This is a great little story. It comes along at a great time in our own country. In Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides we get a great story about change. Change is seldom easy, and I think this author does a good job of showing us different aspects of the difficulties of change. Our heroine, Rowena, slowly recognizes her part in the need for bringing about these changes, but she is up for the challenge. Vincenzo and Luka have very different approaches to change but in the end….it works. The real shining point of this story is the dialogue between Dominus and Rowena. It’s there that we see the solution for real change. This is a fast-paced little story and was over too soon. I found myself wanting more. If you are like me and you like the story within the story this is a book that you will really enjoy.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jonell Collinshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJonell Collins2019-11-17 14:13:122019-11-17 15:23:18Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides – Review by Jonell Collins
I decided to read this book based on the synopsis. I had no idea what to expect as I have never read a book by this author before. I enjoyed the more unique portrayal of vampires, and the world building is excellent. There is a bit of mystery as Rowena tries to learn more about the Sanguinians and their city, Sanguinia. There are some great twists and turns that keep the story moving so you can’t put it down.
Overall, I enjoyed this story. It’s a quick read that takes you on a great adventure of political intrigue as well as a bit of romance. ?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Naomi McDonaldhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngNaomi McDonald2019-11-17 13:59:372019-11-17 14:06:28Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides – Review by Naomi McDonald
A glamour filled Hollywood life, turns sour for America’s Sweetheart. It’s 1977 and Natalie Hampton is already hanging on by her fingernails, when headlines expose cracks in the carefully crafted veneer of her life. Broken and bruised she flees the country; searching for a place to heal. In Rome, tucked away from prying eyes, she finds the strength to claw her way out of the deep end of depression.
Across an Italian Piazza, a gorgeous man with a wounded soul of his own catches her hearts’ attention. She’s on a journey to save herself, but is there room for love to find its way in?
If love is hard to find, Natalie soon realizes, it can be even harder to hold onto. When a lie takes on a life of its own, she finds herself in the fight of her life, where everything she holds dear is threatened.
Though set against the lush backdrops of Hollywood, Rome, and Carmel California, Natalie’s story is every woman’s story. A fight for self. A fight for love.
From the time I was a little girl I’ve had stories swimming in my head. The beginning of my love affair with words.It’s the one constant in my life. Hairstyles come and go. Thank God. (Does anyone remember the dreaded Pixie Cut?) But the love of a pen sailing across the page is something of which I’ve never tired. It’s been said that writing is somewhere between torture and fun. Why do we tortured souls with ink-stained fingers do it, you ask? Because we have no choice. Words and phrases pile up in the dusty corners of our minds until there’s no room left for anything else. A story demands to be written, when it’s ready to be written. Kind of like having a baby. Once it starts pushing…there’s no holding back. My tag line is: Romance may be pretty but love stories are real.I chase them down with a passion, unwilling to settle for the tale that sits on the surface. Digging until I reveal the truth. Beneath the pretty layers we present to the world, we find relationships stripped of pretense. Stories of life and love and families. Standing in their raw vulnerability, we see our friends, our sisters,… ourselves. Barefaced, they are even more beautiful. Without a protective shield, we are able to recognize them for who they truly are. Deep down is where the real story lives, and that’s exactly where I want to be when I’m writing. Because love is messy. And glorious. I want to roll around in a story and fall in love. Want to come with me?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2019-11-17 00:02:012020-04-04 00:45:14Lost in Carmel by Terri Lee
Loving Jake is the first book in the Almost Perfect series, and emotive debut novel by Lisa Lanay. This is a contemporary romance- with drama, angst, secrets, second chances, and more. Ms. Lanay employed a tried and tested ‘recipe’ for her debut, giving it her own ‘spin’- and delivers a polished and enjoyable read. Was the story a little predictable?-Yes. But the story was written in such a way that I couldn’t help but invest in the characters, and their story- and in the end the predictability didn’t really matter. I enjoyed the journey. I will definitely be keeping an eye out for the next book in the series! Well done!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2019-11-16 22:41:022019-11-17 05:36:08Loving Jake (Almost Perfect Series Book 1) by Lisa Lanay – Review by Angela Hayes
