This was definitely a well thought out book. Just like any first book, there’s a lot of world building it in and background to get the feel for the lore behind the series. It was detailed perfectly, well paced, and honestly very very creative. Definitely an original work of fantasy that isn’t generic fae, vampires, etc. the characters were well thought out and given a lot of depth. I did think it was a very slow start though, and for me it didn’t pick up until the last 15% of the book. But I did like it, and if you like pirates and magic, give it a shot!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lucy Machardhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLucy Machard2023-10-08 22:35:052023-10-10 08:55:33The Calamities of Camden Callahan (A Revenant Novel) by Brittany Tucker – Review by Lucy Machard
A sweet take on Christmas magic! Holly is traveling around the world to find cheer so the elves can continue making Christmas magic. What Holly doesn’t realize is that she’s stuck in a never ending cycle that she created herself. What is she missing? Interactions with people! A bit of magic brings Holly to spot a flyer about a fall festival in Emerald Hollow.
The flyer intrigues her and Holly decides to see what the festival is all about. As she starts to connect with the people in the Emerald House and in the town of Emerald Hollow, Holly finds changes she never expected! As she meets Ash and his friends, Holly begins to find the joy in helping with the festival decorations. Meeting Ash and other people in Emerald Hollow is the start of something special for Holly, the elves, and for Ash!
I read this book as the first holiday book for the season as we move into October. It really got me looking ahead to the Holiday season and thinking about other Christmas books to read this year. The story is great, the atmosphere is perfect, and adding some romance is the icing on the cake or maybe I should say hot cocoa!
Fabulous second part of the story. I absolutely love this author. The way she can make me laugh and yell “way to go” in my head.
Gwen Carter has so much depth, sass, sarcasm and a kick butt attitude, you can’t help but want to be her friend.
Gwen Carter has to come to terms with what happened in the last story. It is not an easy pill to swallow. Now she is a demon and now her “fathers” powers are manifesting as well. What is a 40 something woman to do? She will need to get control over these new powers if she wants to survive and her mate as well.
Ash is her mate whether she likes it or not. She struggles to believe she will ever be able to trust anyone ever again as the list of people breaking her trust is getting longer and longer. Life is never going to be the same. Time to face her fears and stand her ground.
If you love books with great plot twists and are filled with magic, demons, gods and mystery, then is an author you MUST put on your TBR list. Even Medusa comes out to play. Fingers crossed there is a book 3. Please Please.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Deb Robinsonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDeb Robinson2023-10-05 10:08:562023-10-10 08:22:15Mystical Midlife Mate (Boudin, Barbecue, and Hoodoo Series) by Reggi Dupree – Review by Deb Robinson
This is the 1st book in the Hearts Below Series. I blew through this book in one sitting. Truthfully, I liked the romance/relationship between the two main characters, Arryn and Rowan, more than the mystery and adventure in the story.
While the adventure is not boring, it just falls a little flat and I felt there wasn’t many details on what was actually going on besides the people Above thought they were monsters below and the people below thought they were monsters above. There wasn’t much background on why the wicked forced people to suffer down below or why anyone thought they were monsters. There also wasn’t a clear understanding of WHY the King Below wanted to break the barrier. We also don’t know much of Roman’s powers and why people are scared of them. The void itself is also another unknown, but that part didn’t bother me as much. It also was a little confusing how the Royal Guard treated Rowan, sometimes they seemed overly nice and at other times completely hated him – with no context as to why (besides his mysterious powers no one even knows the full extent of).
With that being said, I did very much enjoy how the relationship evolved with Roqan and Arryn. I absolutely loved BOTH of their growth, not only together but in their own separate growth. I love the new Arryn and Rowan, and I enjoyed watching them get to where they ended up by the end of the book. I wish we would have seen a little more interaction with Rowan and Phaedron to really grasp the brotherly bond between them.
I will definitely read book 2 and recommend this series to those who love a little romance with their fantasy and fae characters.
Nicole Kelleher ‘s Wild Lavender is a second chance romance set in medieval times when women were often considered property, Anna had run into Larkin one night years ago- both held that moment in their thoughts. Larkin wanted to see her again but nobody knew Anna. In court her formal name of Aubrianne was used.
