This is the second book in the Crawford Mystery series and I would recommend that you read book one before devouring this one as that one sets up our characters and gives us a bit of the low down on what to expect as far as the mysteries and the way things will go. I love how this examines mysteries from the court stenographers point of view. It is kind of the unsung part of the court process that has always intrigued me a bit. I really enjoy reading about it and how this plays into things. I am a huge crime thriller person so these books are always a thrill for me to read and have lots of my favorite things in them. I would highly recommend them for the true crime junkie. I look forward to seeing what else is to come in the series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Liz Vrchotahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLiz Vrchota2021-11-17 13:50:542021-11-17 17:17:14Shadows of Doubt (A Crawford Mystery) by Merissa Racine – Review by Liz Vrchota
Fate, Frankincense & Funerals by Naomi Valkyrie 4 Stars
I have read all of this author’s books. Her writing keeps getting better with each no el that she writes. She has a vivid imagination and her stories are unique. This is a short novella but I can see it becoming an interesting series. Most people when they hear “shifter romance “ they automatically think about wolves. I loved that this book’s main character was a vulture shifter. Vultures are natural scavengers and the fact that this character worked with the dead fit perfectly. This book is completely original and unique in its concept. I loved it!
This is the first book I’ve read by the author. The author sure had me hooked from the beginning. It was hard for me to put down once I started. This is the second book in the Parker Lake Novels.
Breckin has lost her husband to a newly graduated cheerleader. When she doesn’t leave town to get away from the gossip it may be a good thing. She meets Griff who is a gentleman and she can’t wait. If only she could get to work on time. The quote I chose for Breckin is: “Ugh! For the love of everything holy, please get the damn donkey out of the middle of the road!”
Griff comes home after the horrible loss of his girlfriend. He takes over taking care of his grandmother and running her around for errands. He also takes over his grandfather’s bar and when he meets Breckin he thinks he may have a chance. The quote I chose for Griff is: “It doesn’t really bother me. I met her dad at Meemaw’s party. I like him. Plus, I know Meemaw posted a picture of his butt on Instagram so I kind of have the upper hand on him.”
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda Kimblehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda Kimble2021-11-17 13:34:422021-11-17 17:13:53Unlikely to Fit (A Parker Lake Novel #2) by Olivia Sherwood-Review by Amanda Kimble
Caught in Midnight Shadows (the Caught Series #4) by Sharleen Scott
This is the first book I’ve read by the author. This is the fourth book in the Caught Series, but can be read as a standalone. Caught in Midnight Shadows is a great easy read.
Brant has lost his mother in a strange accident. He doesn’t think it was quite an accident as he thinks someone is after him. He sends his kids with their mom, but what he doesn’t plan is to fall for someone while they are away. The quote I chose for Brant is: “Like I said, it isn’t safe, and I don’t want to bring trouble to Eric and Joan. We don’t know who is behind all this stuff going on around here, and I can’t risk you and the boys. You’ll stay with your mother in Chicago until I get back.”
Aubrey has been taking care of her aunt and bartending. After that is said and done she wants to get out of town and not look back. When she meets Brant she thinks that he may be enough to convince her to stay. The quote I chose for Aubrey is: “It was a midlife crisis or something, and I can’t get rid of him now. Crap. He’s looking this way. Please play along.”
