf isn’t Granny and then she’s able to use the wolf’s own nefarious ways against him to get her Granny back. The illustrations are, as always, beautiful.
Very creative twist on a Romeo and Juliet retelling. This is a MM romance and the 2nd (and final) book in the duology. Definitely read the 1st book before reading this one so you will understand what’s going on with Jace and Cyrus and everything they have to contend with. This book is filled with angels and demons and everything in between. Morrow has fantastic world building and I love the way they continue to develop the characters and plot line. Would highly recommend if MM, steamy romance, and great retellings are your thing!
I cannot explain the fullness I felt after reading Reggi Dupree’s Return to Hoodoo. She ticked off every box and exceeded every expectation I had for this book. Her characters are well-developed, multidimensional, and just full of life and her plot line is the same. I cannot wait for the next installment to see where Dupree takes Gwen and everyone else. I cannot recommend this book enough!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Megan Kimleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMegan Kimley2023-04-24 09:41:052023-04-28 13:01:47Return to Hoodoo (Boudin, Bourbon, and Barbecue, Book 1) by Reggi Dupree – Review by Megan Conley
This is the really cute story of how friendship and understanding can pull everyone together. Lila thinks that her grandmother makes a mistake when she knits her a poncho with 3 neck holes, but she quickly realizes that she can share her poncho with her friend and not-so-much of a friend when the weather turns blustery and they have to hustle home. I really love Wickstrom’s stories and how she’s always able to weave life-lessons into them and the illustrations are wonderful. My youngest daughter always enjoys these stories.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Megan Kimleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMegan Kimley2023-04-20 11:52:042023-04-28 12:01:12Pulling Together by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Megan Conley
This is the 1st book in the Hidden Valley series and we pick up about a year after the prequel. While it’s not necessary to read the prequel, I definitely recommend it because it does provide key information that will help you understand what’s going on. Cole doesn’t remember Riley (but there’s just something about her), but she remembers Cole. I really loved how Isla Vaughn develops her characters and the plot line and cannot wait to get my hands on the next book! This is an enemies-to-lovers, “bully” romance with some darker themes that may trigger some people. *Ends on a cliffhanger*
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Megan Kimleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMegan Kimley2023-04-20 11:36:442023-04-28 12:01:04Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Megan Conley
This is a prequel to the Hidden Valley series and boy does it do its job. We meet the main characters Riley and Cole and gain a bit of background knowledge on them both. We also are privy to their introduction and sparks immediately fly; however, there are complications. I really liked this prequel because it’s a quick, easy read and it provides great information and it definitely leaves you wanting more! *Ends on a cliffhanger*
I’m a sucker for short stories and then you tell me they’re scary stories?! I’m in! Kelly Covic did an absolutely terrifyingly amazing job with these stories. The title of this book is spot on because some of these stories definitely crept their way into my dreams and kept me awake. I couldn’t choose a favorite they are all so well-written. The way Covic is able to twist her words around your brain until you can’t tell reality from fiction is fantastically ghastly. If you love a good scare and want a sleepless night, grab your copy right now!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Megan Kimleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMegan Kimley2023-04-17 13:09:022023-04-17 13:35:29Insomnia: (A Short Stories Collection) by Kelly Covic – Review by Megan Conley
I have been fascinated with the Romanov story since I was a little girl so I was so excited to read this historical fiction. Jennifer Laam did NOT disappoint! She had me hooked in from the first page. I was engrossed in this take on the Romanov Dynasty because typically all we see is Anastasia’s perspective; however, in this novel we get to see all of the sisters’ perspectives and that was absolutely delightful. Laam’s writing is fantastic and engaging. I cannot recommend this book enough!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Megan Kimleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMegan Kimley2023-04-11 11:42:032023-04-17 12:47:19The Romanov Heiress by Jennifer Laam – Review by Megan Conley
This is a great story of family, friendship, and finding love in the most unsuspecting of places. This is a MM romance. It has a very Brokeback Mountain feel to it. I loved getting to know Dan and Jake and seeing their relationship develop. And Mimi, the dog, had my heart from the first time we meet her. This is a great read with a few *spicy* scenes and I would highly recommend. I can’t wait to see if McKibben is going to come out with a sequel. Reviewed by @megan
Steamy? – check! Why choose? – check! Multiple POVs? – check! 4 insanely scrumptiously hot men and 1 gorgeous woman with them all to herself? – check! This book was everything I never knew I wanted and more. Add in a great plot line, descriptions (peep those spicy scenes), and character development and you’ve got almost 400 pages of can’t-put-down goodness! Charlotte St. Pierre makes you feel all the feels in this book and I cannot wait to get my hands on the second one! (Thank goodness it’s out!) This is a book you definitely want to read right now (or at least add it to your TBR so you don’t forget!) It does end on a cliffhanger BUT Book 2 is already out so you can just go right in to the next one! So glad I picked this up!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Megan Kimleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMegan Kimley2023-03-28 11:27:062023-03-29 10:19:20Taming Brooklyn (The Club Kings Series Book 1) by Charlotte St. Pierre – Review by Megan Conley
