A paranormal romance between Rose from the Wolfbane coven and Titan from the Dutchman coven. A feud between the two covens due to the Dutchman coven stealing the precious moonstone from the Wolfbane coven years ago. Titan is searching for a wife now that he is of age, and Rose along with several other suitors are at the Dutchman coven to see if they connect. Rose is also hoping they match so that she can bring the moonstone back to her people. Will Rose manage to help her coven? I liked the book although it was somewhat slow moving in the beginning. The characters are well written.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Betsy Melanohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBetsy Melano2023-06-23 20:28:182023-06-29 07:33:05Twisted Bond by Danielle Jacks – Review by Betsy Melano
It all started with a list. Dayton has a list of imperfections for Bailey. Bailey ends up on a little date with Tanner at Froyo. This actually leads to more. There’s a cute, clean romance here. I love the whole story and kind of wished for more indepth of the characters like Tanner, but overall a great read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashley Hastinghttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshley Hasting2023-06-23 18:33:082023-06-29 07:32:59Ways to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper – Review by Ashley Hasting
It all started with a ball, a ball where hand picked and eligible young women have been invited to be appraised for their suitability to become the wife of the Prince of the Dutchmen Coven, but Prince Titan doesn’t want a wife, but he knows that time is running out and he has to, so he watches his mother, the Queen question the young women in front of the crowd. Rose Wolfbane is one of the women, but she isn’t there to marry Titan, she is there for her coven, the Wolfbane Coven who have been cursed by a coven of witches so that they are ruled by the phases of the moon and only one thing can break it and that thing lies somewhere in the Palace she is standing in.
As Titan observes each girl, he sees nothing and nobody who particularly stands out, that is until the last girl, as soon as he meets her eyes, he knows that she is more than she seems and invokes feelings which he never thought he would have, but also ones which complicate his mothers plans to marry him off because she is the absolutely least suitable for the role. As Rose takes her turn under the scrutiny of the Queen and Titan, she is more forthright and slightly more truthful than her cover story allowed, but she knows that if she stuck to just that, she would be found out far too quickly and she knows all too well what that would mean to herself and her coven, so when the royals decide to leave the ball early, she takes the opportunity to start her real mission and try to forget how handsome Titan really is.
As the days pass and Rose is no closer to finding out where her target object is, she is also trying not to step on the toes of the other ladies, but that is not easy when Titan seems to be singling her out and giving her the attention instead of the real contenders, meanwhile Titan is trying to figure out a way to get some time alone with Rose, but she is making it difficult for him when she appears and disappears all the time, but he is determined to figure her out and soon. In between finding favour with his female suitors, Titan is also trying to spend time with his father as he grows progressively weaker as the magic attachment to their kingdom slowly kills him, he just hopes that his father can hold on long enough for him to conceive an heir before he passes on.
Will Rose be able to find what she is looking for, or will Titan figure her out and use this to his advantage and what about the darkness within the other which both attracts and repels them all at the same time, will this become a problem which neither of them foresaw or expected? This is a romantic suspense with plenty of magic, intrigue and missions throughout which will keep you on your toes throughout and hooked until the end.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Roxsanne Lesieurhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRoxsanne Lesieur2023-06-23 17:27:002023-06-29 07:32:24Twisted Bond by Danielle Jack – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.