In Loving Jake, the first book in the Almost Perfect series, by author Lisa Lanay we meet Jake Taylor, a journalist who returns home to take care of his grandfather. While attending a party at his old friend’s house, he runs into his best friends’ little sister, Kimberly. Kim has been in love with Jake for twenty years but was always too shy to do anything about it. When Jake turns up at Kim’s house looking to rent her extra bedroom Kim decides to take the bull by the horns and make him fall, I love with her. Unfortunately, Jake is hiding a secret from Kim that keeps him from returning her affection, will Jake let his secret hold him back from what he truly desires? This was the first time I have read anything by this author and I don’t think it will be the last. At times the story was choppy but it was entertaining if you can look past that. I did find Jake to be a little whiny at times but I enjoyed the character of Kim. I felt sorry for Kim at times but she didn’t let her situation and unrequited love keep her down. I look forward to reading more in this series and from this author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lisa Brydalskihttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLisa Brydalski2019-11-16 15:45:402019-11-16 17:11:29Loving Jake (Almost Perfect Series Book 1) by Lisa Lanay – Review by Lisa Brydalski
Loving Jake (Almost Perfect Series Book 1) by Lisa Lanay. Ok first off I’m a sucker for a friends to lovers book, and it’s even better if it’s just a little forbidden. This author knows romance and I’m excited to read more. Jake and Kimberly both frustrated me and made me love them. I couldn’t put this book down from start to finish I was hooked. The characters are complex and relatable, and I couldn’t help but root for each of them for different reasons. The author has a wonderful way of drawing the readers in and making us forget it’s a book. It’s well written and paced nicely never feeling rushed or lacking anything. I’d have to say this story is in my top five favorites for this year. I can’t wait to see where the author takes readers next. Five stars and highly recommend.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katie Kearneyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie Kearney2019-11-16 15:25:112019-11-16 15:36:32Loving Jake (Almost Perfect Series Book 1) by Lisa Lanay – Review by Katie Kearney
This is the first book that I have read by this author, and I thought it was a good one to start with. It was interesting from beginning to end and it was well written. This story is about Rowena and the choices she has to make in her life. Big decisions will have to be made and she will have to make them fast. So many twists and turns in this one, I was on the edge of my seat at times and I liked that. I am looking forward to reading more by this author and I would recommend this Book to anyone that likes vampire reads! Happy Reading!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Anastasia Dodsonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAnastasia Dodson2019-11-15 22:56:352019-11-16 05:27:25Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides – Review by Anastasia Dodson
Loving Jake (Almost Perfect Series Book 1) by Lisa Lanay
5 +++++ Stars
Oh my gosh I loved this book!! Being my first by this author I wasn’t sure what to expect and it went beyond what I could have hoped for. I loved these people Jake and Kimberly were awesome and I was so totally invested in their story from the first couple pages. Not only the leads but I loved the secondary as well. The miscommunication between Jake and Kimberly had me wanting to crawl into the book and slap them both upside the head. I did though feel so bad for Jake, his story and the way it was told broke my heart, then mended it just as quick. The hospital scene took my breath away!!
This was an original story that at times I thought would go a certain way yet this author found ways to keep it fresh and unique and I appreciated that. I fell head over heels for gramps even if he was a bit difficult at times and he broke my heart.
This was an awesome start to a new series, one that I know I will read over and over again. I can not wait for Zanes story and also anything else this author writes..
Can’t recommend this enough, it had all the feels and I loved it!
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 Kircher2019-11-15 14:24:292019-11-15 14:24:29Loving Jake (Almost Perfect Series Book 1) by Lisa Lanay – Review by Debi Kircher
Forbidden Love is the true story of Father William C. Grau, a Black Catholic Priest and Sister Sophie Legocki, a White Polish American nun, who in the segregated fifties, defied the church and society with their passionate secret love affair that lasted for nearly a decade and gave birth to a son, Joe Steele. Joe, a Harvard College and Harvard Business School graduate and successful Global Development Consultant and Executive Coach, now understood why the Archdiocese had sealed his adoption records. When he reunites with his birth mother, Sophie, he finally hears of the passionate love that she and his birth father shared, often risking their lives to be together. Joe also learned for the first time how after his adoption, Sophie and Father Grau continued their love affair when she moved into the Rectory to live with him as his housekeeper until his death in 1964. Joe and Sophie grow closer as he too shares his life as the beloved youngest son in his nurturing and loving adopted Steele family in Cincinnati. Forbidden Love is the inspiring true story of a love that would not be denied proving that true Love will always triumph. Forbidden Love was written by Lisa Jones Gentry, an NAACP Image Award and Literary Critics Nominated writer. She is also a screenwriter and television Executive Producer and attorney and an honors graduate of Harvard College and The Harvard Law School.