This is the 2nd installment in the Made in Heaven series and it can be read as a standalone. While Kincaid stays true to her paranormal romance MFM, the characters and setting are different. The basic plot line is similar to the 1st installment in such that Cameron, Reed, and Jocelyn meet (initially) in their dreams; however, the storyline and development of the characters does vary from the first book. I do feel that this book was more emotional than the first one and definitely brought a tear or two to my eyes. I enjoyed this book, but it’s definitely a niche that you want to make sure you’re into because it is a bit different.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Megan Kimleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMegan Kimley2023-03-20 11:35:122023-03-21 12:40:54Ocean’s Three (Made In Heaven #2) by Elena Kincaid – Review by Megan Conley
It’s Caspian’s UnBirthday again and Grandpa has surprised him with another magical UnBirthday gift. But this time Caspian’s gift box is empty! Did Grandpa forget? Follow Caspian on this magical adventure as Grandpa teaches him how to use his UnBirthday gift. I love the illustrations in Wickstrom’s books and she’s able to always teach the readers a lesson in her own unique way.
An unusual trilogy of a mystical dystopian, near-future storyline where the characters shapeshift in and out of reality. This is a very interesting read that discusses the topic of climate change with a touch of magical realism. I like that all three novellas are in one package because once you finish one, you will want to start the next. Koerber has such a way with words that she holds your interested til the end. There is such a flow to this story and you really connect with the characters.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Megan Kimleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMegan Kimley2023-03-06 11:24:502023-03-10 14:03:26A Mountain in the Air: A Trilogy by Laura Koerber – Review by Megan Conley
This is the 2nd installment in a magical YA series about a young wizard who helps the witches and causes pandemonium. I really enjoyed this adventure. It’s really outside of my normal genres and it was a fantastic break. It’s a fairly lengthy read; however, it’s so well written that the pages just fly by. I love how invested C.B. Lyall makes the readers in the characters. And I love the way she builds the magical realms…absolutely fantastic. I would highly recommend reading the books in order as they definitely build on one another. Great YA fantasy!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Megan Kimleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMegan Kimley2023-03-03 14:08:452023-03-10 13:37:32The Veil of Corruption (The Virus of Beauty Book 2) by C.B. Lyall Review by Megan Conley
This is a cute retelling of Hansel and Gretel. As always, I love how Wickstrom weaves science and storytelling. Hansel and Gretel go out with their dad to have a picnic and along the way Gretel stops to identify and draw birds and other woodland creatures. They cross paths with the “witch” who makes them help her rebuild her house because they, and the animals, have been eating her “prize-winning house.” I do feel like this story ends abruptly and I had to go back a read it a couple of times to make sure I didn’t miss anything. Overall, I enjoyed the story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Megan Kimleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMegan Kimley2023-03-03 13:51:312023-03-10 13:37:22Saving the Gingerbread House by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Megan Conley
Fantastic continuation of the series! I love that Black is able to keep the flow from one Master to the next without missing a beat. I will STRESS that this is a series and you need to read them in order. They really don’t work as standalone novels, but you aren’t going to be disappointed with having to go back and read the first 5 novels 😉 We are invested in the “love/hate” relationship between Master Calabrea and Tansia. The dynamic between them is steamy, dramatic, dangerous, and so much more. This installment definitely gave me all the feels! I really love how Black develops her characters and advances her plot lines. I would classify these novels as dark, paranormal romances. If you are into sexy, possessive vampires then you definitely need to check out this series!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Megan Kimleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMegan Kimley2023-02-28 12:21:072023-03-03 11:20:45Master Calabrea (Masters of the Consulate Book 6) by Sylvia Black – Review by Megan Conley
Wild Lavender is the 1st book in an epic romantic fantasy trilogy and she’s a hefty one. I really enjoyed this read. This is not a genre I’m usually drawn to; however, Kelleher pulls you in right away and doesn’t let you go. There is danger and intrigue, twists and turns, love and hate…I could go on. It’s all there. She does an great job at building these worlds and making the reader feel like they are a part of them as well. I connected with the characters and can’t wait to see where they go. The love scenes were well done and perfectly sprinkled throughout the novel. I really enjoyed this author and this book and can’t wait to sit down with the next installment.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Megan Kimleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMegan Kimley2023-02-24 12:19:292023-02-25 12:34:50Wild Lavender (Heart & Hand Series Book 1) by Nicole E. Kelleher – Review by Megan Conley
This is a very unique MFM paranormal romance. It’s a very short, fast read; however, it did take me awhile to get into it. I really liked the premise of the book and the concept of them all meeting in their dreams. There is danger, twists and turns, and spice and the author does a great job of flushing out the character development and plot lines. Again this is a quick read and a great palate cleanser between longer, heavier reads.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Megan Kimleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMegan Kimley2023-02-24 11:18:512023-02-25 12:34:28Three Made In Heaven (Made In Heaven #1) by Elena Kincaid – Review by Megan Conley
