I didn’t read the first book, so I didn’t quite follow, but as the book went on I felt like I wasn’t missing out on much. The story between Lily and George was an interesting take on the Red Hiding Hood story. The story was very well paced and the dynamic between the female and male lead’s was well done. You have two very dynamic characters who have a lot going on in their lives. One who is ready to move on and one who is somewhere stuck in the past and afraid. Then you have background characters Merilee and Zuriel, a fairy godmother and a guardian angel. Those two clash like fire and water, but the chemistry between the two is interesting. The back and forth between each set of characters was quite the ride of emotions. I enjoyed reading the book, and I think I’m going to go back and read Ashes!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Crystal Jimmohttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCrystal Jimmo2024-07-11 01:55:282024-09-26 12:08:09Red (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 2) by MK Harkins – Review by Crystal Jimmo
What a powerful read this book was, it had me feeling so many different emotions, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to laugh or cry or yell at Declan, our main character as I saw the way he interacted with Anne. These characters have so much dimension to them, you feel like you understand everything about them, and then the author throws you a curve ball and introduces new characters who jumble up everything. When Anne and Declan met for the first time, I figured she would be a small character in the book, but boy was I way wrong! She will surprise you through every experience she goes through, and then some. Do not underestimate the power of this woman, because she really does give Declan a run for his money, and then some more besides. This book was amazing, it has everything you could ever want in a romance book, from intriguing characters to characters that care nothing about anyone but themselves. Do not let the cover fool you, this is no ordinary romance novel, it’s got mystery, thrilling action, and family feuds to boot. I could not put this book down once I got started, there were several late nights of reading because just one more chapter…which continued to yet another, I couldn’t put it down. @Brandy Rymer 07/2024
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Brandy Jo Rymerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBrandy Jo Rymer2024-07-11 00:11:172024-09-26 12:07:55The Handshake Agreement (Book 1) by A. Akinosho – Review by Brandy Rymer
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/212981201-the-handshake-agreement” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”The Handshake Agreement” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1715055491l/212981201._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/212981201-the-handshake-agreement”>The Handshake Agreement</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15266964.A_Akinosho”>A. Akinosho</a><br/> My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6659931388″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /> Declan and Anne put us through a ringer trying to figure out whether or not they would be together. Anne is his younger sisters friend and he tried his best to steer clear of them. When these two met though there was something about Anne that was different than all the others. Anne doesn’t believe in love so when their relationship goes from platonic to more intimate, she proposes that they have a no strings attached arrangement. It worked until she caught feelings. Left at the alter by Declan she is heartbroken but moves on. Several years later Declan needs to make good on the agreement he made with his father. He has the perfect bride in mind however she is engaged to another. He will stop at nothing to make sure he’s the one exchanging “I do” with Anne but will she take him back? This is the first book I have read by this author but I enjoyed her style. This story flowed nicely and kept me on the edge of my seat. Just when I thought I had it figured out I was thrown for a loop. I have some books by this author on my TBR list that I will now definitely need to get to. <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-Alba2024-07-11 00:04:472024-09-26 12:07:47The Handshake Agreement (Book 1) by A. Akinosho – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba
This is my first time reading a story by M.K parking. This author’s Storytelling is truly one of a kind. With their unique new takes on some old classics. This is the second book of the modern day fairy tale series, Which loosely follows Red Riding Hood and her journey. But not only Red’s but Also another side character gets their love match. I really enjoyed the modern day setting, which made me want to read it all the more. I definitely have to go back and read the Cinderella version. I can’t wait to see what more this author has in-store for us. Or who to see what Fairy Tale character The author does next. fingers crossed its Belle and the beast!! I’d run to buy it lol 🥰
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Hannah porterhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHannah porter2024-07-10 22:56:432024-09-26 12:07:29Red (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 2) by MK Harkins – Review by Hannah Porter