People would consider Lisa Jones Gentry, the author of “Forbidden Love” a true renaissance woman, because the former entertainment attorney, became an artist, author, creative executive, and writer-producer for film, television and digital content…
Lisa discovered her passion for the creative side of the business while serving as broadcast counsel at CBS in New York City, where she was the lead attorney on deals ranging from multi-millions to billions, such as the Olympics and Major League Baseball deal. But her Hollywood calling changed from “behind-the-deal” to “behind-the-laptop”, and ultimately moved to LA to break into the business as a writer-producer. As luck would have it, the first film script that she and her writing partner wrote was optioned by Paramount.
For the next four years they had several screenplays and teleplays optioned and set up at networks and studios, including development deals. She then took that creative experience and brought it to her position as EVP of Development for the stalwart Western International Syndication, formerly a division of renowned Western International Media, once the largest media buying entity in the world. Charged with expanding the company’s traditional roster of syndicated programming into network and cable, she executive produced over 100 hours of television in various formats and genres, airing on broadcast and cable. She also structured a joint venture between French broadcasting giant TF-1, Stephen J. Cannell Productions and Western for the international distribution of a one hour dramatic series.
Though “behind-the-deal: again, she didn’t stop her work behind-the-laptop and during that time wrote her first novel, “A Dead Man Speaks.” It garnered her an NAACP Image Award nomination for Best Debut Author, followed by a Literary Critics Award nomination for best general fiction. And her creative roll continued with a First Look Deal for Lisa and her writing partner at Sony Pictures under their Screen Gems banner.
With the cataclysmic changes in the “business,” like many other writers and producers, it wasn’t long before Lisa expanded her focus to digital media and due to her writing and executive experience was recruited to be the CEO of Comedy Express, a start-up broadband network targeting the young adult male demo. Ultimately, Comedy Express was acquired by the famed National Lampoon.
Following the acquisition of Comedy Express, Lisa not only managed to write another book – this time as a co-author of the nonfiction, “So You Want to be A Lawyer,” now in its second printing -she continued her expansion into digital media and technology and worked as Co-CEO of another early stage start-up company that launched two 24/7 television networks on cable, IPTV and satellite networks outside the US in Europe and Asia. Today, Lisa is a frequent speaker on technology and digital media, at the Tribeca Film Festival, the FCC start up conference and many other venues.
As if all that she’s done isn’t enough, Lisa is also an accomplished artist, and has been exhibiting and selling her work for several years. She has had worked featured in television series and TV Movies and buyers of her work have included on air talent, Arthel Neville and television Executive Producer, Samm Art Williams.
And while she loves exploring her artistic side, Lisa has no intention of slowing down her writing, as she continues to flex her creative muscle with several TV and film projects that she’s developing as well as her current book, “Forbidden Love,” the true love story of a white nun and a black priest in the segregated fifties as told by their son Joe Steele.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2019-11-15 00:03:092020-04-04 00:45:37Forbidden Love; Written by Lisa Jones Gentry, As Told by Joe Steele
Because of Brice, I finally have the family that I’ve always wanted.
We’ve been through the fire together, and now it’s our time to have fun.
When Brice’s best friend Egon went to New York to record an album with his band.
Of course, we jumped at the opportunity to umm….
Make memories.
Now if only we can stay out of trouble.