This is a clean romance. I haven’t read a clean romance in a bit, and this one was such a well written one. I truly liked Bailey, I felt that she had a great amount of sass and that she was a decent sport with her brother and his list. At first it kind of irked me that her brother had a list about the ways that she could just improve. However, the more I read and the more I thought, the idea really didn’t bother me at all. I don’t know anyone who has a perfect relationship with their siblings and when pressed they probably could produce a long list of ways they wish their sibling could improve. She goes on a date with Tanner due to her brother’s list and what happens next turns into a really wonderful book. This book was very light hearted with characters that definitely dealt with some problems that I could relate to.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2023-06-23 17:20:552023-06-28 21:04:46Ways to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper – Review by Christine Baranek
This is another fun and entertaining read by an author that knows how to create sweet romances. I think this book has to be one of my favourites by her and the characters are the reason. I loved Bailey and Tanner. Their connection grows over time and it is nice to see how much Bailey was surprised by him. I usually find a little harder to connect with the characters in a clean romance but I was really taken in by these two. The story was written perfectly for them too. It flowed well and had an easy reading pace to it. This was a thoroughly enjoyable book from a great 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 Baker2023-06-23 16:29:492023-06-29 07:32:10Ways to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper – Review by Kerry Baker
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tabithahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTabitha2023-06-23 15:27:322023-06-29 07:31:57Falling Again (Buckeye Falls book 3) by Libby Kay review by Tabitha Montero
When I first read the synopsis of this book I wasn’t sure I would like, I love rockstar romance reads but it didn’t grab my attention straight away but I am SO glad I did read it – this was an amazing read and definitely one of my favourite books this year. I didn’t feel like I would like Maria but I was so wrong, she was great female lead, she had a strength that I don’t even think she believed that she had and the chemistry between her and Oz was great. I really liked Oz as well, he wasn’t what I expected at all. Overall this was a great read, I absolutely loved it and I am definitely looking forward to reading more from this author again in the future.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katie Matthewshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie Matthews2023-06-23 14:28:452023-06-29 07:36:36A Way Out (Rock Star Book 2) by Tami Lund – Review by Katie Matthews
I loved this story so much. It was a really great read. I had a thing for Laurent from the very beginning, he was such an honest and refreshing character. Phoebe was great too, I’ll admit I wasn’t too sure at first but she really did grow on me and I loved the chemistry that there was between them, it was so genuine and real. I do love a small town romance read too so this was definitely going to be a winner for me. I am so excited to read the rest of this series! Great story, wonderful characters and fantastic writing! I highly recommend this read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katie Matthewshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatie Matthews2023-06-23 14:14:432023-06-29 07:36:29A Toast for Laurent (Vine Valley Book 1) by Theresa Paolo – Review by Katie Matthews
Enemies to lovers This is book 4 of the Hidden Valley Elite series and this is the conclusion of Skylar and Damon’s story. There is no holding back in this story for Damon. He goes all in. Skylar has to face some hard truths too. I loved this book and I love the whole series. The writing just draws you in. This author is a firm favourite. Bring on the next book. Highly recommend.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rayne Easthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRayne East2023-06-23 06:48:422023-06-29 07:35:37Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite Book 4) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Rayne East
This was a decent read but why Bailey must listen to her over-involved, controlling brother Dayton, only 18 months older with his own set of issues? When I began this read, I seriously thought the main characters were teenagers because of how they acted, not those in their early 20s. While I understand the concept of this story is to see the maturity of Bailey grow and her becoming a decent human, I just didn’t enjoy how she began her growth journey and didn’t fully evolve her growth into an likeable character. I felt Dayton kept overstepping the brother role and hindering Bailey from actually self reflecting and learning on her own. The character I did enjoy was Tanner and I kept wanting him to run far, far away from the toxicity of Bailey and her brother. But alas, this is a feel good book so we must root for Bailey and Tanner to succeed in love and hopefully Bailey will hit a maturity level that matches her age soon or kick her brother to the curb and be her own individual self. I also enjoy Marnie and her ice cream matchmaking skill. That was a cute addition to this story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Bethany Rollinshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBethany Rollins2023-06-23 05:43:272023-06-29 07:35:27Ways to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper – Review by Bethany Rollins
