This was a wonderful slow burn of fantasy, romance and some mystery. Even though it is a little slow at the start, it is worth it to keep going. The beginning is mainly world-building so it is understandable. The heroine, Petra, is very determined and her quest ends up being for revenge and also about self-discovery. On her journey, she crosses paths with a Captain who intends to punish her for not bowing in respect, but then Captain Rand instructs them to leave her alone. This is the changing point of the book. Enter high tension, romance, and some spice. I highly recommend to all fans of fantasy and romance.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Helen Dawkinshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHelen Dawkins2024-10-21 19:21:012024-10-23 07:32:25Sanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski – Review by Helen Dawkins
I absolutely love getting to read about Sparky’s different adventures and the author does a great job of making each one feel fresh and original. This time she is stowed away on a cruise ship, she thought was headed for the South Seas, but it turns out to be filled with silent movie stars! She is mistaken for someone else and forced to be the lead in the all-girls chorus. As always, Sparky somehow manages to get involved with a mystery surrounding her mistaken identity as well as a passenger going overboard. The author continues to write vivid tales that really make you feel like you are back in the 1930’s and experiencing that Sparky is. The story continues to have well written characters that are easy to imagine and connect with. Another well written and researched cozy mystery from the author in a series you will want to keep reading.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda Haller-Dorishttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda Haller-Doris2024-10-20 19:07:282024-10-23 07:05:45The South Seas Shenanigans: A Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery (Sparky of Bunker Hill Mystery Series) by Rosalind Barden – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris
Wow, this was such a heartwarming book for little ones finding themselves with a sibling. Sibling love is such a special bond and this author shows us that in spades. I was lucky to have an amazing sister who looked after me and loved me like this little boy. I will be looking for more books from this author to read to my grandson. The illustrations are bright and eye-catching. I loved this story.
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 Robinson2024-10-20 12:39:202024-10-23 07:01:44Hi Little Brother, I Love You by Deniese Dennis – Review by Deb Robinson
Dragon’s bond is kind of a forbidden romance book with a few spicier scenes towards the end. I am a big fan of dragons, so this story was right up my ally and was very enjoyable. Roran is a dragon shifter who is forbidden to mingle amongst the humans and Lila, a bartender who recently found out some devastating news that changed her world. After some issues that came up at the bar Lila works at, she and Roran fall into a very unexpected whirlwind romance. The ochre clan (Roran’s dragon clan) catches him breaking the rules and exposes the secret he was trying to keep from Lila. They are faced with the consequences of Roran’s defiance and now they will have to try and grow this new relationship with some very difficult obstacles.
Watch for the next book in the series Dragon Reborn to see if the two can manage to keep their relationship growing!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Caylenehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCaylene2024-10-18 12:14:562024-10-23 06:52:34Dragon Bond by Lilliana Rose – Review by Caylene Newton
So, I did like this book. I liked that it had a high fantasy feel to it, and I liked the tenacity of the characters. I did feel like it dragged a bit- it took me about 25% of the way in through the book before I could actually get into it. Which I get, because it’s world building. It wasn’t really my speed, but it might be yours, so please don’t let my review deter you. We all have different tastes, and this might be right up your alley!
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 Machard2024-10-15 22:00:582024-10-23 06:27:28Sanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski – Review by Lucy Machard
This is a story of Donut’s best friend moving away and how he tries to befriend someone new. Making new friends is not always easy as Donut finds out in this wonderful story. The author is able to make trying to make friends humorous while still showing the struggle. Sometimes another perspective is all you need to be on the same page. A delightful and learning book that little ones will love.
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 Robinson2024-10-15 20:34:492024-10-22 19:22:33Finally Friends: Donut the Dog & Peanut the Squirrel Learn Social Skills (Donut & Peanut Collection) by Debbie Sullivan – Review by Deb Robinson
This was a sweet book about change and not staying the same all the time. Gadrella was tired of the same old witch traditions and decided to change her this year. This is a wonderful tale of trying something new and finding acceptance even if others may be resistant at first. The illustrations are bright and colourful and induced many conversations about this upcoming halloween.