****This is a standalone novella if you would like more backstory of the characters, please read Joe Football first. This will be a fast-paced romp with Brice, Favor and their friends. ***
Autumn Sand was born and raised in New York City. Considering herself a true New Yorker in every way from the restaurants that she eats to the shoe fetish she has. Oh yes at one-time Autumn has had a shoe collection of 300 and has the credit card statements to prove it. Other than shoe shopping she has various interests such as reading, writing, and traveling. Autumn has worked in the fashion industry for most of her adult life before pursuing writing. She is reluctant to call herself an author but considers herself a person who writes words that people just so happen to like to read. As you can tell Autumn has a sarcastic sense of humor and loves to make her friends laugh in all occasions. She enjoys a good glass of wine but her go to drink of choice is a Jack Daniels and coke with a twist of lime.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2019-11-15 00:02:082020-04-04 00:45:46Summer Break: A Joe Football Novella by Autumn Sand
A sexy vacation/fake fiancée stand-alone romance with a guaranteed HEA from the author of the Rogue Series.
What happens in Maui, stays in Maui. Unless you run into your vacation fling back home . . .
Much to her annoyance, workaholic lawyer Ava Ruiz is forced to take a vacation to a tropical paradise. Unable to tear her mind off her cases, she’s counting down the days until she can go back to work.
Until she meets Ford.
Admittedly, she has nothing in common with the gorgeous surfer. She’s type-A and he’s the definition of laid-back. But for a few steamy days, that fails to matter thanks to their instant and undeniable attraction.
Inevitably, all good things must come to an end . . . or do they?
Once back to their “real world” lives, Ava and Ford come face-to-face in a surprise reunion that takes a turn when he asks her to help him out by playing along with a fake engagement. Reluctantly going along with the ruse, Ava soon finds herself wondering if either of them are pretending, after all.
Fans of sizzling vacation romance will find themselves swooning over Hula Girl!
Lara Ward Cosio is the author of contemporary romances that are raw, realistic, sometimes funny, and always feature swoon-worthy men and strong-willed women.
I was unprepared for the level of detail, world building, and character development I found in these pages. Charalambides does a fantastic job not falling into the latest trend of catering to the YA crowd with another vampire tale. This was mature, engaging, and riveting. From beginning to end, I simply was hooked. I look forward to reading more from this author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heather Lovelacehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeather Lovelace2019-11-13 22:54:302019-11-13 22:54:30Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides – Review by Heather Lovelace
I enjoyed this romance book. This is a new author for me and I will be looking for more books by her. I was pulled into the story right from the start. It is an engaging story that I read in one sitting. Kimberly has loved Jake since high school but she has always been the little sister. Now that he is back in town will she be able to convince him to give her a chance? I enjoyed them and watching the growth between them. They will keep you turning pages! I highly recommend their story.
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 Wagner2019-11-11 19:37:312019-11-11 19:37:31Loving Jake (Almost Perfect Series Book 1) by Lisa Lanay – Review by Bobbi Wagner
Loving Jake (Almost Perfect Series Book 1) By: Lisa Lanay 5 out of 5 stars
The story Loving Jake (Almost Perfect Series Book 1) by Lisa Lanay is a contemporary romance book. It is a story that pulled me in from the beginning and didn’t let me go until the final page. It is a book that is romantic and has wonderful characters. I loved reading about Kimberly Urbane and Jake Taylor. Kimberly had always had a crush on Jake. When he suddenly needs a place to stay, Kimberly lets him stay in her spare room. The attraction between them is undeniable. Both of them have feelings for the other. Can Kimberly get Jake to act on his? Jake is a man who after the heartbreak of his divorce decides that relationships and romance are not for him. That doesn’t mean that he doesn’t see how beautiful Kimberly is and want more with her. What does the future hold for Kimberly and Jake? Will they find a HEA? Read this book to find out. This story has moments that will make you laugh, moments that are sad, and also heartwarming moments. The book had my emotions going up and down the entire time I was reading it. There are romantic scenes that you will love reading. Don’t miss out on a wonderful story that has amazing characters. I highly recommend it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Laura Furutahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLaura Furuta2019-11-11 19:04:242019-11-11 19:24:06Loving Jake (Almost Perfect Series Book 1) by Lisa Lanay – Review by Laura Furuta
She’s willing to risk her heart for love but will she be able to convince him to do the same?