The Handshake Agreement by A. Akinosho was surprisingly a decent book. There were a few parts in the beginning where I found myself not enjoying it and feeling as if what was happening was a little cringy. I also found that there were a lot of grammar errors. And while I typically am okay with that, it did make parts difficult to read. I felt as though parts of the relationship between Anne and Declan were fast and awkward but I did find myself enjoying the story overall. Declan is known as a womanizer and one week and done with them type of guy. Anne is his younger sisters friend. She’s awkward and new to the country but she is bold and sticks up for herself. I quite enjoyed her character as she took no crap from anyone. Declan is a little pushy and controlling and at times felt like too much. But their attraction and desire was hot and heavy. There were a lot of things I was not expecting and that’s why I found myself really enjoying the story overall. The only thing I’d wish is that it not be as long and have been edited a bit better simply for ease of reading.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kristan Andersonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKristan Anderson2024-07-10 22:31:532024-09-26 12:07:15The Handshake Agreement (Book 1) by A. Akinosho – Review by Kristan Anderson
Two very different outlooks on what “love” is. Every time I read one of A. Akinosho’s books I am in a trance until I read The End. Dual perspectives Declan and Anne. Declan had it all, or at least was ready to step into his “rightful” place to get it all. He had just graduated from college, top of his class and accepted the idea of an arranged marriage. He only had one rule, give him ten years to enjoy his life on his own. Eight years later and he knows big changes will be coming but he isn’t sure yet. Anne, Sara, Declan’s younger sister, is her only friend. Growing up in London she may have imitated some American things and loved watching movies with her friends but to be shipped off to American to live permanently was never on her to do list in life. Unfortunately, life had other plans for her. She has no time or need for love. Declan doesn’t even believe in the idea of love or that it’s even possible for him until the day their eyes met. The day before Sara’s eighteenth birthday there was a chance encounter when Declan picked Sara up from school and Anne was with her. When their eyes met in the rearview mirror, he didn’t even understand the sudden rush he felt but he was determined to “kill” it before it could inevitably fall apart. Years later and suddenly the agreement is a bigger problem than he ever could have imagined. Is it possible to truly find love when you’re not looking for it? Will Declan and Anne find a way to overcome all and find a way to make it work? This world pulls you in the characters worm into your soul and holds you prisoner until you truly know their story. Declan stands up to his father and Anne accepts the beauty in finding someone. Pain is inevitable in life, but to love and be loved gives it true meaning. This love story is full of twists and turns that leave you rushing through in prayer for a happy ending they both deserve.
This story, right from the start, is a rollercoaster, a page-turner that you will not be able to put down. Delcon was the playboy type who made a deal with the devil. Never thinking he was the marrying type, he promised to allow his dad to choose his wife when the time came. Little did Delcon know that with one single look, he would fall head over heels in love with his baby sister´s new best friend. Anne moved from the UK and became best friends with Sara. Anne has heard all the stories about Sara´s much older brother Delcon, but it isn´t until their eyes lock that she realizes why all the girls swoon over him. However, the timing isn´t right; he can´t portray his little sister that way. A few years pass, and Delcon and Anne´s paths cross again. The older and wiser Anne is only willing to allow Delcon to hit it and move on. But the universe would not allow that. The two keep their relationship a secret and are madly in love. Delcon forgot about the deal he made with the devil (Delcon´s dad). Anne, Sara, and Delcon will never forgive each other, but Delcon has to break his promise to keep Anne alive. Even if it means breaking his own heart in the process.
This was the first book I had read by this author, so I wasn’t sure what to expect going in. The cover stole my attention and after reading the synopsis, I thought I’d give it a go. The first chapter pulled me in quite easily and before I knew it, I had read the entire book in one day! The author has such a unique way of crafting the story that makes you lose all sense of time, so I hope you have finished your errands before you pick it up. The chemistry is easily felt between the characters, and they definitely were thrown on an emotional rollercoaster of twists and turns that I didn’t see coming. I am a sucker for a possessive MMC, so Declan was right up my alley. I am absolutely looking forward to picking up many more books by this author. I highly recommend giving this one a chance if you enjoy age-gap, second-chance romances!