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 Robinson2024-10-15 20:27:192024-10-22 19:22:24Gadrella by Tricia Gardella – Review by Deb Robinson
This is a cute story for young children about things you will see by the river and around it. The rhyming words help the story easily and the repetitive words help new readers to recognize new words. The illustrations are beautiful and bright and very eye-catching.
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 Robinson2024-10-15 20:19:152024-10-22 19:22:02Down By The River by Tricia Gardella – Review by Deb Robinson
Tasha Moore was tired of being a doormat in all of her relationships. Inspired by a television show, Tasha decided she would stop hiding her feelings. Brutal honesty became her mantra. Her best friend, Ella, agreed it would be a new way of handling any new relationships she entered. Ella begged Tasha to join her at Winter fest because Ella’s mother-in-law was visiting. Liam and Ella had been going to a fertility doctor; however, his mother was persistent with her insistence for grandchildren. Tasha agrees, hoping to see the new tour guide from Granger Pond. She had met him as he led their group to see the whooping cranes. Despite going on the tour multiple times for years, Tasha is excited to see Daisy, a crane she had seen there for years.
Caleb was immediately smitten with Tasha when he had taken her and a couple to see the cranes. Her familiarity with the area and the flock captivated him completely. At the Winter Festival, Caleb sees her with Ella and they decide to meet later at the local bar, Beakers. The evening goes well and a drunken Ella sets Tasha and Caleb up on their first date. Neither of them can wait for the date, engaging in text phone calls for the following days. Then Tasha stops communicating with Caleb. She arrives at his cabin on Friday evening and he is instantly relieved. After revealing why he had moved to Indiana, the couple shared kisses. The next afternoon, Tasha invites Caleb to join her and her friends at Beakers for karaoke. Tasha’s past is about to make a scene, and it’s not the only thing she hasn’t told Caleb about.
Tasha and the Biologist is a romance story that unites two people who are recovering from their painful pasts. The tension as each one tells their past secrets is palpable. The unpredictable plot adds even more suspense when Tasha and Caleb are separated for several weeks. Will a brand new loving spark flicker out? I found the story fascinating, and the wildlife information was provided in an easy to understand way. This is a 5-star story with excellent character development.Barnaby, a wiggly French bulldog, was even involved in the story, which provided a light despite the dramatic nature of the human revelations.
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 Runyon2024-10-15 16:54:212024-10-22 19:25:17Tasha and the Biologist (A Better Man, Book 2) by Amy Q. Barker – Review by Stephanie Runyon
Petra was on a mission to discover how her brother, Aldeny, had died in the Cloistered City. She knew her brother had become a courier and refused to believe the letter that he had killed himself. She was assigned to the Washing House, where she did the laundry for the city. She became friends with Winfred, who was the target of a hateful trio of girls. When one of the girls had stolen Winfred’s lotion, Petra tried to stand up for her. Winfred was whipped unconscious and became extremely sick. Petra stayed by her side until she could work again. One evening, Petra’s life changed. She encountered a courier who had spent the night with a man. The courier gave Petra the message, which was extremely late, and her courier cloak before leaving the city.
Petra became an official courier that night. On her way to deliver the message, she crossed paths with a group of Shilvary guards. Captain Larkin grabbed her arm and shook Petra, intending to punish her for not bowing in respect. Captain Rand Tsenturian instructed his fellow guard to release her, as she was clearly a new courier.
Emperor Cyprian’s engagement to Lady Theophania enraged Lady Sunniva. She had intentionally come to Vale to marry Cyprian and form an alliance with Bessaraiah. Lady Sunniva sent a notice to her home country, which placed Captain Tsenturian in place to lead the troops to defend the country. Petra had become Rand’s personal courier and learned that he was the Shivalry guard that buried her brother. Rand led Petra to the garden that held the Antediluvian stone. Rand confirmed that Aldeny did commit suicide and was buried in the garden. Petra refused to believe him. She placed her hand on the Antediluvian stone and demanded that he swear he spoke the truth, or she would take him as her sacrifice. Upon her declaration, Petra bound Rand to her. They both bore undeniable marks of the Ensign of Sacrifice and his Sacred.