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda Kimblehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda Kimble2021-11-17 13:04:162021-11-17 17:12:49Caught in Midnight Shadows (The Caught #4) by Sharleen Scott-Review by Amanda Kimble
This is the 4th books in the series. It can be read as a stand alone but I would recommend reading them in order if you plan to read more than one as previous characters appear again and would give spoilers. I do love that some of the characters from previous books make an appearance in this book as I love to see what they are getting up to at a later date. In this book we get the story of cattle rancher Brant Bellamy, who has recently lost him mother and is trying to find information relating to her will. On his travels he meets Aubrey Chartrand, who is planning to leave town. This is a great romantic suspense novel. There is danger. mystery and intrigue. Someone is trying to kill Brant and he wants to know who and why? I was pulled into this story from the very beginning and the story moves at a fast pace, keeping the reader enthralled and on the edge of their seat wanting to know how it will all pan out. I really enjoyed this book, and the previous 3 books in the series, and would definitely recommend this book to others.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Karyn Taylorhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKaryn Taylor2021-11-17 12:55:242021-11-17 17:11:49Caught in Midnight Shadows (The Caught Series Book 4) by Sharleen Scott – Review by Karyn Taylor
I wasn’t even halfway through the first book in this duet when I just had to buy this second book in the duet. There was no way I could wait to see how Will and Tori’s story concluded. I was totally invested in this couple and was praying that there was going to be a happy outcome for them. Yet again this book needs to come with a ‘tissues required’ warning. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever cried so much at any book series as I have with this duet. Following Will’s story as he battles with cancer is totally heart breaking. My heart just went out to him, and Tori, so many times. I absolutely adored both of these characters and don’t know how I’m going to deal with the fact that their story is now over and I won’t get to read more about them. I do know that I will definitely read this duet over and over and probably cry just as much every time I read them. I really loved getting to know the real Will as his story progressed. Seeing him blossom into the amazing man that was hiding under the cancer was just awesome. Just like the first book, I thoroughly recommend this book and would give it more than 5 stars if I could.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Karyn Taylorhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKaryn Taylor2021-11-17 12:34:492021-11-17 17:11:07Whatever Tomorrow Brings (Embrace Tomorrow Duet Book 2) by Amy Argent – Review by Karyn Taylor
“Our mistakes and failures don’t define us; they don’t hold us back. It’s our own fears and regrets that do that.” This quote, along with a few others from this amazing love story really hit home. I have to say, this one just about sums up how I’ve been feeling as of late, and the way it’s integrated into Luke and Nikki’s story, gave me the chills. I adore the writing style, and between this and Cade that I read before, I’m hooked. As soon as I have the time, I will be reading the two other novels in this series, and will be recommending them to others, as well.
Between the devastating back story that comes with Luke, and has made him into the person he is, holding everyone (except his Double D brothers, and his daughter Brie) at arm’s length to protect himself, and the way Nikki melts through to him, and cares deeply for his daughter as if she were her own, was addictive. I refused to book this book down, every chance I had, it was being devoured, and I cannot wait to read more by this author. Wow!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00AimstoReadhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAimstoRead2021-11-17 12:03:412021-11-17 17:09:54LUKE (DEFAULT DISTRACTION #4) by A. S. Roberts – Review by Amy Brennan
Winter and Cade, I can’t describe the happiness I feel for their second chance romance. Ultimate relationship goals wrapped into a very sweet, emotional read, where the author has truly captivated (this) reader and had me rooting for them from the first few chapters. I absolutely love the way that we get to know the strong bonds that the band members share between them, and very much look forward to reading the previous installments in this series, as well as the next.
This band is not only that, but they are their chosen family. They are there for each other through thick and thin and know each other well enough to know when they are needed, and when they need to leave well enough alone. It’s truly admirable, and something that all, or at least most, yearn to have in their lives. This novel had me picturing the snowy hotel landscape, the love sizzling in the air, and had me crossing my fingers and toes for these two love birds that have been through their fair share of downs, and deserve the highest of highs, alone and together. Thrilled to have more to read by this author, highly recommend!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00AimstoReadhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAimstoRead2021-11-17 11:57:132021-11-17 17:09:26CADE (DEFAULT DISTRACTION #3) by A. S. Roberts – Review by Amy Brennan
I enjoyed this book so much. The characters were well written and had a lot of depth. Brant Bellamy is a ranch owner whose mother just died. He is struggling to find out who is behind his mom’s death and to make sense of her last words. She told Brant to find him and make it right. Brant doesn’t know who he is and what Brant needs to make right. Brant goes to Oregon in search of the mystery man. While there, he meets Aubrey. She is one of the most fascinating women he has ever met. They both know that Brant’s time there is short and that a relationship can go nowhere. They also have a mystery man that is harassing and threatening them. Can they put a stop to the mystery man? Can they find the man Brant’s mom wanted him to find? Will they find a way to love each other? Find out in this fantastic, hard to put down story!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rebecca Hillhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRebecca Hill2021-11-17 11:52:302021-11-17 17:08:59Caught in Midnight Shadows (The Caught Series Book 4) by Sharleen Scott – Review by Rebecca Hill