Kimberly Urbane has loved Jake Taylor since she was in junior high school. Too bad Jake has always thought of her as only one of his friend’s little sisters, and Kimberly has always been too shy around him to prove otherwise. That is until he unexpectedly comes back into town and needs a room to rent, and Kimberly has one available, well, sort of. Long days, and even longer nights, prove that there is an undeniable attraction between them, but is it enough to convince Jake that he and Kimberly have a chance together? Or will he take his painful memories, and Kimberly’s heart, and run as far from her as he can?
He believes that SOME people have love without heartbreak, but not him.
A bitter divorce has left Jake Taylor gun-shy when it comes to love, until a visit to his hometown begins to change his mind. He never put much stock in Kimberly’s obvious crush on him years ago, but now she’s all grown up, and the more time he spends with her, the harder it is to resist her. Jake knows he can’t possibly give Kimberly the future she wants and deserves, but his desire for her is strong, and his ability to resist her is weakening. Should he stay and risk more heartbreak, or walk away for good?
When wounded pride and well-kept secrets turn everything in their world upside-down, is it still possible to have the life they both dreamed of?
Lisa has loved romance since reading her first romantic short story in a magazine during high school. Since then, she had read thousands of romances, preferring a splash of humor throughout the story line and of course, a happy ending! She began writing stories in her head over twenty years ago and finally decided to open up her laptop and record them. Today, her characters love nothing more to play out their stories while she walks on the beach or is on a airplane – so if you happen to see her in either place, make sure to ask her for introductions to the characters in her next book but be prepared to stop and have a glass of wine with her, as she will undoubtedly want to bounce ideas off of you!
Lisa is an advocate for rescue dogs and beach preservation and can often be found supporting various charitable causes to support rescue dogs or walking the beaches picking up trash and using the time to work out dialogue in her mind. She travels extensively, some of her favorite places include Rome, Hong Kong, and South Florida.
Lisa is busy working on her sixth book in the Almost Perfect Series, Enticing Luke.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2019-11-11 00:01:342020-04-04 00:46:56Loving Jake (Almost Perfect Series Book 1) by Lisa Lanay
Vampire State By: Alexander Charalambides 5 out of 5 stars
The story Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides is a vampire/paranormal book. It is a story that hooked me in from the beginning and didn’t let me go until the final page. The author does an amazing job of world-building and the development of the characters. I loved reading about Rowena. She is smart, independent, and stubborn. She finds herself with a choice to accept “The Gift” and become a “pale” or vampire. The decision has to be made and as time goes by, she finds herself in the company of Vincenzo and Luka. She is drawn to both of them. What path will Rowena choose? What does her future hold? Read this book to find out. The story kept me on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. It is a fast-paced journey that you are taking with twists and turns around every corner. I enjoyed the additional characters that are introduced. Some of them are helpful to Rowena and others have their own agenda. Then there are those who I wondered just what their motivations were. The story is written in such a way that I felt I was right there with the characters. I grew to care about Rowena with each chapter that I read. I have always loved vampire novels and this book is a good example of why. It will have you glued to the pages until you have read the last one. I highly recommend reading it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Laura Furutahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLaura Furuta2019-11-09 14:29:272019-11-09 14:38:07Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides – Review by Laura Furuta
Lost in Carmel by Terri Lee was emotional, raw, realistic, and wow. I was hooked by Natalie’s story. He retelling of her life was heart warming and tearful. As I read, I felt like I was in the room with her. Herr emotions were palpable and its almost as if I felt them right a long with her. I was amazed with the authors ability to portray these feelings from the pages of this book. I easily got lost in her work. This book was way more than I expected when I first picked it up. I was very impressed. It had an easy storyline that was organized and smooth. It was also descriptive and the author made it easy to visualize each scene. It was by far one of my favorite reads.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Madison Degraffenreidhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMadison Degraffenreid2019-11-07 20:54:552019-11-07 21:12:48Lost in Carmel by Terri Lee – Review by Madison Degraffenreid
This is my first book by this author, I enjoyed it from beginning to end. I know I will be looking to read more from this author. This is a well develped story about vampires and their lives. The characters are strong, supportive, and connectable. They took me on some twists and turns that left me turning pages. Rowena has some decisions to make that could affect herself and her family. Will she accept what is being offered? I highly recommend reading her story and find out what happens next.