Rand refused to live with Petra without being married, something that Shilvary normally did not do. She had made him break his vow of celibacy; therefore, going to war with his men was in jeopardy. Rand took her before the Emperor and Cyprian performed the ceremony. Petra’s action required her to join Rand and his troops in the fight against Bessariah’s soldiers.
A slow-burn romance builds from the tragic loss of a brother forced to work before his time. Petra’s view is relatable, and I could feel how she wished to find retribution for the loss of her brother. His letters had kept her and her mother alive with hope. The plot of the story is unpredictable, and the power of the Ensign adds suspense to a burning point. Rand was unable to pick between his loyalties, and I wondered how long he would continue to lead Petra on without committing even after they were married. The addition of Lindy created another element that forced reality to reach Rand and Petra. There were some questions left unanswered; therefore, I am rating Sanctuary four 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 Runyon2024-10-15 16:43:532024-10-22 19:24:59Sanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski – Review by Stephanie Runyon
Adrian is a private man with a dark past. He is plagued with sleepwalking and not knowing what he has done. He often woke up several miles away from home or in different rooms, with no recollection of how he got there. Adrian has sadistic tendencies and enjoys being a dominant at Lotus, a BDSM club that requires a specific invitation. He rarely invited anyone more than once. Brynn’s sister, Blair, was found in the San Francisco Bay. After she moves into Blair’s former condo, Brynn accesses Blair’s laptop and discovers a shocking secret. Blair had a darker side; she was a submissive who found pleasure in pain.
Brynn discovers her sister’s stash of journals inside a secret compartment in a wall. She researches the lifestyle in detail after meeting Erebus69. After following Erebus69’s verbal instructions, Brynn receives an invitation to Lotus. What she is unaware of is that Blair had been one of Erebus69’s submissives. However, Erebus69 doesn’t know that Brynn is the half-sister to Blair.
Brynn’s work environment has become uncomfortable because of Randall’s attempts to get her to go on a date with him. He is her boss, and she has always refused his invitations. After Brynn’s condo is broken into, the only item missing was a pair of panties that Erebus69 had sent her. When Adrian learns about the incident, he asks for her number and hires Barry to watch her. Adrian doesn’t have feelings of love for anyone, but he feels a strong attraction towards Brynn.
For a story full of suspense and a slow-burn romance, Shadows in the Dark is an exceptional book. A dark past mixed with the painful memories of a lost loved one plagues both sides of this story. Brynn never knew her sister’s affinity for being a masochist. Adrain’s guilty conscience for his twin sister’s death. The isolation of both characters puts them at risk of harm. If Adrian is possibly killing people in his sleep, Brynn is a prime victim. Their shared time on Olympus and trysts on Lotus bring the steam factor in a tasteful way. The emotions that the sexual acts are displayed, the primal desire for dominance driving both to trust the other. The intricate details lead the plot into unforeseen circumstances for both characters. The story sets a solid foundation for the trilogy, and the intense end left me anxious to read the sequel. This is definitely a 5-star book I recommend for mature adults who like to delve into the BDSM world, featuring two lost people meeting physically. Will they also connect on an emotional level?
