Posts

Practically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie – Review by S. Bittles

Practically Pagan - An Alternative Guide to Magical LivingPractically Pagan – An Alternative Guide to Magical Living by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book focuses on the magic in the everyday; meaning your actions and reactions to others, as well as how you control your state of mind and thoughts.

As a society we have lost touch in what it means to practice self-care, it is not just a hot bath or a long walk; it is focusing and figuring out your true self and changing state of mind on your own. The notions of centering your mind and reconnecting with your soul are lost in this era social media, as an audience is always there for every experience and sharing every time self-care is accomplished.

The intro to the book says that no matter how this book has entered your life, it is a sign and meant to be. Man, is it ever a sign! I highly recommend this book for anyone who can read, especially with all the constant changes and uncertainty the pandemic has brought into our lives.

View all my reviews

The Crown of Stones: Magic-Price by C. L. Schneider – Review by S. Bittles

Magic-Price (The Crown of Stones #1)Magic-Price by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I listened to the audiobook while following along with the ebook. I really enjoyed it, but I probably wouldn’t do it like that again. The Narrator has a very creative reading style and does an amazing job with the the different character voices!

I was drawn in by the synopsis, but found it hard to get into the book. I had to take a couple breaks and a few times paused the audiobook to reread some pages. With that being said, once getting halfway through the book, the Author definitely hit their stride and has me wanting more.

The Author does a fantastic job with main character, Ian Troy, and his struggle with the suffering and heartbreaks he continually faces. The world in which he lives and all the past and continuing pain, makes this book a heavier, darker toned read.

Although I have read many fantasy novels, the Author has a very unique take on magic, and how it works. I have high hopes for the next two books in the series and I look forward to reading more works by this author!

View all my reviews

Surprise Baby for Mr. Fischer (Curvy Ever After Book 2) by Stephanie Harrell – Review by S. Bittles

Surprise Baby for Mr. Fischer (Curvy Ever After, #2)Surprise Baby for Mr. Fischer by Stephanie Harrell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love this author’s touch of originality on a classic tale! This is my first read for this author and I was drawn in and hooked within the first few chapters.

The author has a writing style that flows smoothly, creating a beautiful world and very lovable characters. I had to make myself take breaks from reading, this book is definitely a page turner!

This is an enjoyable read with a touch of steamy romance, as would be expected from the title. I look forward to reading more from this author!

View all my reviews

Twilight’s Curse (Twilight Realm Series Book 1) by K. M. Wray – Review by S. Bittles

Twilight's CurseTwilight’s Curse by K.M. Wray
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Although this is a young adult fiction, the characters and vivid world building really suck you in. There is great character developments and a page turning plot.

Depending on your reading speed this is a novel that can be enjoyed in a day; it is face paced and as a majority of it takes place over only a couple of days, it is hard to put down.

Looking forward to the next book in the trilogy, I need to know what comes next!!!

View all my reviews

Journeys Through TimeSpace (Journeys Through Book 2) by James Talisman – Review by S. Bittles

Journeys Through TimeSpaceJourneys Through TimeSpace by James Talisman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As with the first book, Talisman’s original writing style will have you on the edge of your seat, trying to read faster than you can keep up.

I recommend reading this after reading the first book, and not as a stand alone. There is a lot of character development, backstories and different world explanations that are needed to understand to be able to fully enjoy this second book. Without a full understanding, you will not know the characters in-depth and their connections during the action packed “Journeys Through” series.

Again, I am captivated by Talisman’s vivid world building and character developments. This second book is just as interesting and page turning as the first, recommend read!

View all my reviews

Journeys Through SpaceTime (Journeys Through Book 1) by James Talisman – Review by S. Bittles

Journeys Through SpaceTimeJourneys Through SpaceTime by James Talisman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

New twist in the sci-fi genre, it is nothing less than action packed and captivating. Talisman has an extraordinary talent in writing for several characters and their narratives, which takes place between different worlds and points of view. There is so much to learn about each world and its characters in this complex but extremely well written story, it keeps you guessing as to what will happen next.