This is the 3rd installment in the Benoit and Dayne Mystery Books; however, it can be read as a standalone (I did) without any pertinent information being missed. I was hooked from the first chapter and this was just escape I was looking for this weekend! I couldn’t put this book down and I was on the edge of my seat. We follow the story of Elizabeth Benoit, who’s now the county sheriff, and Lila Dayne, the Deputy Detective who also happens to be the girlfriend of a 25-year-old murder victim’s brother (very important to the story :)) This is a fast-paced, action-packed story that kept me turning the pages long after I should have been in bed.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Megan Kimleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMegan Kimley2023-02-20 12:42:242023-02-25 11:36:03Straight for the Kill (Benoit and Dayne Mystery Book 3) by Winter Austin – Review by Megan Conley
Tataw has created a great resource, especially for writers who may just be starting out. Not only does Tataw list different companies for varying services, she also provides detailed explanations for why an author may need those services. I was also impressed with the checklist she provided at the beginning of the book for authors to use to see what services they might need so they could just go right to those pages. I think this would be a great resource for all writers and authors, but I really think it would be great for any indie writer/author who may just be starting out and maybe a bit lost in the wide world of everything that is writing.
This is a very quick read so if you are looking for a quick, but solid romance this is the story for you. I will preface this with saying there are some TWs such as domestic violence and abuse so please know that going in. I really loved how well the author handled this topic. Parmley did it with grace and kindness while still underscoring the harshness of it. One of my favorite aspects of the book was Cutter’s relationship with his grandmother. It’s very cute and realistic. Cutter and Zarifah’s relationship is dramatic from the get go, but they each learn that being in a relationship is not only about loving the other person, but also about loving yourself. I loved the quickness of this read but without loosing any complexity. Parmley was able to develop characters and plot lines in a very short amount of time. Great read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Megan Kimleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMegan Kimley2023-02-13 13:49:412023-02-20 09:01:24Saving the Bellydancer (Green Brotherhood: SEAL Team XII Book 3) by Debra Parmley – Review by Megan Conley
I really like Wickstrom’s books and how she always weaves lessons into them. This is the really cute story of Caspian, his UnBirthday, and his Grandpa’s gift, Hot Chocolate Socks. Caspian, at first, isn’t excited about his UnBirthday gift, but his mother reminds his that there’s always something good to be found in gifts we are given. Then Grandpa shows Caspian how special his socks are and Grandpa has a pair as well. They end up spending the day together having adventures. It’s a really good reminder that we all need to find the good in things and sometimes we need to take days off to have some fun.
This is a really good second-chance mafia romance. I really enjoyed the plot line and the way May advanced her story. Nothing ever felt rushed but I never felt there was anything missing either. I loved the character development of Luke (Lu) and Nikolai. We get their backstory and how they were once a couple, but Lu ran after Nikolai expressed his feelings for her. Lu thoughts she’d left Nikolai behind, but he had been keeping a close eye on her all this time and she wasn’t as over him as she thought she was. If you are looking for a dark, steamy romance then look no further; this is the book for you. It’s a quick read, I didn’t want to put it down!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Megan Kimleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMegan Kimley2023-02-06 14:29:392023-02-08 12:22:30Hit on You by Brooke May – Review by Megan Conley
This is a very cute book about a little piggy pirate who just can’t wait to go to big-pig school. But when the time comes, she doesn’t want to go. This would be a really cute story to read at the beginning of the school year for kiddos who may be reluctant to go to school. It’s really sweet and funny (there’s mention of poop so there will be giggles) and the illustrations are so amazing.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Megan Kimleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMegan Kimley2023-01-31 11:24:062023-02-02 09:48:48Arrrgh! Me Hate To Wait! by Mary Bleckwehl – Review by Megan Conley
This was a great psychological thriller from the start. I do want to say; however, this book is very, very dark and that it may be too much for some people…please know this going in. I really liked how Maynard just threw us into the characters lives…we didn’t get a backstory, we were just submerged into the middle of a violent (but not particularly gruesome) episode between Tony and his father. I will say that in the beginning I felt sorry for Tony, but as the story goes on I really grew to not like him at all (which I think is the point). There are so many twists and turns throughout this book that sometimes you feel like your head is spinning, but Maynard does eventually get everything back on track 🙂 I would recommend this book, but with caution.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Megan Kimleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMegan Kimley2023-01-27 14:24:042023-02-02 09:31:51Chatroom With A View by Glenn Maynard – Review by Megan Conley
If you are looking for a quick read and an HEA, look no further. I really enjoyed this book. There are so many twists and turns within the short amount of pages that sometimes I honestly wondered how Sheats was going to take care of everything! But she gets it done! It was well written and the characters were well-developed for the length of the book. I love the dynamic between Jasmine and James and how they compliment each other (even though they may not want to admit it…at first).