5 Stars Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite Book 4) by Isla Vaughn
Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite Book 4) is a Enemies to Lover’s/Dark Romance that will have you turning the pages till the end. I highly recommend reading this series in order as each book plays off the last plus you get to know the characters better and whats been going on. Going in I kinda had an idea of how everything was going to play out. Some I was spot on while others no where close. Damon and Sky are both playing a deadly game when it comes to their hearts. Neither one wants to admit to the other how they really feel. Emotions run high in this conclusion to Damon and Sky’s story. Afraid I’ll give something away im going to highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I’m sad this series is over because I want more but super excited about this Author’s next series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dawn Daughenbaughhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDawn Daughenbaugh2023-06-23 05:21:262023-06-29 07:35:17Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite Book 4) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh
Brutal Nights is book four of the Hidden Valley Elite set, but it’s book two of Damon and Skylar’s story. You definitely need to read the first book to their story, but I would personally recommend reading the whole set, in order. There are people and events mentioned that you will have a better understanding of with that knowledge before hand. Book three left off with a HUGE cliffhanger and book four doesn’t make you wait long to see the consequences of that encounter. You won’t want to put these books down until you know how each one ends! I’m not at all sad to say that I have given up some sleep with the “just one more chapter” line that turned into 4am reading easily. A couple times. LOL. Skylar (aka Sky) only wanted to finish up her senior year, write for the school blog, help out her friend Gia with her senior mission, and to go off to college. When Gia’s big mission turns into an undercover blackmail, things get messy for Sky quick. How did things get so crazy so quickly?? Damon (aka D) can’t help but like Sky. She’s the only girl to ever turn him down. She sets his world on fire and makes him blind to stuff. Blackmailing Sky and fake dating Gia seems like a great idea. Where can he go wrong with that arrangement? He hates Gia though. She talks to much, her perfume bugs him, and she’s super clingy. But as things get messy for Sky he doesn’t want out of the arrangement. He could care less about Gia except that he wants Sky. Getting caught in a web of lies with Gia, Sky becomes her best friend’s enemy and with that more problems. The school is on Gia’s side and with that Sky is on the no fly list. D has to put things right with her somehow. With Sky’s present crashing around her and her past sneaking up behind her, Sky is crushed by the weight of everything. Danger is coming and she and her mom need to get out of dodge quick! But will they be to late? Will Damon ruin his whole future over two girls? Will he finally settle his own demons? Will Sky stand up for herself? Or will she crumble at her past flashing back into her life and mind? So many things happen and this book will have you on your toes thinking about what might come next! If you like new adult, romance, enemies to lovers, super tense, spicy banter back and forth, and mega drama filled books then you will love this whole set!! It is so good! I have read two sets from this author now and I love them both!! I can not wait to finish this one!! I know that there are more great reads in my future. Grab these books!! You won’t be disappointed!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jaimie Salmon-Colburnhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJaimie Salmon-Colburn2023-06-23 03:24:132023-06-29 07:35:03Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite Book 4) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63032568-walk-off” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Walk Off” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1666104426l/63032568._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63032568-walk-off”>Walk Off</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8581563.Bree_Kraemer”>Bree Kraemer</a><br/> My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5639282183″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /> Celia is living a good life with her daughter. She has a good job and great friends to make her life run a bit smoother. The last person she expects to run into is someone she let go of a long time ago. There is a huge secret she had kept from him and it looks like the time has come to let everything out. Kyle is living his dream life playing a sport that he loves, but he is missing out on sharing it with the one that he loves. Fate steps in and puts her back in his path at a mutual friends wedding. Will they pick up where they left off or will Celia’s secret tear them apart forever? This is a feel good second chance romance. You are definitely rooting for the couple to work things out and end up together. This is the first book I have read by this author and really enjoyed her writing style. She does a great job of bringing out the emotions of the characters and making you feel what they feel. I can’t wait to read the other books in this series. <br/><br/> <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/106111308-charlisa-wahtomy-alba”>View all my reviews</a>