I enjoyed this book from start to finish. It is full of twists and turns that keep you glued to the pages. One of those reads that is hard to put down. It follows main characters Anne and Declan in their love story. After abandoning her at the alter the two don’t see each other again for awhile. But then Declan is back and demanding another chance. Pick up the book to find out how their second chance at love goes!
With just a look, Declan falls in love with his little sister’s friend, Anne. Declan is a bachelor and plays that role well. However, when he meets Anne, something changes in him. Declan is 10 years older than Anne so when they first meet he puts his unexplained feelings on hold for quite some time until he feels she is ready. As a college student, Declan now approaches Anne about the chemistry they have and wants to explore. The problem is Anne knows too much info about Delcan and doesn’t know how to always respond to his advances but promises to give it a shot. However, there is a lot of interference that is happening in the relationship. Will Declan stay true to his words and promise her a relationship she never wanted? Will he fight for her? I enjoyed their story. There were a lot of twists and turns that occurred throughout their journey. At the beginning, I thought the relationship was weird and Declan was a little bit of an ass. However, the relationship they develop grew on me, as well as, the characters. The story moves pretty quickly along and becomes a quick read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dr. Anya Schultzhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDr. Anya Schultz2024-07-10 17:56:522024-09-26 13:54:23The Handshake Agreement (Book 1) by A. Akinosho – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz
This was my first book by this author and I truly love the writing style. This was like a supernatural twist with second chance romance read. This is a page turner for me. The world building was great. The detailing was well thought of. If you love supernatural romance books, I highly recommend you reading this series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Melissa Finkhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMelissa Fink2024-07-10 13:36:452024-09-26 13:53:28Red (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 2) by MK Harkins – Review by Melissa Fink
Great story about finding love when you least expect it then fighting for that love through a lot of difficulties. It reminded me of the After series a little bit due to the main male character and his actions. It does bounce around a lot but it was a cute romance.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rose McCaskeyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRose McCaskey2024-07-10 11:15:052024-09-26 12:02:50The Handshake Agreement (Book 1) by A. Akinosho – Review by Rose McCaskey
This was a cute book that I really enjoyed. It’s a fantasy romance with some mystery elements, too. Take a modern day cinderella and little red riding hood and add fairies and guardian angels. Such an interesting twist that made for a fun read. I enjoyed the story of Lily and George, along with the many other key characters – Ashley, Harry, Hunter, Merilee, Fannetta and Zuriel. This is book two in the Modern-Day Fairy Tale series. I think reading book one would’ve added some background info, but I did not read book 1 and had no problem understanding the story. I did enjoy this book a lot and would read other books in this series based on reading this one.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jayme Raffaufhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJayme Raffauf2024-07-10 09:48:412024-09-26 12:02:42Red (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 2) by MK Harkins – Review by Jayme Raffauf
This is a second chance contemporary romance. It is full of emotions, turmoil, broken promises, family dynamics and finding and losing love.
Declan decided he doesn’t need or want to marry for love. He’s sees women as just things to use including his future wife. He doesn’t care about loving her as life my as she increases his status. That is until he meets Anne. Finally he finds someone he could truly love but when a past agreement with his dad returns to haunt him he loses her.
Anne didn’t believe in love and fairytales. She doesn’t want to think about love until she meets Declan. He sweeps into her life and promises her the world but eventually he breaks her heart making her realise that love isn’t worth the pain.
Fast forward and Declan and Anne meet again. Declan wants her back and is prepared to do anything to get her but will Anne fall for him again. This is a emotional rollercoaster of a read. This author always puts her characters through everything possible before they stand a chance at the HEA.
A man—and a town—determined to keep their secrets.
A woman determined to find her sister. A man—and a town—determined to keep their secrets. Dr. Moira McCann worries when her mercurial twin Claire fails to show up for a rare sisterly visit. Claire’s last text was from a small town in the North Carolina mountains—Allenville. And now Claire won’t respond to any texts or calls; her phone is dead. Which means Moira—the responsible sister—has to go looking for her. Allenville Police Chief Seth Call juggles the usual town disputes and the everyday trouble outsiders get into in his remote county. But early summer brings a special kind of chaos: it’s mating season in these mountains for a certain vicious species, and anyone is prey if they wander too far off the known paths. When Moira seeks his help finding her sister, Seth can’t hint at any of the real dangers she faces. Despite his instant attraction to this woman, Seth has his secrets to keep—about his town, about his people and their history, about what Claire’s true fate may have been. But Moira already believes there’s more to the cute little town of Allenville—and its sexy Police Chief—than it seems. And she won’t stop until she’s discovered the unearthly truth.