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 Runyon2024-10-15 16:17:092024-10-22 19:24:16Shadows In The Dark (Dark Lotus Series) by Anise Storm & Taylor L. Ray – Review by Stephanie Runyon
This was a wonderful and exciting book to read. The author is not only excellent at worldbuilding but the characters are very relatable and delightful. Whisper is a page-turner full of curses, death, hope, fantasy, mystery, suspense, plot twists and excellent characters. Kay Ross, the author, has such skill in the way she delivers this unique story. Everyone loves a good curse book, but I absolutely devoured that the curse in this book becomes sentient, it is BRILLANT. Whisper provides you with a story that is full of emotion. Such a masterpiece and I am very excited for the next book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Helen Dawkinshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHelen Dawkins2024-10-14 21:04:542024-10-22 19:06:18Whisper (The Entian Curse) by Kay Ross – Review by Helen Dawkins
This book was such a great read! Ariadne is the girl trying to get a job in a man’s world, as an investigative reporter. She’s at a women’s magazine and scores the scoop on the commoner marrying the Prince!
Little does she know the article she went to write won’t be her only one and she’s in for a ride! Her aunt gets her a room at the local Inn. Ariadne can’t turn off her reporter instincts while at the Inn. She is on the property with a few other couples that are all old friends.
When things start happening on the property Ariadne finds herself knee deep in trying to find out who is behind the mysterious happenings… then a murder happens.
Will she solve it before the police? Will this get her the write up in a prestigious paper that she wants? Will she become the investigative reporter she wants to be?
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 Pulliam2024-10-13 22:08:152024-10-22 19:17:25Ink and Intrigue at Ivy Tree Inn (Ariadne Winter Mystery Series) by Ellen Butler – Review by Devon Pulliam
Can I request more for this story?!?! What a wonderful read!! Seriously could not put it down! I have not read the previous books in this series but am going to now!
In this book we meet Katherine (Kat), Nate and Maddi. Kat becomes a temporary foster kid due to losing her only grandparent, who was her guardian. Nate just happens to be serving in the military in the Middle East. Maddi becomes Kat’s social worker when Kat ends up in jail.
That’s when it gets exciting! Kat witnesses something, reveals some information about her current foster placement, break-ins are happening, chases, and shootings.
In the middle of all of this Nate and Maddi are fighting their feelings for one another. Can they keep Kat safe? Will they solve who is after Kat? Will they give into their feelings?
Read on to find out! I guarantee you won’t put the book down!
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 Pulliam2024-10-06 20:32:242024-10-21 14:46:11A Safe Place (Philly Heat Series) by Becky Flade – Review by Devon Pulliam
Hillary Rettig has done a fantastic job organizing this amazing and helpful book! I only wish it was available when I was younger. I especially appreciate that she covers the differences socioeconomic status and cultural upbringing effects individuals as well as “disempowering circumstances.” This book has offered me an extraordinarily powerful skillset. This is a perfect ally for the intended target age group.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Vicki Sheltonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngVicki Shelton2024-10-03 08:25:242024-10-21 13:47:25Productivity is Power: Five Liberating Practices for College Students by Hillary Rettig – reviewed by Vicki Shelton
Oh my gosh, this book was adorable and funny. A great conversation starter for the little ones. We laughed at each item Luca thought would happen if he ate a drop of glue. Wonderful story and lots of laughs. The illustrations went perfectly with the story and were bright and vibrant. This is a great one to add to childs collection.
Calla and Ash are getting married. Tommy catches sight of Angie, the woman who got away. She is married to Scott and Tommy has a clingy girlfriend. Chelsea hints at marriage all the time, but Tommy doesn’t think marriage will ever happen for him. While waiting for their plane to Los Angeles, Bernie calls Tommy saying that Ash has been in an accident.
Once in the family room, Max and Tommy learn that Ash’s injuries weren’t life threatening. However, Scott had died in the accident. Both men were jogging when a car veered off and crashed. Scott and the driver didn’t survive. Angie, who is pregnant with Scott’s baby, is devastated. Tommy returns to New York to break up with Chelsea, only to learn she is pregnant. A whirlwind marriage in Vegas has Tommy married to a nightmare.