This is not my first book by this author but it is one of my favorites yet. I enjoy being pulled into her stories by her attention to details and writing style. Her characters are connectable and bring the story to life. This book is no different. The characters are creative and unique. They are strong and made the story entertaining for me. This is a faster paced story that is engaging to the end. This is a story about a woman who has a past and a present that is in jeopardy of destroying her. A story written with a lot of heart and you can feel that in each character. She is in search of love and hope but you never know where she might find it. This is a really great story that I loved. I highly recommend this book and this author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Bobbi Wagnerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBobbi Wagner2021-11-17 10:29:052021-11-17 17:08:16Strega – Magic: The Spirit Never Dies by Lynne Russell – Review by Bobbi Wagner
The story is the first in the series, Titans of Manhattan. The first titan we learn about is Caspian Archer, millionaire, running Archer Enterprises, a company started and owned by his uncle. Caspian is a workaholic, so his dying uncle has a plan to change that around. Caspian must get married and partake in that agreement for at least 1 year and a day in order to keep his position at Archer Enterprises. To say the least, he is not happy about this and feels his life is good the way it is. Little did he know, all that was about to change when he ran into an old friend from his childhood, a childhood he has tried to desperately forget. You watch this arrangement between two people bloom into a great friendship and love story, with some bumps along the way! I always love a book where you are getting each character’s thought process on the pages and not guessing what they are feeling. I really enjoyed the relationship between Caspian and Paisley. The relationship was honest, brutal at times, full of devotion, and had many sexy encounters. I look forward to the other titan’s story!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dr. Anya Schultzhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDr. Anya Schultz2021-11-17 10:01:392021-11-17 17:07:52Conveniently Yours (Titans of Manhattan BOOK 1) by Anise Storm – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz
This was a pretty good children’s holiday book. The book provides a great way of answering the question that all kids ask “Is there really a Santa?”. This is probably a question that all parents dread one day, feeling once they ask the magic of Christmas may be lost. However, the book answers the question in a magical way by explaining the spirit of Christmas and the idea of Santa, rather than just saying nope no Santa. In the book, the young child took that message and kept the dream alive for all the believers out there. While I did think there could have been more said or pondered about by the kid who acquired this new found information, I believed that it provided a great message of how to give kids the truth they are seeking, without causing “loss”.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dr. Anya Schultzhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDr. Anya Schultz2021-11-17 09:38:052021-11-17 17:07:28Mom, Is There a Santa Claus? by Susan J. Berger Illustrator: K.C. Snider – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz
Though my kiddos are still too young for this book I’m really happy I read it as it gave me some insight and ideas in how to approach this question when they will inevitably ask, Is There a Santa Claus?
I love how the author kept the magic of Christmas going and I hope to do the same when the time comes. This is a book I would recommend to all parents of little ones!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kaitlynn Taylorhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKaitlynn Taylor2021-11-17 09:09:412021-11-17 17:06:52Mom, Is There a Santa Claus? by Susan J Berger Illustrator: KC Snider – Review by Kaitlynn Taylor
This is not my first audible by this author but it is one of my favorites yet. This is part of the Satan’s Devils MC series which just keeps getting better and better. I enjoyed the narrator’s voice and how she made the story engaging with each word said. They brought the story to life with different tones and were enjoyable to listen to. This is a story about Drummer and Sam. He can have any girl he wants. He meets Sam and now he has a problem, he can’t have her because of who she is. They are both instantly attracted to each other but their relationship is a no, no. Will they go against rules and find their happy ever after? This was such a great story to listen to on my way to work. I highly recommend this audible and find out what happens between these two.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Bobbi Wagnerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBobbi Wagner2021-11-17 06:58:312021-11-17 07:41:41Drummer’s Beat (Satan’s Devils MC #2) AUDIO BOOK by Manda Mellett – Review by Bobbi Wagner
Broken Chains has just become one of my top favorite dark romance books. This author does a great job making the story come to life. This mafia romance is not for anyone who is not used to Smutty violent books. Liz Finley is such a relatable character that the author did amazing on. Usually I cring half way through a mafia story like this one but Karina Kantas does a great job not making the main character too whiny or conceited like you see most female characters in this type of genre.
