The Colors of Love by K.R. Raye
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is my first book by this author and I am a fan. I was hooked from the very beginning. From the mix of characters to the amazing plot. I found myself emotional during some parts of this book, which I love. Very well written and entertaining. I will be reading the other books in this series.
Felines and Fatalities by Ruth J. Hartman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ruth J Hartman gave us the perfect cozy feline mystery novel! I could not put this one down! As a cat owner of one too many cats this was just the perfect mix of kitties, edge of your seat suspense, and mystery! I was In a constant battle with myself over who did it! It was fun to read, well written, and had a great flow! I have never read a book by Ruth however I will be looking for more from the series!!
Dinosaur Friends: 2 books in 1: A Present for the Volcano and Saving Conifer’s Eggs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a cute and adventurous children’s story! There are two books in this collection, and both are fun and colorful. I think this is aimed a little more for older children, but it was still fun to read regardless. I like dinosaurs, so I really enjoyed this one and I can’t wait to read it to my daughter when she gets older!
Grave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this story from the start to finish. The way in which the author created a world for magically academies for students was unique. Who wouldn’t be interested in learning more about an academy of magic for keeping the undead from rising. The way she revealed different important bits of information was synced perfectly with the story line. You are never left without some fact or plot moment to keep you interested and needing to read on for the answer. Cannot wait to continue on to the next book in the series!
Makayla finds herself at an important milestone that all six of her brothers before her have already reached; starting an academy in the magical world. With everyone before her, parents included, successful in their schooling paths it comes as a surprise that she ends up at the school which takes all those rejected from all other academies…Grave Digger Academy. A school that teaches students how to keep the dead from rising up. Will Makayla successfully complete her first year and make it out to another school? What does a year of Grave Digging classes consist of? What will her prestigious family think when they find out?
Agent Red: Fatal Memory by Ava S. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Teagan is a warrior. She has been raising her family with no memory of her life as an agent. Then she is recruited for a dangerous mission to find a missing agent, and her old best friend. As the story unravels, Teagan slowly regains memories of her past life. Secrets, lies, and betrayal. Will she overcome the obstacles and complete the mission?
Fatal Memory, Agent Red:Teagan Stone Series, Ava S. King, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Thriller, Action
Dinosaur Friends: 2 books in 1: A Present for the Volcano and Saving Conifer’s Eggs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This 2 in 1 book was such a cute read. Lois Wickstrom never disappoints in the lesson being built into a story that is so easily understandable for little children. In the Volcano story, we see our buddies Spike and Conifer are worried about the volcano erupting. Conifer will never leave Spike so she asks him if the volcano might want a present. We see the buddies thinking that the volcano is going to erupt because it is mad (such cute personification). Together they built a necklace for the volcano around its base made of stone that took them all day. Once the last stone was in place the volcano erupted but lo and behold, the stone necklace they made at the base of the volcano held the lava back. Spike says: “See, we dint need to run. The necklace made the volcano happy.” I just love these two dinos!
The second book we see Spike and Conifer team up to save Conifer’s eggs from a forest fire. When Spike smelled smoke, he went to Conifer’s nest to let her know that they needed to get away. Conifer refused to leave her eggs and so she picked up her entire nest and carried it with them. The eggs were too loose in the nest, so she had to slow down and walk carefully. The friends knew that fire could not burn water, so they decided to take the nest with the eggs to the river. Spike felled a giant tree and pushed it to the river where the two friends used it as a raft and floated away from the fire.
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Set on finishing high school, Ashley does not have time for the famous musician enrolling in her school. All Ashley does have time for is school, working at the family mortuary and avoiding her stepmother and stepsisters. That all changes when he runs into her, literally.
Harry did the crime and now has to pay the time by attending a brick and mortar school for the next six months. He expects it to be rough with the expectations his publicist has put forth. When he runs into Ashley, the time doesn’t look so bad.
Opinion
This modern day fairy tale is charming. Obviously set off of Cinderella, Ashley needs to learn to stand up for herself. The prince, aka Harry, needs the same. While reading it, I was entranced by the update to a classic. This book will appeal to teenagers and adults alike.
The Colors of Love by K.R. Raye
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The author has done it again. This book is amazing. It makes you laugh and cry. It keeps you on your toes guessing what’s going to happen next. Be prepared to fall more in love with the characters and sometimes just want to knock some sense into them. Can’t wait for the next book.
Unearthly Magik by Matilda Reyes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I enjoy paranormal stories especially when they have a kickass heroine,so this novel hits the mark. The story of Ava and her group of friends was exciting to read. This story had mystery and drama as we get to watch Ava kick some butt and take names. It included some surprises and some lighthearted moments making it just right. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author.