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 Wagner2019-11-07 16:11:072019-11-07 16:11:07Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides – Review by Bobbi Wagner
The story Lost in Carmel by Terri Lee is an amazing book. It pulled me in from the beginning and didn’t let me go until the final page. The story had my emotions going up and down the entire time I was reading it. I loved reading about Natalie Hampton. She is the main character in the book. The author did an amazing job of making her character come alive. Natalie is a character that I couldn’t help but grow to love with each chapter that I read. This story tells of Natalie’s journey and about those she meets along the way as well as the situations that she finds herself in. There are ups and downs, heartbreaking and heartwarming moments. I found Natalie a woman who is intelligent, strong, and one that learns to be self-reliant. What does the future hold for Natalie? Read this book to find out. I enjoyed the interactions between the additional characters in the story and Natalie. This is a book that touched my heart. If you are looking for a story that has an amazing storyline and wonderful characters, look no further. I highly recommend reading it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Laura Furutahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLaura Furuta2019-11-07 15:56:262019-11-07 16:22:10Lost in Carmel by Terri Lee – Review by Laura Furuta
Lost in Carmel by Terri Lee is an emotional and completely relatable story. This is the first book that I have read by this author and I have to say I was so impressed with the way she crafted this story. It is so easy to look at the typical Hollywood lifestyle and assume you know it all. However this book takes a look at the darker side to it and really takes you on an emotional rollercoaster. It is so easy to connect with Natalie and empathise with that she is feeling. While she might be a star her feelings and her concerns are completely normal. I was impressed with this boll from start to finish and it has definitely whet my appetite for more books by this author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kerry Bakerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKerry Baker2019-11-07 15:26:292019-11-07 15:35:20Lost in Carmel by Terri Lee – Review by Kerry Baker
WEALTH, POWER, IMMORTALITY. ROWENA COULD HAVE IT ALL. ALL SHE HAS TO DO IS DIE.
Rowena’s country is gone, squashed under a tide of tanks, bombs and Pale, immortal soldiers. Rowena herself refuses to accept defeat. She trades contraband, plays dirty, and even robs her fellow students, but when her father returns from war a hero, she discovers a new temptation and a new meaning of fear.
Join and Die.
Become one of the oppressors, join the empire and live a life of luxury and ease but only if she accepts ‘The Gift’ and becomes a ‘Pale’, in other words, a vampire.
With the the clock ticking on her family’s decision, Rowena’s forced into close quarters with Vincenzo, the handsome son of a powerful man and trendy social revolutionary, and ambushed by Luka, an attractive, heavily armed criminal.
Both men try to recruit her but Rowena, drawn to both of them, fears what will happen when she’s served her purpose. Can Rowena hold on to her family, her individuality, and even her life in Sanguinia, the city without a sun, or will the darkness of the world’s oldest empire, and the immortal Emperor Dominus, swallow her whole?
Alexander Charalambides was born and brought up in the UK and always wanted to be a writer.
In his spare time he enjoys Wing Chun Kung Fu and plays a select few video games. He also serves as Dungeon Master for local desk top role playing games such as Dungeons and Dragons and Dungeon World.