Honestly, I have never read a MM romance book because I was afraid I wouldn’t like it. Oh man was I wrong! This author was able to pack so much detail, emotions, and a unique world in only 57 pages! I’m still stunned on how amazing this book was. I could feel every emotion the author was portraying so easily. When the two main characters, Acheron and Errapel, meet, the reader can actually feel their mate bond. The two connected so smoothly. The only thing I would change is to have more pages to read! I loved this book. Definitely pick this book up!
I wasn’t a huge fan of this book. I enjoyed it as a quick read but it wasn’t my favorite. There is a character named Enzo that you will fall in love with. I do enjoy multiple stories within the same scenario or world. Can’t go wrong with a popular trope. This story didn’t exactly pick up where it left off from book one, this focuses on new characters new points of view. Luckily, you do not need to read book one if you haven’t already. The romance and adventure pushes you through the read. I am gonna give this four stars because it is good but I won’t reread. The author does exactly what you would think by continuing the elite world of the mafia; however, I feel this is more of a stand-alone then part of a series.
Breckin never saw her life turning out this way. She surely didn’t expect her husband to leave her. She’s not in the market for a new relationship, especially after how hers ended. She just moved back to Parker so she’s not running but staying isn’t as easy as one would think. Her ex husband working for the same high school definitely brings it’s own challenges. Griff knows loss and grief. Having his own pain doesn’t stop him from listening to the troubles of those around him as he runs his grandfather’s bar. These two have been broken and neither one of them have the desire to meet anyone new. Can these two broken hearted mend with each other?
I really enjoyed this book. There are so many emotions. I hurt for Breckin when her husband left her. She didn’t see that coming. She developed well through the story. She was strong and depended on herself when it mattered. Griff knew what it was like to lose someone and eventually opened his mind to exploring something with Breckin. I loved these characters and couldn’t put the book down!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angelina Frazzinihttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngelina Frazzini2021-11-17 05:57:422021-11-17 07:38:58Unlikely to Fit (Parker Lake) by Olivia Sherwood – Review by Angelina Frazzini
I can not explain how much I enjoy reading books by this author. Her smooth writing style is exactly what I enjoy about reading. The quick wit that is a part of the character dialogue, not to mention that they always just feel so real and like I’m sitting there a part of everything going on. I have read these out of order and am so glad I took the time to go back and start at the beginning. Breckin and Griff are two of my favorite characters from this series. I met them in Book 3 then again in book 1. As I said, I’ve read totally out of order, but it doesn’t matter, they are that good.
Griff’s meemaw and Wyatt’s niece Hattie totally stole the story on every page they showed up on. They made me smile and laugh out loud more than once.
The friendships and family aspect of this whole series has me completely hooked. I want to move there and insert myself into this group of people. The progression of Griff and Breck’s relationship was actually beautiful. Knowing each other as long as they had, it felt natural the way everything happened. The sadness they both endured separately yet worked so hard to heal together. There were times I just wanted to scream at certain characters in this story. So it is safe to say, I experienced just about every emotion possible while reading. I love that, and not wanting to put the book down and definitely not wanting it to end!
I can not recommend reading this whole series high enough. Definitely one of my favorite authors ever and I seriously can’t wait to read book 3 again after finishing this one.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Debi Kircherhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDebi Kircher2021-11-17 04:55:162021-11-17 04:55:16Unlikely to Fit (Parker Lake) by Olivia Sherwood – Review by Debi Kircher
My name is Harlow Fletcher, and I’m a charm collector.