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Charlisa Wahtomy-Albahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCharlisa Wahtomy-Alba2023-06-23 00:12:432023-06-29 07:34:57Walk Off (Ground Rule Book 1) by Bree Kraemer – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba
A perfect YA Rom Com. Super fun and entertaining and just different enough to keep you wanting more. It is a quick read and lots of laughs, while Bailey is finding herself and what is important to her. It is a definite must read. I can’t wait to share this with my nieces.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Toni Sellershttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngToni Sellers2023-06-22 23:59:082023-06-29 07:34:50Ways to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper – Review by Toni Sellers
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/122996230-sacrifice-bunt” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Sacrifice Bunt (Ground Rule Book 2)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1677123780l/122996230._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/122996230-sacrifice-bunt”>Sacrifice Bunt</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8581563.Bree_Kraemer”>Bree Kraemer</a><br/> My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5639262431″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /> Zara is a great, strong female lead. As a sports agent she gets along with everyone and gets the job done closing out deals. The one person she can’t tolerate, or so she keeps telling herself, is Noah Ashe. He’s done nothing to her to warrant such hatred except for walk in on her naked, save her life and then vanish. Noah had his reasons for vanishing and he has yet to share that with anyone but his therapist. Maybe Zara will be the first? After Zara said no to being his agent it has become his mission to annoy her. Due to unforseen circumstances Zara is asked to step in at the tale end of a deal by her good friend and Noah’s agent. The last thing either of them expected was to share a kiss at the end of the night. Noah is all for moving forward and having a possible relationship, but is Zara? In my opinion this book is too short, BUT it is good! The author made both characters very relatable and really brought their personalities to life. It was fun to see Zara come to the realization that she had romantic feelings for Noah and that she felt less lonely when he was around. Although this is part of a series you can read it as a stand alone. <br/><br/> <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/106111308-charlisa-wahtomy-alba”>View all my reviews</a>
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Charlisa Wahtomy-Albahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCharlisa Wahtomy-Alba2023-06-22 23:53:172023-06-29 07:34:39Sacrifice Bunt (Ground Rule Book 2) by Bree Kraemer – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba
Brutal Nights is the fourth book in the Hidden Valley Elite series by Isla Vaughn. It is a New Adult (High School) bully romance, with plenty of engrossing details, an enemies-to-lovers element, angst, drama, secrets, jealousy, friendship, lies, intrigue, chemistry, steam, emotion, dark games, agendas, danger, and more. This series just gets better with each new instalment, and this conclusion to Damon and Skylar’s story had me in its grip the whole way through. So much has happened, but Ms. Vaughn doesn’t take it easy on them- and toyed with my emotions in the process. As this is the fourth book in the series, and the second part to Skylar and Damon’s story, I highly recommend reading the rest of the series before starting on this book, or at the very least, read Book #3 so you are up to date on their little saga- and can jump into this book without feeling like you have missed something. I am excited to see what “Cruel Start” (Book #5) will hold… Bring it on! Happy Reading…
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 Hayes2023-06-22 23:03:192023-06-29 07:34:27Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite Book #4) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Angela Hayes
There are some things I really enjoyed about this book. And there are some things that I did not enjoy about this book. The interaction between the sisters, even the fighting, is one of the things I enjoyed. That and best friend Craig were the most realistic parts of the book. How quickly and easily things were resolved is one of the things that I didn’t enjoy. Like Sahara sitting on her porch at the end of the book just days after taking down two rich and powerful men in the city. With her being a model and with all the press that would come from the arrest of the mayor’s husband and son, the paparazzi would be everywhere. Didn’t Melody forgive Lucas a little fast? He did lie to her. Sure he came around, admitted he was wrong, apologized for lying but just a couple of weeks after that she is agreeing to move in with him?
This book moved fast and kept you guessing throughout. I had the stalker wrong, not gonna lie. I guessed it was Keith, just keeping Sahara dependent on him. Turned out not to be. It was a good twist. Maybe I just watch too much true crime. This just ended too pretty for me, too nice, too neat. But a really good read!!
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 Policicchio2023-06-22 23:02:512023-06-29 07:31:41Stalked by the Devil (To Kiss a Stalker Series) by Stacy-Deanne – Review by M Policicchio
Underneath the Whiskey is a compelling, gut wrenching story about a man trying to be who he is expected to be by everyone in his life but it comes at the cost of his own sense of self. It contains things that can be triggering including addiction, attempted suicide, conversion therapy, and cheating.