Alexander now lives in the White Mountains of New Hampshire with his family (all authors) and two eccentric dogs.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2019-11-05 00:01:282020-04-04 00:48:33Vampire State by Alexander Charalambides
Lost in Carmel by Terri Lee is an emotive period piece set in 1977. This emotive story focuses on the life of Hollywood Star and America’s Sweetheart, Natalie Hampton. She has risen to the top of the Hollywood ladder, child actor to movie star. Everyone loved her- until they turned on her. The price of fame you say. Well this story gives us an in-depth look at the ‘price tag’. What seems perfect, glamorous, and enviable- may not be all it’s cracked up to be. When Natalie’s life turns upside down, she flees to Italy to regroup, and find/rediscover her ‘true’ self- and unexpectedly, romance blossoms. But will it be the lasting, forever kind of love? Terri Lee knows just how to draw you in and keep you engaged. Adding drama and raw emotion to her story in just the right amounts to hold her readers attention right through to the end. This is the first book of hers that I have read, so I wasn’t sure what to expect going in. I can honestly say she has won me over with this wonderful piece of women’s fiction- and I will definitely be following her work from here on out. Terri Lee paints such rich and vibrant scenes. Bringing Hollywood, Italy, and Carmel to life. I was there with Natalie, experiencing all the sights and sounds- right alongside her.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2019-11-03 11:28:332019-11-03 11:46:16Lost in Carmel by Terri Lee – Review by Terri Lee
Lost in Carmel by Terri Lee is a raw and realist look into the life of a Hollywood star. It is engaging and brings to the surface many demons that I have fought in my own life. There are certainly a few tears to be shed as the story was very powerful for me. The life of a Hollywood film star looks glamourous from the outside but that is after we have seen the polished version in the magazines or films. Have you ever wondered what lurks beneath the surface of that smile, what their life is really truly like? Well Terri gives a look at what that is like and does not sugar coat it, all the dirty laundry is out there for all to see. I love the main characters and especially the best friend, he cracked me up each and every time. It is also a very passionate read that grabs you in the heart. Natalie Hampton a Hollywood it girl and America’s Darling, has been in the business since she was a young girl. She has seen it all, she has done it all and the world is her oyster. That is until it’s not. That is until it takes her to a dark, dark place. That place in the world where you wonder just who exactly you are. A place where you look at yourself in the mirror and go “who are you?” A place in the world where you have fallen in the dark hole and cannot see a way out. It is also a place that you start from to find the real you that has been so long forgotten. A place where you can learn to re-love yourself, to find your self-worth. A place from where you can find real love.
Rome is a beautiful and relaxing metropolis and I could picture vividly the words and world that Terri created for this wonderful story that left me captivated and reminiscing.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenni Bishophttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenni Bishop2019-10-30 04:57:132019-10-30 07:02:02Lost in Carmel by Terri Lee – Review by Jenni Bishop
What a fantastic book! It was a wonderfully broad exploration of emotion that left me completely engrossed from beginning to end. Lee does a beautiful job with this book and creates a wonderful story that will leave the reader captivated. Absolutely will recommend this to others. I cannot wait to read it again!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heather Lovelacehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeather Lovelace2019-10-16 21:41:082019-10-16 21:41:08Lost in Carmel by Terri Lee – Review by Heather Lovelace
This is my first book by this author, I loved it and can’t wait to see what is next. This is a well written story that took me on an emotional roller coaster. It has been awhile since I read a book that has taken me on this ride and this one certainly did. The characters are connectable and made the story realistic. This is about two people who have been hurt and really are in need of healing. Is it possible they can find that in each other? I highly recommend this book and find out.
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 Wagner2019-10-10 17:36:152019-10-10 17:36:15Lost in Carmel by Terri Lee – Review by Bobbi Wagner
A glamour filled Hollywood life, turns sour for America’s Sweetheart. It’s 1977 and Natalie Hampton is already hanging on by her fingernails, when headlines expose cracks in the carefully crafted veneer of her life. Broken and bruised she flees the country; searching for a place to heal. In Rome, tucked away from prying eyes, she finds the strength to claw her way out of the deep end of depression.
Across an Italian Piazza, a gorgeous man with a wounded soul of his own catches her hearts’ attention. She’s on a journey to save herself, but is there room for love to find its way in?
If love is hard to find, Natalie soon realizes, it can be even harder to hold onto. When a lie takes on a life of its own, she finds herself in the fight of her life, where everything she holds dear is threatened.
Though set against the lush backdrops of Hollywood, Rome, and Carmel California, Natalie’s story is every woman’s story. A fight for self. A fight for love.