6 years pass and Chelsea leaves Tommy and their son Ozzie. Thankfully, Tommy has a spectacular nanny. However, Koolum Law suffers another setback when Brett quits the band. The remaining members go to Braebeach to stay at Calla and Ash’s beach house. Connie and Josh accompany the group. Tommy feels angry that Chelsea has made no attempt to even call Ozzie. Connie tells him that Ozzie won’t take his mother’s absence as much as Tommy would think.However, Chelsea arrives at Calla’s house to attempt to take Ozzie with her. Angie arrives to pick up Josh and Chelsea automatically starts accusing them of having an affair.
Tommy meets with an attorney to set up the court proceedings for his divorce. WHen he sees Fraser at a table with another woman, he automatically thinks Fraser was cheating on Angie. Despite not harming Fraser, the man takes advantage of the situation to make a fast buck. Chelsea takes the story and tells reporters that Angie was a homewrecker and she was why the marriage failed.
Drama enters this book from all directions. Family drama involving Tommy and his wife causes tension to rise. I feared for Ozzie’s safety when she showed up out of the blue. Angie’s grief over Scott seems to keep her on an emotional rollercoaster. Tommy’s patience is unending when it comes to Angie’s pain. After Chelsea, I doubt anything could phase him. I wonder if Brett will ever reconnect with the band, even just on a friendship level. The stress levels of the characters are understandable and their resiliency is captivating. Plenty of romance shines throughout this intense novel. The hate I have for mainstream media is reinforced with the situation that Tommy and Angie have to face. I recommend Love and Fate for readers who enjoy romance novels with realistic problems involving relatable characters. This beautifully crafted novel easily earns a five star rating for me.
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 Runyon2024-09-27 21:56:152024-10-01 08:28:51Love and Fate (A Braebeach Rockstar Romance) by Loriana Cappello – Review by Stephanie Runyon
Ash remembers Calla from secondary school. He claims she stole his heart instantly. It had been 5 years since he had seen her. Calla cries, holding her head, crying out in pain. She recognizes Ash. An older woman claims Calla walked into the lamppost. Ash offers her a ride to the hospital. The woman agrees to wait with Calla’s stuff while Ash carries her to the car. Ash recalls the past and Calla mentions Scott Knox. Scott was Ash’s best friend from school but a bully to Calla. He blows off a meeting with Dani. He didn’t go home until lunchtime the next day.
He shared a house with Tommy. Entering the house, he noticed that his house was clean, laundry washed, dishes done, and his room was neat. His mother enters the room with a clean load of laundry. A knock at the door reveals Dani Hill. She worked at Election records and offered a contract to Ash’s band. His mother walks in as Dani has made herself comfortable and is trying to push Ash to make a decision on the contract. Ash’s mother knocks Dani down a notch and makes her leave.
Calla didn’t get along with her mother and her father was absent. However, her grandparents had given her a happy childhood. Her mother had always blamed her for the multiple men who left her. Calla had found her safe space at school. Now she works at Rosie’s Café and her mother has moved to be with her latest man. Calla enjoys her time at Braebeach living in her grandparent’s second home.
Ash notices Calla is with a friend, setting up a lounge on the beach. Calla wonders if she could handle a summer fling. Ash tells her about his band and asks Calla on a date. He offers Angie and Calla backstage passes to his band’s performance at the Dunbar Hotel.
After performing, Ash and Tommy take the girls to join them for dinner. Famous music icon, Bernie Hill, and his daughter, Dani, are present. Bernie asked Calla what she looked for in music and she was honest. Dani seemed not to like Calla when her father preferred to listen to Calla instead of her. Bernie said Calla could have a job in the music business industry. Calla and Ash both fall for each other but their thoughts about their relationship are not in sync.
The unpredictable twists in this book built tension from the first page. The vivid depiction of their emotions was captivating. It was easy to understand how their childhood lives dictated how they handled their relationships with people. Calla’s mother’s instability prevents her from forming attachments to anyone and her independent nature is a gift and a curse. A theme of forgiveness and trust intertwines with the drama that fills this book. I recommend this dramatic romance novel to fans who like seeing the inner turmoil of each person’s thoughts.
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