Donna S. Frelick has been a journalist, a Peace Corps Volunteer and an author of STAR TREK fan fiction. She was an RWA® Golden Heart® Double Finalist in 2012 for the first two novels in her contemporary SFR Interstellar Rescue series, and an SFR Galaxy Award winner in 2016 and 2018 for the third and fourth books in the series. She lives in the mountains of Western North Carolina with her husband, two dogs and two cats. When she’s not writing, she teaches taiji and qigong, and reviews films and television for her weekly podcast.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Lost-Hollow-FRONT.jpg1000625itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2024-07-10 00:00:372024-07-23 10:30:08Lost Hollow: A Small Town Science Fiction Romance (Alienville Series Book 1) by Donna S. Frelick
Having read work by this author before I just had to give this book a try. It has a couple of my favorite tropes in it like an age-gap, second-chance romance. Even though The age gap was on the younger side it was still a great read. Anne and Declan’s story was filled with twists and turns that you’d never see coming and with chemistry,alpha-type male mc drama, and spiciness. After reading this nonstop I was thrilled to see Anne and Declan got their HEA. Akinosho’s writing style is crisp and compelling, drawing readers into the amazing world she had built. I can wait to see more from this series and more from this author 🥰
This book was a quick read for me. The characters were good but I kept feeling I wanted more. I don’t know if it was the characters but I had a hard time remaining engaged in the plot. I would read others by the author to get an overall base of what left me a little. It could just be this story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Trish Annhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTrish Ann2024-07-09 14:59:172024-09-26 12:00:21Red (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 2) by MK Harkins – Review by Trish Ann
Greetings From Asbury Park was a heartfelt, emotional read!
I’m not usually a fan of WWII books, but this one was different. It didn’t take place in Germany. It depicted the brutal German occupation of Rome.
Mariella and Jack are the main characters, although Jack doesn’t appear until much later in the book. A good portion of the book is about Mariella and her family. They had already endured a horrific tragic event in their lives, and as the book opens, they are suffering from brutal treatment from the Germans and possible starvation. Fear rules their lives.
Mariella is forced to give up so much, like her education. However, her tenacity and perseverance is incredible. As the war ends, she meets a handsome American soldier and spends an unforgettable day with him. There is an instant connection between them, but he has to leave. The two become pen pals for years. As the years pass, readers see how the two of them are living separate lives, but that connection is still there. I liked that their love story wasn’t rushed, making the story so much more believable. They get to know one another through their letters to each other.
This was truly an incredible read. Vecchione’s ability to make me feel everything Mariella and her family felt is a testament to her skill as a writer. I’m eagerly anticipating the next book in the series to see where Mariella’s journey takes her next.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christie Mitchumhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristie Mitchum2024-07-09 08:48:302024-09-26 12:06:49Greetings from Asbury Park: A World War Two Love Story (Jack & Mariella Book 1) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Christie Mitchum
Italian American is a poignant exploration of family dynamics, sacrifices, love, and hope set against the backdrop of significant historical events. The novel’s narrative is deeply rooted in the experiences of the Italian immigrants, making it a compelling read for those interested in family sagas and historical fiction.
This is the continuation of Jack and Mariella’s love story, set against the backdrop of significant historical events. The novel opens with Mariella and her adult daughters, a poignant scene that sets the stage for Mariella’s journey to America and her adaptation to her new life. The historical context adds depth to the immigrant experience, making it more relatable to readers.
The couple finally reunites in Italy when Jack returns to bring her to America for her new life. I loved seeing through Mariella’s eyes the first sight of America. It made me stop and appreciate this wonderful country in which I have had the privilege of being born.