As the daughter of bounty hunters, I know more about the criminal underbelly than the average citizen of Luma, California. But when my dad’s work got him killed, and my mom skipped town, I swore off the profession for myself. I should have chosen a safer, completely unrelated career—like accounting. Instead, I fell into the lucrative gig of freelance charm collecting. I have a knack for finding rare artifacts, namely illegal magic-laced weapons, and I use that skill to sneak into criminals’ homes after the police have carted them off for their latest infractions. Once I’ve helped myself to the contraband, I sell it to the highest bidder.
While looting my latest victim, a gorgeous sword catches my eye. My gut tells me it has dragon magic coursing through its blade—and I have the perfect buyer in mind for it. I regret my decision to steal the sword within minutes: the weapon is alive. It’s lightning-quick and has an anger management problem, but it’s taken a shine to me.
When the sword takes off one day, I’m relieved to have it out of my life. I’m less relieved when the police show up at my door, accusing me of murder. While I’m in the middle of explaining that I didn’t commit the crime, the diabolical sword floats into my apartment, covered in blood.
Now we’re on the run, with bounty hunters and government-trained feline shifters hot on our trail. Somehow, I have to prove my innocence while the sentient murder weapon sticks by my side.
Melissa lives in Northern California with her boyfriend and way too many pets. She divides her time between operating a dog walking business and writing. She (mostly) writes paranormal mysteries. Some of them are very cute and some of them are very creepy.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Diabolical-Sword-COVER.jpg1200800itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2021-11-17 03:50:572022-05-07 13:26:21Diabolical Sword (The Charm Collector Book 1) by Melissa Erin Jackson
This book was a page Turner and tough to put down! Once again, the author gives us a book that feels eerily authentic and simply normal as a reader of a mafia family book. This story of Sofia and Enzo is so intense and you are on the edge of your seat from the start learning about their love for each other. You’re in for a treat once the story takes a turn, as you learn of Sofia’s fate. Good read!
Amy Argent is the author of Come Back Tomorrow and its sequel, Whatever Tomorrow Brings. Amy can honestly say she writes day and night —clinical trial documents as a medical writer by day and contemporary romance as a novelist by night . . . and possibly into the wee hours of the morning. She has a PhD in Genetics that she agonized entirely too much over, but it did result in a fascinating day job—the details of which tend to creep into her fiction.
Amy can be found in Raleigh, North Carolina, with her husband, two teenagers, and two hedgehogs, where she’s most likely planning her next departure from reality —destination: Dragon Con, the closest Renaissance Faire, or the nearest book.
Amy has always been fascinated by the many ways people cope with the human condition. Her stories explore the emotional journey we take when adversity drastically changes life’s course, but being an eternal optimist, she’s found her niche in soulful stories with silver linings. In truth, they can always be found if one is willing to look for them.
Visit Amy’s website to find out more about her books at: www.amyargent.com
Growing up isn’t easy. Some of Lucas’s friends don’t believe in Santa. Lucas wants them to be wrong. But are they?
In this coming of age Christmas story Mom offers Lucas a chance to be a part of the secret.
Is he ready to be a Dream Keeper?
A coming of age Christmas book for children at the point where what they want to believe and what they actually believe start to drift apart. The surprise illustration at the end gives them a choice.
Susan writes children’s books as Susan J. Berger. And second chance romances with a touch of magic as Susan B. James. She writes older heroines because she is chronologically gifted and enjoys creating characters who remember that change is only on the outside. Inside our older shells is a much younger psyche. She writes picture books because she never grew up.
Susan’s other career is acting. On IMDB She is Susan Berger.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/MITASC8x150-Front-cover.jpg12001188itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2021-11-17 00:02:282022-02-04 09:57:01Mom, Is There a Santa Claus? by Susan J Berger Illustrator: KC Snider
“I was born on the white November day the Baptismal font cracked. Big, and right down the middle. Not a good sign in the Italian immigrant stronghold of Ocean County, New Jersey. Six weeks later, the second they wrapped up the christening my Godfather – running late for a meeting at an unspecified location – gently kissed my forehead and signaled to the bouncer waiting at the door to ‘Git the friggin cah stahted.’ And that’s the good part.” – Annie
STREGA – Magic: The Spirit Never Dies is a rich novel from acclaimed storyteller Lynne Russell, set along the shores of modern day Massachusetts and in the Old Country of southern Italy, where the hereditary witchcraft of Benevento province is legendary. Indeed, Strega means witch in Italian. Steeped in history but with a sense of humor, this is a tale of Reincarnation, Family, Love, Hope. About the Joy we can pull out of suffering. About Feminine Sovereignty and Gifts passed down through the ages. And about a certain magical liquore enjoyed to this very day, and the importance of sharing it with your true other half.