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Megan Kimleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMegan Kimley2023-01-26 13:34:312023-01-27 08:45:52My Pearl Heart by J.N. Sheats – Review by Megan Conley
I absolutely love Lois Wickstrom’s scientifically-based books. They are so informative yet she creatively and seamlessly weaves a story with the facts. I also enjoy the illustrations. They are unique and eccentric. It’s also neat how at the end Wickstrom provides readers instructions on creating their own paper tubes for bees. 100% recommend this book.
This is the cute story of Caspian’s cousin Belinda getting her magic wand, but things go a bit wonky when she tries to wiggle time. Just like in Wickstrom’s other books, there is a lesson to be learned and I appreciate that. I enjoy the pacing of her books and the illustrations are nice as well.
While this is a very quick read (it’s the prequel to the series and a novella) it was a slow start and I had a hard time staying interested. HOWEVER, once the story got going, I was hooked. I love the premise: hidden identity…forced to protect her loved ones and town which means she has to reveal her true self…it’s great. I’m excited to continue this series. I love Chislon’s character development and her world building is fantastic. This read was definitely outside of my typical genres, but I’m glad I picked it up! I definitely recommend this novella and I’m looking forward to continuing the Blood of the Fae series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Megan Kimleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMegan Kimley2023-01-18 07:29:122023-01-18 09:43:41Whispers in the Waters (Blood of the Fae) by Sarah Chilson – Review by Megan Conley
I read this series as a complete collection and I’m glad I had that option because I just went from one book right into the next! The way McNamee not only builds the plot lines but her characters and how they intertwine is just fantastic. I also love how we are introduced to characters in other characters books. I really like seeing characters pop in and out of other books. I will be reviewing each book individually. Savage Collision – Savage and Dani’s story is full of suspense and spice. They are both hard-headed and stubborn but learn to accept each other for who they are. This first book was action packed and full of twists, turns, and surprises. Great start to the series and I couldn’t wait to start the next. Tortured Skye – Forbidden romance anyone? While I did find Skye a little annoying in the first book, McNamee definitely developed her character in this book. We get to see behind the curtain with Skye and Gabe and I really ended up rooting for them in the end. Again, there is suspense and spice in just the right amount. Stone Sober – McNamee took the spice level and upped in for this book! You will need a cool drink of water after this one! I love the opposition of Nora and Stone and just how well that works for them. The twists, turns, suspense, and spice of this one has made it my favorite so far. Building Storm – Storm and Landon’s story is more swoony than I typically gravitate toward but it was still a good story. There is suspense and everything you’ve come to expect from a McNamee story, but this one is just a little more tame. I suspect it’s to let her readers put themselves back together from her previous book 😉 This story will hit you a little more in the feels than some of McNamee’s others. Tainted Saint – This is a shorter novella in the series. It focuses on Caroline and Saint and all of the twists and turns their story has taken. The spice is definitely there; however, the usual depth McNamee goes to isn’t. But with this being a novella and not focusing on an actual Hawke family member, it’s to be expected. Great short read. Steele Resolve – THE FINAL ONE! I cannot believe the series is over! I have loved every one of the books in this series and the final book did not disappoint! I was a little apprehensive with it being a M/M simply because that’s not what I usually read but I was invested in the series and I wanted to finish it and I’m glad I did! Luca and Byron’s story was the perfect ending to this series and McNamee did a fantastic job weaving their stories together. I absolutely recommend this series!
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Little Red, the Detective: a science folktale by Lois Wickstrom