As she begins her new life, she experiences some bumps in the road. There is a language barrier as she is still learning English. She also encounters some nasty housewives, and her mother-in-law is nasty to her. However, none of this stops her determination to make a happy life with Jack. As the years move on, she and Jack become parents, and she must return to Italy because her father is ill. Will this trip back home make her second guess her decision to make her life with Jack? Or will it make their love even stronger?
Mariella emerges as an extraordinary woman, a beacon of resilience. She endured the horrors of the German occupation during her childhood, and she bravely left her family behind for a new life in America, a journey not without its trials. Her unwavering determination to carve out her own happiness is truly inspiring. What’s more, this is a story based on a real woman! While the book’s pacing felt a bit hurried towards the end, I was left wanting more. I yearned to see if her relationship with her mother-in-law had evolved, and I was curious about the fate of her sister and brother. Nevertheless, this was a powerful read that further opened my eyes to the atrocities of the Nazi Regime and the profound damage they inflicted.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christie Mitchumhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristie Mitchum2024-07-09 08:39:302024-09-26 12:06:34Italian American (Jack & Mariella Book 2) by Luigina Vecchione – Review by Christie Mitchum
This was an interesting read for me. Definitely an age gap with a possessive MMC, but knowing that ahead of time was not essential, though it helped me know what to expect from the story. The family dynamics were quite interesting with lots of layers for both Declan and for Anne. But I most appreciated the way that different cultures and languages were pulled into the story to really enhance the characters of Anne, her brother, and her roommate. Declan and Anne’s connection was interesting and I did like the way that there was a back and forth and up and down and all around from beginning to the end. I did feel that the ending was a bit abrupt compared to how drawn out their relationship was, but overall, a decent book.
In book 2 of this series lily finally is free of homeschooling and the incessant foreboding her mother is always selling her about the world and for the first time she can truly enjoy the world around her in college. Sure enough she meets an electrifying man named George, but George has his own hangups after his big love passed away and he’s torn up about it even pushing away lily’s advances repeated when he can feel the intense spark between them. Bring in a funny and completely inexperienced bumbling fairy godmother and a full of himself guardian angel to help these two soul mates (lily and george) finally get together and you’re in for a great of romance, and comedy of the behind the scene influences. This book is just as good as the first one and I loved it.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Melissahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMelissa2024-07-08 20:51:222024-09-26 12:04:55Red (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 2) by MK Harkins – Review by melissa Saxton
If you want a book that has a lot of twists and turns that you don’t expect this one is for you. I picked this up thinking that it sounded like a good book by an author I had never read. It did not disappoint. I will be reading more from this author later.
It’s a little different than what I normally read and maybe that’s why I found it so appealing.
Declan’s sister Sara is always having friends over and they all try to hit on Declan since he is such a catch. Declan wants no part of it most of the time. He tries to stay away from them. One day his Mom asked him to pick up Sara for her and when he got there she asked him if he would give her friend Anne a ride. Just so happens while they are waiting on Anne to come to the car, Terry pushes Anne into the pool. She gets in Declan’s car and is soaking wet.
Check out the story, I don’t want to tell you too much of what happens because I don’t want to give anything away.
Marcus and Barrington Laurier are two cousins from an extremely rich family, a family to whom appearances and reputation are king and anyone who they deem lower than them isn’t worth their time. Storm Canales is a childhood friend of the two cousins, coming from a different background, she is not rich, but her family have worked hard for what they have and from an early age, the three musketeers have had a deep connection and friendship until one night when everything changed.
At a black-tie event, Marcus and Barrington are decked out in their finest apparel and Storm is wearing a beautiful burgundy dress which every woman is jealous of, and every man wants, the same could be said for the two extremely handsome cousins who also turn every eye, especially when they decide to get some air in a secluded part of the balcony. When there, a decidedly heated interaction is on the verge of being both accepted and desired when an ill-timed interruption from another of the Laurier clan shows Storm exactly how she is seen by her best friend’s family, less than nothing and a gold digger to boot.