Angela Scotti (Annie) is a third-year medical student very near to achieving her dream of becoming a healer. But destiny, Destino, has other plans for her. Tragedies in her short life refuse to give her peace. Worse, her fiancé, a successful New York divorce lawyer, gives no credence to the urgent whispers she has begun to hear in the night. They swirl around her and warn that the clock is ticking, that the time is near, but they never say what she should do. Even worse, in her hospital work her mentor has become her enemy, and she faces the fight alone.
This beautifully written, cinematic account of the women who preceded Annie moves smoothly through Italy of 1617 and 1899. Today, a prisoner of her unsettled present, Annie flees to the calming waves and fresh salt air of Massachusetts. Without warning she runs headlong into the frightening Past, a past that threatens to destroy her. Yet she finds hope, and love, and herself in the most unlikely places. Will she recognize it in time?
LYNNE RUSSELL is the first woman to anchor a regular network primetime nightly newscast, 33,000+ of them. For her unbiased dedication to the People’s Right to Know, The New York Times called her a “just-the-facts stalwart of CNN Headline News”. They also called her a news anchor with the personality of a professional wrestler, which she took as a compliment. Washington Journalism Review: a spot as Best in the Business. The Washington Post: “We are, frankly, devastated by the news…Lynne Russell is leaving…the future seems a little sadder.”
Now she writes tales of magical realism, Strega, and the PJ Santini series of romantic crime novels, including Hell On Heels, Heels Of Fortune, and Love Heels! PJ Santini is the TV journalist and private eye whom Rita Zekas of The Toronto Star calls “the love child of Janet Evanovich and Elmore Leonard”. Russell’s style is compared to James Patterson and his character Alex Cross.
As for serious storytelling, Lynne is equally proud of having hosted the first U.S. cable in the classroom project with Bob Cain, as their “CNN Week in Review” was introduced in schools.
Private investigator, double black belt, former Deputy Sheriff, she and her husband live near Washington, D.C. and in Italy.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/image1-1.jpeg1200900itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2021-11-17 00:01:592022-05-07 13:21:17Strega – Magic: The Spirit Never Dies by Lynne Russell
This book is as good as the first. Sofia and Enzo are soulmates. Even from childhood them two had a strong connection. That never weaken through adulthood.
This is another great read by the author. She knows how to drag you into her world and keep you there. Blood Path is the second book in the Mafia Elite Series. It can be read as a standalone.
Sofia is in danger, but it’s leading her to the man of her dreams. What happens when there’s a contract and the other party isn’t dead? Keeping secrets isn’t what she likes to do, but one she has to keep is this one. The quote I chose for Sofia is: “So? That doesn’t mean anything. He could have seen movement and looked up. Who knows? Besides, it doesn’t matter. I leave for Italy soon. Ivan is here.”
Enzo doesn’t know that the other party of the contract is alive. He is still dealing with his sister going missing and Elena being dead. The quote I chose for Enzo is: “They took my sister. What’s stopping them from an attempt on my wife? I can’t let anything happen. Not to you. You have to know that, to understand after all these years what you mean to me. I swore a blood oath to protect you, even if it’s from myself. I’m barely holding on after what happened to my sister. I won’t survive the same thing or worse being done to you.”