This novel is fast paced and will have you sitting on the edge of your seat edge wanting to read as much as you can in one sitting. I found I had to reread some chapters in order to keep each world and its characters straight in my mind.

Even among the many worlds and characters, Talisman uses such great detail that you really feel like you are there. You get a clear, vivid picture of each world and the details draw you in and hold you until the very end. With that being said, you need to take your time reading to ensure you don’t miss any details. Recommended read!

View all my reviews

Fool Me Twice by Gledé Browne Kabongo – Review by S. Bittles

Fool Me TwiceFool Me Twice by Glede Browne Kabongo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow, just wow! Browne Kabongo has blown me away with this novel. If you like the thriller genre and a fast paced read, then I highly recommend this one!

I was hooked as soon as I started reading, Browne Kabongo has a beautifully unique writing style and has done very well with this novel. Anytime I had to put the book down to do something I couldn’t get it off of my mind, definitely a page turner!

Very few novels I’ve read have had a character who shares my name, I believe it added an extra layer to the psychological element for me with this one.

I plan to go read Browne Kabongo’s other works, and I’m sure they will be as unique and captivating as this one is.

View all my reviews

Born to Fight (Can’t Resist You Book 1) by Brittany Anne – Review by S. Bittles

Born to Fight (Can't Resist You, #1)Born to Fight by Brittany Anne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The synopsis peaked my interest as an original take on a dystopian world and had me curious about what this book would be like, it definitely lives up to its title: Born to Fight.

Anne writes in a way that draws you into her unique world building, lovable characters and their plots. Anne gives us insight to the past and blends it well into the present. It is a fast-paced read and can be finished in one sitting.

I enjoyed reading this novel and look forward to reading the next one that is coming out soon!

View all my reviews

Goddess of Everything: A Blood-Curdling Tale of Truth, Freedom, and Love by Paul DeBlassie III – Review by S. Bittles

Goddess of EverythingGoddess of Everything by Paul DeBlassie III
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an intense read; be sure you are ready, as it is not at all a ‘light’ read. It is definitely not something anybody can read, especially if you’re sensitive to harsh subjects. With that being said, this book is one I would highly recommend!

This is my first read by Paul DeBlassie III, and you can bet it will not be my last. DeBlassie III has written an original, intriguing, page turning, edge-of-seat sitting supernatural thriller.

DeBlassie III has a one of a kind writing style, creating extremely vivid visual pictures and characters. There is a lot happening in this book, but it is layered very well with the characters and varying storylines. This book with suck you in and not let you go until you’re finished!

View all my reviews

Family Secrets (A Whispering Pines Mystery) by Shawn McGuire – Review by S. Bittles

Family Secrets (Whispering Pines Mystery #1)Family Secrets by Shawn McGuire
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you enjoy paranormal and mystery than this is a series to read. This book is very well written and has an engaging plot and storyline. Knowing that this is the first book in a series, you expect there to be information overload and unanswered questions, but, McGuire’s smooth writing style does not make it overwhelming.

This is definitely a page turner book, and warning it does end in a cliffhanger; which makes you have to read the next book. There are 10 books in this series and I’m looking forward to reading them all!

View all my reviews

Scarlet Princess (Lochlann Feuds Book 1) by Robin D. Mahle and Elle Madison – Review by S. Bittles

Scarlet Princess (The Lochlann Feuds, #1)Scarlet Princess by Robin D. Mahle
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an awesome start to a series, the co-authors have done an amazing job in their world building and character introductions. Their writing styles blend together perfectly and they have a way of pulling you in that you get lost in the book, not wanting to put it down.

This is honestly my shortest review, but once you read this book you’ll understand why I can’t put anymore without giving it all away. The main character has a fiery passion that draws you in to her story; many times I found myself trying to read pages faster then my mind could keep up.

I can’t wait to read the next book, I need moooooore!!!

View all my reviews

Raven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber – Review by S. Bittles

Raven Woman's TavernRaven Woman’s Tavern by Laura Koerber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Koerber has a unique and original writing style that draws you in; she has a way of smoothly melding her characters points of view and creates a fascinating visual and plot.