When Storm realises that her soon to be loves cannot stand up for her, she remains true to her name and leaves in a storm of disappointment and shame and without looking back, she heads out to a new start with the DEA and all that the position there can offer her. Marcus and Barrington are shocked and appalled by their family and do their best to make amends, even if Storm won’t accept them or communicate with them, they try to carry on with their lives.
Unfortunately for Storm, she becomes mixed up with a Colombian drug cartel and has to keep herself alive throughout an ordeal she wouldn’t wish on her worst enemy, until she is brought home a changed woman. Meanwhile, the cousins are worried about Storm, so when they hear she is home, they are determined to right the wrongs of the past and regain Storm’s love and trust, however, just as they are making progress, the past returns and Storm is thrust back into danger, but this time, she has two very capable men to help her, but will that be enough?
This is a spicy romance with dark undertones where three people come together to hope, love and heal from the past so that they can try and have a future, however, where there is light, darkness follows, and this darkness could rip this tenuous bond apart at the seams when dangerous intentions mix with heartwarming scenes in this gripping read.
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 Lesieur2024-07-08 16:19:312024-09-26 11:58:24Irresistible Bond: Central Florida Stories by Victoria Saccenti – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.
I liked this story of Declan and Anne. This is an age gap romance as Declan is about 10 years older than Anne. Declan works at his father’s company and is told that he needs to stop being a player and settle down. Declan says his dad can choose a wife because he doesn’t believe in love, but he wants 10 years. Anne moved to the US from the UK after her dad died and her mom had a breakdown. She is guarded and doesn’t really trust many people, but is one of Declan’s sister’s friends and when their eyes meet during a ride home, they both feel it. They meet one more time at a party and he’s hoping to get her out of his system with a kiss. A few years later he still thinks about Anne often. She is finished with college and they decide to meet up. The book follows their relationships over many years. He is sometimes demanding and overprotective and she is naive but also independent. I struggled a bit with some missing background. Declan often refers to his brothers, but he isn’t talking about his actual brother Julian, it is a group of friends that have known each other and worked together for years. He’s definitely written as an alpha, almost like the mafia or a motorcycle club but he doesn’t ride.
Merilee had messed up on her mission. She had been sent to Earth to help Ashley Adams find her soulmate, Harry James, who was a famous singer. Posing as Laura Vanetta, Merilee had become best friends with Ashley, keeping her safe from her stepmother, who had attempted to kill her. She had spent time with Harry’s best friend, George Sparks. George had fallen in love with Merilee. Ashley’s Guardian Angel, Zuriel, was furious because he now had to work with Merilee and Fannetta to keep Ashley safe from her stepmother and help George be open to love again. Merilee and Zuriel are not happy about working together.
George’s new roommate, Hunter, was desperate to get George out of his depression. Now at the University of California, George still wasn’t over, not knowing why Laura was just gone. After convincing him to attend a party, George spiraled further into depression by drinking every day and missing his classes for two weeks. Hunter warned him that he was on academic probation and was risking his dream of being a veterinarian. Hunter convinced him to talk to a counselor. Meadow was going to help him move forward with life.
Lily was staying at an Airbnb and worried she was going to fail with her plans. Her mother had wanted her to stay nearby and go to medical school. However, Lily didn’t want to be a doctor for people. She wanted to work with animals and decided to leave Washington to take the veterinary program at UCLA. While at Target, Ashley overhears Lily talking to the cashier. She offers Lily a room in her house.
During Ashley and Harry’s first anniversary, George meets Lily. They had so many things in common and agreed to meet at a coffee house for a date. The date goes well and extends all day. At the end of the date, they kiss passionately. Suddenly, George stops the kiss and tells her he has to leave and can’t see her again. Lily is hurt.
Red is full of suspense that is filled with tension on every page. Merilee and Zuriel seem to have a love-hate relationship that grows the longer they try to intervene in George’s downward spiral and refusal to admit his feelings for Lily. The emotional turmoil is easy to understand. There are some darker themes; however, the romance is appropriate for high school-age readers. This is a five star novel capable of being a standalone, despite being the second in the series.