I honestly didn’t want to like Ben. I am usually not interested in stories that include cheating, but this is a very well-written story that is honest and raw. The reason events happen makes sense. Ben goes through so much but doesn’t recognize the trauma as he was doing it for what he felt was the good of his family. Each of the characters starts out appearing one way, but as the layers get peeled away, their truth is revealed, sometimes for the better and sometimes not. Ben’s journey absolutely broke my heart and I am so glad there is a happy ending. Definitely well-worth the pain to experience this story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Katrinahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKatrina2023-06-22 22:34:502023-06-29 07:31:34Underneath The Whiskey by Chelsea Lauren – Review by Katrina Evanochko
Ways to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper is a fast-paced clean, romantic comedy. It follows (very) imperfect Bailey as she discovers what it means to improve yourself. Bailey uses her brother’s recommendations – as outlined in his list of improvements for her. I enjoyed the book far more than I guessed I would as I have siblings too! Seriously though, if you want something with a snarky main character and diverse, interesting side ones then give this book a try!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Whisper Hymerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngWhisper Hymer2023-06-22 21:57:422023-06-29 07:31:27Ways to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper – Review by Whisper Hymer
Oh, Gia. I spent so much of this book angry at her, regardless of her list and her high school dreams of “success”. Skylar and Damon have been discovered, and Gia is pissed. She has managed to stay popular despite Damon not being with her, and she uses her newfound popularity to be absolutely awful to Skylar.
Sky has decided the only way to right her wrongs is to stay completely away from Damon and take what Gia dishes out. Damon has no desire to stay away from Skylar at all, and approaches it the way he approaches everything. How will it end for Skylar and Damon? WILL it end, or will they continue to be drawn to one another?
Damon matures greatly in this story, and it was really a pleasure to see. The fight he puts in for things to be the way they should be has him digging deep into what he really wants.
Skylar is making herself miserable, but doesn’t want to buckle. She fights Damon as hard as ever, as he fights back. They make jabs at one another, barely restraining their attraction. This was such a good read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shea Gilkersonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShea Gilkerson2023-06-22 21:47:432023-06-29 07:31:20Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite Book 4) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Shea Gilkerson 6/22/23
I continue to love this series of the Hidden Valley Elite with my every being….Book 4 with the continuation of Damon and Sky’s story…I cannot help but have so much love for these two characters. Plenty of angst, drama, tension, spice and everything oh so nice. I am completely invested in this series, and I do highly recommend reading this series of books in order right from the beginning.
Damon and Sky have this love/hate relationship still stewing between them, especially when the aftermath of the downward spiral friendship between Sky and Gia comes tumbling down. Damon wants to protect Sky from the ugly lies and bullying that Sky is enduring. When Damon and Sky come together in a “fake date” relationship…..will true feelings between them come into play or will someone get hurt at the end? Will Damon be able to even protect Sky from who is coming back for her and her mother with a wicked vengeance?