Anna was part of an arranged marriage to Roger of Stolweg. As part of her dowry, was her knowledge of Chevlain horses. However, Anna’s fairy tale marriage thoughts come crashing down when Roger was forceful with taking her maidenhood. His abuse didn’t all fall upon Anna, as he often targeted his servants too. When the stableboy,Will, was tied to a post for 15 lashes, Anna intervened and took 9 lashes in his place. Grainne, her lady’s maid, helped Anna with teas that would prevent pregnancy, healing balms and sleep aids preventing Roger from physically harming her. However, the beatings continue and Anna plans to escape after killing Roger.
Meanwhile, Roger has garnered attention from the Royal Guard. Larkin believes the appearance of Chevlain Destriers at Stolweg was part of an elaborate plan against King Godwin. Therefore, Larkin joins Captain Baldric, Warin, Trian, Tomas, and Ailwen as they ride to Stolweg to determine if Roger will be charged with treason and murder,
The perspective of this story is told from multiple well-developed characters. The journeys of each group are written in detail. This made it easy to envision the surroundings. The flow of the story was easy to follow. However, I think the constant turmoil between Larkin and Anna was somewhat tedious. I would happily rate Wild Lavender 4 stars.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Stephanie Runyonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngStephanie Runyon2023-10-04 17:34:232023-10-10 08:19:10Wild Lavender (Heart & Hand Series Book 1) by Nicole E. Kelleher – Review by Stephanie Runyon
Arryn is the only daughter of the most successful merchant in the lands above. She is promised to the prince, her beloved. That is what she has been told to call him all of her life. She has been trained in every way to be a lady and is punished by her mother when she does not meet her approval, which is often.
The prince goes missing and with the threat of another betroval, Arryn rides off to find the prince. Aaryn finds herself falling into the lands below and is met by Rowan. Rowan is a sentry of the Outer Wilds when he finds Aaryn. His brother just brutally attacked. He sees Aaryn as a monster.
As the story unwinds and reveals itself, we find that Aaryn has requested MERCY from Rowan to not be killed. Will Rowan honor her request or will he give her the swift justice a monster from the worlds above deserves? You have to read this dynamic book to find out. If you love magic users and worlds divided. This is the book for you. Enjoy!!
Cori Cooper Tears Into Gold features Branka and her journey from being a servant in the Fitzgerald House to a magical being with exceptional power. One early morning, Branka was digging potatoes from the field for the daily meals when she found a leprechaun. Patrick “Paddy” Godfrey McDoodle offered her anything she wanted, as any fae creatures were not free to leave without doing so. Branka wanted Mama Cook and her freedom to no longer be servants. To do this she asked for a detailed outline of what her request was. She wanted the ability to change any inanimate object into gold, but it could not belong to her, be a living thing, or hurt anyone. Paddy agreed, but added that the ability would only work with heartfelt tears. Then the leprechaun disappears. Chaos is quick to ensue and Branka must face several ordeals. Somehow the king learned Branka could change items into gold and she was taken from the Fitzgerald home. Throughout the following months, Branka thinks of Oskar Fitzgerald and Mama Cook.
This is a slow-burn romance story. I found some popular children’s stories infused, such as Little Red Riding Hood, The Sword IN the Stone, The Princess and the Pea, and The Troll on The Bridge. The characters were altered, and the tales were used to describe some scenes and brought back memories from my youth. This is a short, entertaining book that I recommend to anyone who enjoys magical stories with well-developed characters.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Stephanie Runyonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngStephanie Runyon2023-10-02 20:55:572023-10-10 07:47:25Tears Into Gold by Cori Cooper – Review by Stephanie Runyon
I will forever be a fan of this series. This book was a quick read and again did not disappoint if you’ve read the others prior to this one.
Emma, Jeremy and the rest of the family are in the Wedding and Christmas spirit. When they receive an invite to a party that makes them question the hosts intentions.
When the Charity, the one Emma and Jeremy have helped set up, notify them of Henrietta’s disappearance. This leads Emma and Jeremy to become parents, overnight to this sweet girl.
The party, the Wedding, the reason Henrietta changed jobs…. Will Emma and Jeremy be able to race against the clock to be able to see Ethan and Savannah say I Do?
It’s so easy to fall in love with these characters and though you can read these as stand alone books, I would suggest reading in order as the characters move from story to story, and some stories carry over. You won’t be disappointed.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Devon N Pulliamhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDevon N Pulliam2023-10-01 12:29:212023-10-09 14:42:48Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember (Notebook Mysteries Series) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Devon Pulliam
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