This is my first read in this series and it wasn’t hard for me to jump right in. Brant & Aubrey’s romance is so sweet and enjoyable. The family drama dynamic is realistic and not rushed in how it’s played out. This book is easy to follow along with and the suspense is attractive. It keeps you wanting more and more!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Daryian Lucashttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDaryian Lucas2021-11-16 21:44:412021-11-17 07:29:07Caught in Midnight Shadows (The Caught Series Book 4) by Sharleen Scott – Review by Daryian Lucas
Rock Me To The Top (Gracefall: Vicious Love Tour) by Victoria Zak
4 out of 5 Stars
This is an emotional ride! Joe Grace is the drummer for a rock band that is hitting the stratosphere! Joe has only had one love since he was 11 years old, Melody Sterling. Joe’s band is headlining a tour and has asked Melody to be his tour manager. Melody is rock and roll royalty. As the daughter of The God of Thunder, a legendary rocker, she has witnessed first hand what being a megastar does to love, marriage and relationships.
Coming off a major hit to her own dreams, Melody decides to give the tour a chance. While on tour, Joe is determined to show Melody that she is wrong about him and about being able to have a loving, stable, committed relationship with a rockstar. When everyone and everything seems to be out to prevent Joe’s dream from coming true, will Melody be there to pick up to hold it all together for him? Will a chance at her own dream tear them apart?
The author provides all the twists and turns, ups and downs of a long road trip in this amazing tale of love and family. Joe has to face his demons to accomplish his dream. Melody discovers that trusting the system that broke her family isn’t as easy as it seems, but it is not as hard either. I was devastated near the end of this book. The author makes sure that you feel all the feels possible, the highs and the lows. I can only hope that Dylan and Tyler are next to ride on the love bus!!!
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 Policicchio2021-11-16 21:28:062021-11-17 07:28:16Rock Me To The Top (Gracefall: Vicious Love Tour) by Victoria Zak – Review by M Policicchio
Action, mystery, mayhem, and risk of death, whew! A great installment in the series!
This book focuses on the friends-to-lovers, reluctant relationship of Enzo and Sophia. I enjoyed reading the flashback near the beginning of the story which described their relationship from when they were kids and how it had morphed to what it was in “current day.” Enzo is next in line to be one of the mafia boss heads but is also a protector for Sophia, a friend and woman he has desired for years. Sophia is an up-and-coming fashion designer who is getting her big break with a fashion showing in Milan, that is if she can ever get there with the threat to her life and her family’s overprotective ways.
I enjoyed the mafia aspect and the threat lingering around Sophia for being the daughter of one of the five mafia bosses that rule. We get to learn a bit about her role as the youngest and only daughter in the family, and how her brothers are very protective. We get to see more of the ladies that make up the group of friends: Liliana, Sophia, Emiliana, and Eva. I especially enjoyed getting to know the Russian assassin Katya (I love me a kick ass ninja type woman).
Like any dramatic romance there is the push and pull of will the main characters end up together in the end. I’m normally not one who enjoys that waffling of will they actually end up together, typically because it’s due to lack of communication and assumptions that the drama unfolds, but I actually really enjoyed how it was done here. There are true reasons why each person has decided not to follow their heart, including some life or death reasons, that add a dramatic tension without it being overdone.
Content warning: talk of human trafficking, violence against women, gun violence, death, mafia violence.
This installment be read on its own but the back information you would have from reading book 1 was beneficial to me keeping the information and names straight.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Alexandria Richardhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAlexandria Richard2021-11-16 21:16:312021-11-17 07:26:41Blood Oath (Mafia Elite, book 2) by Amy McKinley – Review by Alexandria Richard
I love a good cowboy story and one with romance and mystery is even better. This was a very well written story. I fell in love with Brant from the beginning with the unconditional love he had for his kids. His only concern is keeping them safe after his mother passes suspiciously and he has numerous fires on his ranch. Setting off to Oregon to fulfill his mother’s last wish, can he find who is behind the tragedies back home? Brant wanders into Aubrey’s bar, and now she is being stalked. Can Brant keep her safe too? Let the sparks fly, neither of them were looking for love, but it sure found them. I love this authors writing, even though it is the fourth book in the series it is the first I have read. I would love to go back and read the first three but did not feel like I was missing out on anything by dropping in so late.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Packardhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Packard2021-11-16 20:36:082021-11-17 07:26:18Caught in Midnight Shadows (The Caught Series Book 4) by Sharleen Scott – Review by Angela Packard
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Shadows of Doubt by Merissa Racine