I feel like there should have been longer chapters on some parts as I found myself rereading most of the book to make sure I didn’t miss anything. There should have more to the characters brief introductions in the first chapters.

Even though I feel that the book left me with unanswered questions, I did enjoy reading it. I have actually reread it a few times. There is a lot of potential for more amazing reads by Koerber, I will be watching for more titles!

View all my reviews

Return to Alpha by Wesley Britton – Review by S. Bittles

Return To Alpha: A new saga beginsReturn To Alpha: A new saga begins by Wesley Britton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Return to Alpha is my first read by Britton and I can’t wait to read the other books in the Beta-Earth Chronicles; it can be read as a stand alone book even though it is part of the chronicles. Britton has created and written an intriguing and exciting new twist to Earth/life as we know it.

The synopsis for this book prepares you for all the new names, terms, ideologies and more that you will encounter while reading. I feel there should have been more from the view of the authorities they were running from, to help the reader smoothly follow with the plot narrative.

Although I feel there could have been more to this book, it is a read that I will recommend!

View all my reviews

BOY RELEASED (BOY SERIES BOOK 2) by JD Spero – Review by S. Bittles

Boy ReleasedBoy Released by J.D. Spero
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

**The synopsis for Boy Released gives away a detail for the first book, Boy On Hold; I highly recommend reading the first book before reading this book or this review.**

Although I recommend to read this series in order, you can start with this book. The synopsis gives the reader an understanding of the Trout family’s past if you haven’t read Boy On Hold.

Again, I was on the edge of my seat reading this book! Fast forward 10 years and we are following Tyler’s release from psychiatric rehab and the Trout family’s new dealings with the justice system.

Spero’s writing continues to flow smoothly and not falter between characters views or jumps to the past and present. Definitely want these books on my shelf!

View all my reviews

Boy on Hold by JD Spero – Review by S.Bittles

Boy on HoldBoy on Hold by J.D. Spero
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The synopsis for this novel is short, but it holds more than enough to draw a reader in. Before starting to read I was already caught up in what may come.

This novel is a definite page turner! Spero had me sitting on the edge of my seat; I was hooked and couldn’t put it down. Her writing style flows smoothly and does not falter between characters views or jumps into the past and present.

This was my first read by this author and it won’t be my last. I already have the next one, “Boy Released”, lined up!

View all my reviews

Defined (The Cadence Duet Book Two) AUDIO BOOK by Dakota Willink – Review by S. Bittles

Defined (Cadence Duet: A Second Chance Romance Book 2)Defined by Dakota Willink
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is Book 2 in the Cadence Defined series, a novel about a second chance love story which picks up 17 years after the first book ends. Although there is a large time gap between novels, Willink maintains her characters personalities throughout their developing timelines.

I listened to the audio book and both narrators did an awesome job; great chemistry and performance! Having two narrators helped to keep events and conversations separated, as without words to follow it can get mixed up in your mind.

Willink has created a great developing plot, which is easy to follow if you haven’t read/listened to Book 1. Reading Book 1 will give you more insight to the characters past and how they were as young adults.

Be prepared that there are firm political views that arise, which were hard not to skip, but other than that Willink has delivered yet again!

View all my reviews

Nite Fire: Chain Reaction AUDIO BOOK by C.L. Schneider – Review by S. Bittles

Chain Reaction (Nite Fire #2)Chain Reaction by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is Book 2 in the Nite Fire Series, and picks up right after the first book. I would consider this series as urban fantasy; it is action packed and has some tense drama.

I listened to the audio book and there were moments in the beginning where I had to play some chapters again as my mind kept wondering. I stuck it out and glad that I did, King did an excellent job with her narration.

Schneider does a great job of maintaining the flow and characters throughout the novels. Schneider writes with a balance of characters emotion and action, as well as great world building and developing plot.

Recommended series!