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 Runyon2024-07-07 19:35:412024-09-26 11:55:17Red (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 2) by MK Harkins – Review by Stephanie Runyon
The Handshake Agreement: An Age Gap, Second Chance Romance
I overall enjoyed the book. Still confused about the timeline of the story and Anne’s reaction to something that happened.
Declan is an insufferable Alpha in every way but under that armor he wears is a guy with a huge heart and loves fiercely when it happens.
Anne has had her heart broken more times than most people could handle and I think those are what caused her to react the way she did to some of the situations.
Looking forward to see what Ms. Akinosho has in store for us.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Robin Rankinhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRobin Rankin2024-07-07 19:01:292024-09-26 11:54:55The Handshake Agreement (Book 1) by A. Akinosho – Review by Robin Rankin
An engaging modern take on the ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ story. Lily is happy to head off to college, leaving the confines of her over-protective mum’s house. George is a handsome college student, nursing a broken heart and unable to move on from Laura. Sparks fly when these two meet, but will George ever be able to stop pining for his lost love in time to see Lily as his soulmate? Add in a couple of fairy godmothers-in-training and an arrogant, annoying Guardian angel, trying to fix the mess that they made in the first book, whilst keeping everyone safe from a vengeful person from George’s past. This book continues straight on from the first book in the series, Ashes, and whilst it is a stand-alone book, the background of the characters’ situations from Ashes would help to understand where they are today.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lucinda Morton-Phillipshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLucinda Morton-Phillips2024-07-07 18:28:342024-09-26 11:54:40Red (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 2) by MK Harkins – Review by Lucinda Morton-Phillips
George has had his heart broken, but little did he know it was by a matchmaking fairy godmother Merilee. Now George is in a rut and can’t seem to heal from the girl he loved. Merilee is ordered to head back to earth and fix the mess she created.
Lily is anxious about college in a sense, she can handle the education but she finds herself in limbo with where to stay. Fate has a way of giving her an opportunity she can’t refuse and little does she know it will bring George into her life. The chemistry between them feels right but can she trust it?
This was a delightful read. I thought the emotions for each of the characters translated really well in the story. I like how the characters from the first book and this one are a big part of the story. Can’t wait for Hunter’s story.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Emily Heislerhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngEmily Heisler2024-07-07 16:05:362024-09-26 11:54:07Red (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 2) by MK Harkins – Review by Emily H
“Red” is an enchanting and engaging read that weaves together elements of fairy tales, romance, and self-discovery. The story is full of lovable characters, witty dialogue, and exciting plot twists. The blending of fairy tales and modern-day settings is innovative and captivating. The idea of a fairy godmother and guardian angel working together adds a fresh spin to traditional mythological elements.
Lily and George are relatable and likable protagonists. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their personalities shine through in their interactions. The banter between characters is witty and amusing, adding a lighthearted touch to the story. (For example: “Some people think I go overboard. Especially the time when I drove sixty miles to rescue a squirrel,” or “George is like a dysfunctional hypothalamus. A hypo what?”
The playlist at the beginning of the novel is a nice added touch.
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 Crain2024-07-07 09:05:462024-09-26 11:50:20Red (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 2) by MK Harkins – Review by Jennifer Crain
Stephanie is a kindergarten teacher during the school year and a yoga instructor at the Kincade Ranch during the tourist season. She loves living in Herd and being part of a community. Ted is the staff supervisor at the Kincade Ranch. Whenever Stephanie is near Ted, she can’t seem to speak, mainly because she has a huge crush on him! What Stephanie doesn’t realize is that Ted really likes her too but can’t figure out why Stephanie won’t talk to him. What can help these two finally connect? I’ll let you read the book to find out! This is the second book in the Match Made in Montana Series. I enjoyed the story, had fun getting reacquainted with the main characters from the first book, and loved the story of Stephanie & Ted. Great characters and world building by the 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 Melano2024-07-06 16:10:032024-09-26 11:50:10Catch a Cowboy (Match Made in Montana Series) by Rachelle Paige Campbell – Review by Betsy Melano
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