Highly recommended read…..I loved this story of Damon and Sky and pick up to where what happens next. I love this author’s storytelling and I am already anticipating the next book in the series. A true must read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lorralei Hoernerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLorralei Hoerner2023-06-22 21:32:122023-06-29 07:31:02Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite Book 4) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Lorralei Hoerner
Anticipation. Once again, I cannot get enough of the Hidden Valley Elite series. Isla Vaughn’s ability to weave such complex emotions and twists into an effortless story is mind blowing. Book four, the second book in the Brutal duet about Damon and Skylar picks up once again in the same moment the first book ended in. They are coming down from an intimate moment when her mom and Gia are standing in the doorway having caught them. What follows is nothing less than expectation with the fallout between Gia and Sky, fear of a teen pregnancy, and the overwhelming reality that while they try to label it all as fake it’s anything but. All along a greater threat is around the corner, Sky’s dad is set to be released from prison forcing both her and Damon to confront their feelings now or risk never seeing each other again. Damon on the other hand never cared as much as his brother about football and the NFL is more of a maybe for him but Skylar makes him see more beyond football. As everything builds to its climax Sky can no longer handle the guilt and tries to talk to Gia, leaving her with the parting words that “he’s getting out soon and we’ll be gone.” Admitting to Damon she doesn’t want to leave him he does the one thing he never wanted to do. Damon asks his dad for help, sees pictures of what happened when Sky was seven and some of the hatred, he holds for Raelyn is replaced with some respect. He realizes that Sky’s situation is very similar to Riley’s and her moms from the previous year, only no one is there to help Sky and her mom. Finally filling in Cole about everything with Sky, and her dad situation he gets a call from Gia……He’s there. Will Damon make it to Skylar’s in time? Can Skylar and her mom survive and stay safe? Will Skylar and Damon finally get a chance to drop the “fake” from their relationship? This series has truly become my number one go to for an escape from the realities of life. The world, while nothing more than reality, the characters are what keep you drawn in. Over the course of two books the characters both take a journey, growing and becoming well rounded. Leaving you routing for them to come out on top and get their happiness ever after. Once again, knowing that a happy ending is always coming doesn’t take away from the story, it leaves you in anticipation of how they achieve it when everything seems against them, even themselves sometimes. I already have a countdown for the next book in the series, Cruel Start, June 29th, 2023, which is like Cole’s duet with the Savage Start prequel, this book serves as the prequel into Phoenix and Aspen’s duet, book one Cruel Hate, August 31st, 2023.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ayla Phippshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAyla Phipps2023-06-22 21:26:452023-06-29 07:30:55Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite Book 4) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Ayla Phipps
This was my first book by this author, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I really enjoy reading in my spare time and typically it takes me a chapter or two to really find my groove. That was not the case with Underneath the Whiskey. I was immediately drawn into the story from page one. It was SO unbelievable how quickly everything played out in my mind. This is an emotional rollercoaster that takes your heart and puts it in a vice. On paper, it can sometimes seem easy to make decisions especially when you’re not involved, but I was completely and utterly invested in Benjamin’s life. I’ve already grabbed a couple of other books by this author because her writing style is stunning! As always, you should check the potential triggers that she has lovingly put in the front. Trust me on this one, don’t pass on picking this book up. It’s a must read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shannen Kernhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShannen Kern2023-06-22 21:19:402023-06-29 07:30:47Underneath The Whiskey by Chelsea Lauren – Review by Shannen Kern
Rose is a wolf who is on a mission. The witches are now controlling when wolves can shift and have their freedom. She is trying to find a way, and that is to try and to become the leaders wife of the coven. Titan has to have a child and in order for that, he must wed. Once he meets Rose, he starts their adventure in this book. It’s a really great read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashley Hastinghttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshley Hasting2023-06-22 20:48:172023-06-29 07:30:40Twisted Bond by Danielle Jacks – Review by Ashley Hasting
Loved having the list of things her brother has to “improve” Bailey, but didn’t like how they didn’t go in numerical order (just my opinion, felt it was weird). Loved how Bailey is blind to true love and then finds it. Enjoyed the team work aspects of saving Froyo.