View all my reviews

The Myder Bird Tattoo by Julia Colbourn – Review by S. Bittles

The Myder Bird TattooThe Myder Bird Tattoo by Julia Colbourn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The synopsis gives a brief tale of adventure in a fantasy world that has multiple twists of fate. Inter-racial tensions, politics, assassination, drama, discrimination, oh my! This book is full of action and suspense; with a fantastic plotline that twists and turns like the rollercoaster you feel you’re on.

It took me a few tries to get into the book, but I am glad I ended up reading it! Colbourn delivers a new world full of unique characters; you can’t help but get lost in reading wanting to know more.

This is my first read by this author, and it won’t be my last!

View all my reviews

Unlikely in Love (A Parker Lake Novel Book 1) by Olivia Sherwood – Review by S. Bittles

Unlikely in Love (A Parker Lake Novel Book 1)Unlikely in Love by Olivia Sherwood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This first novel in the Parker Lake Series delivers the kind of heartwarming and touching tale that the synopsis introduces us to. Many times I found myself smiling or laughing along while I was reading.

Sherwood has written a beautifully heartwarming novel, with great character developments and makes you feel like you’re right there with them. She has the ability to paint a picture with her words while keeping the flow of the characters points of view.

Sherwood had me captivated within moments of starting the first chapter, I couldn’t stop reading! I will most definitely be waiting for the next novel, and hope to have the series on my shelf one day.

View all my reviews

Unlikely in Love (A Parker Lake Novel Book 1) by Olivia Sherwood – Review by S. Bittles

Unlikely in Love (A Parker Lake Novel Book 1)Unlikely in Love by Olivia Sherwood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This first novel in the Parker Lake Series delivers the kind of heartwarming and touching tale that the synopsis introduces us to. Many times I found myself smiling or laughing along while I was reading.

Sherwood has written a beautifully heartwarming novel, with great character developments and makes you feel like you’re right there with them. She has the ability to paint a picture with her words while keeping the flow of the characters points of view.

Sherwood had me captivated within moments of starting the first chapter, I couldn’t stop reading! I will most definitely be waiting for the next novel, and hope to have the series on my shelf one day.

View all my reviews

Grave Digger Academy by C.A. King – Review by S. Bittles

Grave Digger AcademyGrave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

C.A. King has found a new way to write about a magical world that stands out from other books in this genre. The synopsis does not give much away about the book; which helps to keep you engaged and wanting to know more. This author has creatively and very uniquely created a world about magic, with twists in fate at every turn. I was hooked by the end of the first chapter!

There are a few times throughout the novel where the next chapter starts at a later time than the previous one ended. It left me confused at moments trying to recall the time frame of events; I feel there could’ve been more detail in regards to flow of the months.

Overall it is a recommended read from me, looking for to reading the next books in the series!

View all my reviews

Red Coat by Isobella Dunn – Review by S.Bittles

Red CoatRed Coat by Isobella Dunn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

You are introduced to the three main characters (Sara, Rachael and Colin) in the synopsis as well as the subject of foster care and social workers. Dunn has written with care on the subject and it will aim straight for your heart. This is a very heartwarming read, while also having romance and suspense.

Dunn writes their intertwined tale in a captivating way that will have you hooked by the end of the first chapter. She gives us insight to the past of these characters with great detail, and that detail continues through, leaving you wanting more. Will be keeping my eyes open for more from her!

(I read the book, not audio)

View all my reviews

An Unexpected Bonding (The Unexpected Trilogy Book 1) by Lilly Rayman – Review by S. Bittles

An Unexpected Bonding: Book One of The Unexpected TrilogyAn Unexpected Bonding: Book One of The Unexpected Trilogy by Lilly Rayman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is definitely not your run-of-the-mill typical Fantasy Romance, this story delivers the kind of twist of fate and heartache as the synopsis has given.

With knowing it is a trilogy, there is a lot to introduce and touch on in the first novel. Lilly did a great job with intertwining plots and characters smoothly; she is very creative in how she can move between different characters and their varying points of view. I did although; take the time re-read the first few chapters to ensure I did not confuse character plots or any of the story lines.

Lilly has created an intriguing variety of fantasy characters, which makes the novel hard to put down. She has definitely got me craving for more; I will be following this author!

View all my reviews