From the time I was a little girl I’ve had stories swimming in my head. The beginning of my love affair with words.It’s the one constant in my life. Hairstyles come and go. Thank God. (Does anyone remember the dreaded Pixie Cut?) But the love of a pen sailing across the page is something of which I’ve never tired. It’s been said that writing is somewhere between torture and fun. Why do we tortured souls with ink-stained fingers do it, you ask? Because we have no choice. Words and phrases pile up in the dusty corners of our minds until there’s no room left for anything else. A story demands to be written, when it’s ready to be written. Kind of like having a baby. Once it starts pushing…there’s no holding back. My tag line is: Romance may be pretty but love stories are real.I chase them down with a passion, unwilling to settle for the tale that sits on the surface. Digging until I reveal the truth. Beneath the pretty layers we present to the world, we find relationships stripped of pretense. Stories of life and love and families. Standing in their raw vulnerability, we see our friends, our sisters,… ourselves. Barefaced, they are even more beautiful. Without a protective shield, we are able to recognize them for who they truly are. Deep down is where the real story lives, and that’s exactly where I want to be when I’m writing. Because love is messy. And glorious. I want to roll around in a story and fall in love. Want to come with me?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2019-10-10 00:02:432020-04-04 00:54:17Lost in Carmel by Terri Lee
He’s a broken man searching through the past for answers. She’s his childhood best friend he had no idea he was in love with.
Thomas Capshaw never thought he’d put his dreams of being a sketch artist on the back burner and end up working in New York City far from home. The very last thing he expects is the inheritance of his famous grandfather’s beach cottage on the sandy shores of Florida where he spent his childhood summers.
Emeline Fischer is an aspiring artist trying to make ends meet, working an assortment of odd jobs while painting her dreams on canvas in hopes of landing her own gallery show someday. When she is Thomas’s waitress during her shift at the local beach diner, she immediately recognizes her sensitive childhood friend who promised long ago to protect her from her unstable home life when they were teens.
The two friends take a journey into their past through a box of photos left behind at Cap Cottage and rediscover their mutual passion for art – and each other. Thomas doesn’t plan to fall in love with Emmy – but maybe he’s always been in love with her. Can he forgive himself for his past mistakes and start over in the only place that ever felt like home? Or will his guilt and the demands of his cutthroat, big-city career prevent him from following his heart and reuniting with the only woman he ever truly loved?
Dubbed, “The Singing Author,” KG Fletcher lives in Atlanta, GA with her husband Ladd and three sons. She is an active member of RWA and Georgia Romance Writers. She was a singer/songwriter in Nashville, TN and a recipient of the “Airplay International Award” for “Best New Artist” showcasing original songs at The Bluebird Café. She earned her BFA in theater at Valdosta State College and has traveled the world professionally as a singer/actress. She currently gets to play rock star as a backup singer in the National Tour, “Remember When Rock Was Young – the Elton John Tribute.” www.almosteltonjohn.com
KG is a hopeless romantic continuing her work on her original cabaret act called, “The Novel Romantic – an unexpected evening of sweet & spicy love” to help promote her romance novels. She is also a conference speaker and shares how music can enhance a writer’s experience.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2019-10-07 00:05:412020-04-04 00:56:25Run to the Sea (Reigning Hearts Book 1) by KG Fletcher
Wrath is the first novel in the Deadliest Sins series. This is my tenth novel by this author.
Initially reading this, I felt like there some other part of the story that I had missed. The main characters had already fled and were trying to rebuild their lives but I wasn’t sure what had happened to them before.
Continuing to read, it didn’t matter what I missed. The story gave me flashbacks and bits of information to put some pieces together though not a full picture.
When his women is taken, Konstandin risks everything to rescue her even if it meant his own life.
I love this author and I will happily read everything she writes.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Moriah Venablehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMoriah Venable2019-09-06 10:48:332019-09-06 11:23:44Wrath (The Deadliest Sin Series Book 1) by Gwyn McNamee – Review by Moriah Venable
Guilty Pleasures Volume 3: Guilty Pleasures by Joyce McCarthy is a series of short stories with one thing in common, lots of hot moments.
Brad is a very busy young man. All of these stories about him and his extra curricular activities with the opposite sex. He definitely has a way with the ladies on so many levels
It’s a quick read, the stories are to the point and hold your attention. You don’t have to have read the other Volumes to dig in and enjoy.
Guilty Pleasures Volume 3: Guilty Pleasures by Joyce McCarthy Four Stars
Guilty Pleasures Volume 3 is a wickedly hot set of short stories by Joyce McCarthy. This book is filled with hot sex scenes featuring Brad with his many conquests. This erotic short will definitely entertain the reader. I enjoyed the format and look forward to reading more stories by Ms. McCarthy. Review by @sunbarn
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