Felt parts of the book were stagnant, but overall, i would definitely recommend it and/or read more books by Cori Cooper- felt like Shopaholic or similar (I am not a heavy romance reader) and I appreciated the banter between Bailey and the rest of the characters.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jennifer Crainhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJennifer Crain2023-06-22 20:48:002023-06-29 07:30:33Ways to Improve Bailey by Cori Cooper – Review by Jennifer Crain
You’ve got Benjamin, who has his own business, family, and wife. As his business continues, he needs more help. Here he meets Caden. This young man ends up crushing on Benjamin, who shows his true self to Caden. Now Benjamin feels the closet should be no more, but has to work on his past. It’s such a heart wrenching book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashley Hastinghttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshley Hasting2023-06-22 20:37:242023-06-29 07:30:27Underneath The Whiskey by Chelsea Lauren – Review by Ashley Hasting
This is my favorite book I read this year. The author wrote the story in such a way that I had to keep reading. The characters were not only relatable but so well written that at times I thought Tessa and Simon could be real friends of mine. The story starts in and air plane where Tessa and Simon meet each other but don’t have a chance to build a connection. If it weren’t for Simon making sure Tessa finds his business card in her purse. A world traveling romance of two strangers who become so much more, that are pulled apart due to a tragic incident. Something that any of us could experience in the world we live in today. The connection and love shown throughout the story made me believe again. I’m looking forward to reading more books by this author!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Betsy Melanohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBetsy Melano2023-06-22 20:24:092023-06-29 07:30:21My Goodbye Girl by Anna Gomez – Review by Betsy Melano
Underneath the Whiskey was a complex novel with even more complex characters. If you’re looking for a light, fluffy read… this isn’t the book for you. If you’re looking for a book that evokes true emotions and a wide range of them, I recommend giving this book a try. That being said, the book is centered around real, heavy subject matter that can he hard to read but I do think the author really did craft a well developed story. I did not connect or identify with the characters in this novel but their stories and depth was truly realistic and appreciated on my part. This was a new to me author with a great ability to right a deep, realistic storyline and I would be happy to read more.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Felicia Bateshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngFelicia Bates2023-06-22 18:24:552023-06-29 07:30:03Underneath The Whiskey by Chelsea Lauren – Review by Felicia Bates
4.5 stars The bullies are back and in fine form in the conclusion of Skylar and Damon’s story. Brutal Nights is a fourth dynamic book in this dark enemies-to-lovers, YA/NA romance book in the Hidden Valley Elite series. I have enjoyed them all and they keep getting better. High school has never looked more different in this romance. Brutal Nights is an intriguing web of lies and deceit, angst and drama, heat and fear, secrets and jealousy. There are a lot of layers and intensity to these characters who are bullies who are rule the Academy. They take what they want, do what they want. The world where the Elite exists is about to come crumbling down around them. He rules on and off the ground. He is but One who plays dark and dangerous games and he wants her. Nothing will stand in his way and if it does beware! Isla Vaughn has come in to her own with this series and it just keeps on getting better and better. I can’t wait for the next book Cruel Start.
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 Bishop2023-06-22 16:55:172023-06-28 20:57:43Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite Book 4) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Jenni Bishop
Brutal Nights is the Fourth Book in the Hidden Valley Elite Series. This book continues with the story of Sky, Gia, and Damon that we met in the third book in the series. If you have not already read it, I recommend that you read it first or you may feel lost. Gia and Sky are best friends, or were, until they were both fighting over the same guy, Damon. Gia wanted Sky to set her up with him, but Sky and Damon instead became attracted to one another. The passion between them has intensified and could no longer be denied, which Gia learns the hard way when she walks in on the two of them. Gia not only becomes angry but chooses to retaliate by bullying Sky and enlisting others to help her carry out her cruelness towards Sky. Sky is devastated over losing her best friend and wants to win her back, so she pushes Damon away. However, Damon realizes that he really likes Sky, enjoys her friendship, and wants to be with her so he is not going without a fight. As the drama between the trio unfolds Sky is terrified that all her secrets will be revealed and that her whole world will collapse in around her.
I was riveted from the first few pages and wanted to see what would become of Sky and Damon. The passion, suspense, danger, intrigue, suspense, and angst are intense as Sky and Damon’s story reaches its conclusion. The characters were well written, and the storyline was attention grabbing, making you want to read until the end to see how things turn out. It was great seeing how much the character of Damon matured through the book and seeing a softer side of him. Gia is such a spoiled, self-centered, self-serving bully that I could not help but want to slap her. I admired Sky’s strength in how she handled not only the bullying by Gia and her friends but also the conflicts as they unfolded. A great read that I highly recommend!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2023-06-22 15:37:092023-06-29 07:29:49Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite Book 4) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
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