Jake by Toni Denise
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
An enjoyable and engaging contemporary romance, with an intriguing twist on the usual blind date theme. Jake is one of five men who have mutual business opportunities, and who want to find real love in a world where everyone knows who they are, and what’s in their bank account. Jake decides to use a new blind date service after his last girlfriend only wanted him for his money. Everything is done through an app, and dinner dates are done in the dark, to see if the couple get on or not without actually seeing each other. Meanwhile, Lauren ends up going on a blind date when her boss’s sister begs her to go, and she reluctantly agrees.
However, her and Jake get on really well and have a great date, there’s only one problem and that is that Lauren doesn’t like rich men! She’s had bad experiences before, when men expected her to bow down to them just because they have money, and she hates being thrust into the media. It turns out that how Lauren will react when she discovers who Jake is, will not be the couples only problem, as it then turns out that Lauren is one of Jake’s friends assistant. I liked both Jake and Lauren and felt engaged with them, and their chemistry came across in the narrative. This was a page turner with great characters, and enough drama along with the romance, that I was kept hooked until the last page. I look forward to book two in this new series.
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’ll admit, when this book first crossed my path, I dismissed it as just another retelling of the same story that I’ve heard for years. Boy, was I wrong! Yes, this is a retelling of the Cinderella story but with some very interesting and exciting twists and turns!!
Merilee has been in training for over 70 years. It’s going to take her 100 to really get the hang of things. When the Queen Godmother announces an opportunity, Merilee is excited to take it on. Then the ground rules are laid….can Merilee carry out her task without breaking the rules??
Ashley is over love. Her dad is dead and everyone at school hates her. She’s a freak because she lives and works in a funeral home. Her life is in turmoil living with her step-mother Veronica and her step sisters, the M&Ms. School is all abuzz one day when the principal announces that they will have a celebrity in their midst. Everyone needed to treat Harry as a “normal” person and not be grabbing his clothes or trying to get his autograph, or even worse, a date. Ashley has no cares about this said celebrity and just wants to go on with her life.
Harry is running for his life. He’s tired of constantly being told who to hang around with, how to act, etc. It’s when he gets in trouble for setting a fire in a school that he and his friend are sentenced to a small town high school to serve out their probation. What’s six months in a drab, boring ole small town high school versus prison time?
I devoured this book in a mere few hours. It was a very fun read and the ending has me really looking forward to the next book in this series. Not at all what I expected but I am very happy that I gave this book the chance that it deserves!!
Last Seen at Lighthouse Lane by Sage Parker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Holy wow this fifth book takes the whole series to a new level and it is so far the one that has the most action, the most secrets, and the most mystery. Someone from the past resurfaces and it throws all your thought you knew into chaos. I flew through this one even faster than I did the previous books and it’s because the action never stopped and I couldn’t wait to find out where the story was going. With the return of a main character everything is in upheaval. Now onto the sixth and final book.
Last Seen at Lighthouse Lane by Sage Parker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The twists and turns throughout the series are getting even more complicated which gives the series a great hook. Laura, Harry, and Greta are still trying to figure out how all the pieces fit, but each time it seems that they have figured out a piece of the puzzle they discover that there’s another piece to figure out. Whether it is coded wording or strange coincidences, the story continues to keep you wanting to find out more and desperately waiting to figure out how it concludes.
Last Seen at Lighthouse Lane by Sage Parker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
As we begin to get into the story and mystery more and more we are realizing that not everything is as it seems. There are secrets from the past that are slowly creeping in and by book 3 you are now a little on the edge of your seat.
Henry and Laura seem to be getting closer and you start to realize that there may be feelings there that are building and they probably existed in the past. The working relationship between Greta and Laura is starting to show small bouts of working together and you find out just what Greta holds against Laura and your heart breaks just a tiny bit. It gives you some insight into what makes her hurt and humanizes Greta, which was needed.
This series is getting good at this point…
Last Seen at Lighthouse Lane by Sage Parker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The story picks up where book one left off. The mystery surrounding the kidnapping of Trin has gotten more complex. Laura feels as if there’s more behind the scenes going on and just trying to help solve this mystery while being a source of strength for young Trin. It is even more complicated because Trin is the daughter of her high school friend Harry and she has some underlying feelings for him. For whatever reason Greta seems to be pushing against everything Laura thinks she discovers so it leaves you wondering if there’s some underlying jealousy or issue that Greta has or is she possibly involved? This story also has Laura’s mom in it and you see their relationship start to take a new turn while you are dealing with Laura’s secret involving Scott. Can’t wait to continue the series.
In Plain Sight: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 8 by Valerie Davisson
Logan Mcakenna enjoyed volunteering at the wildlife sanctuary. She especially loved working with the raptors. Life was falling onto a comfortable routine, and she was good with it. That all changes when one of the employees is found dead at the center. Logan can’t believe one of the raptors is responsible, the evidence just doesn’t add up for her. This is not the type of book I usually read, but I liked it.
Reviewed by @Terri Jo McAllister
From Brick & Darkness by J.L. Sullivan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this young adult coming of age fantasy adventure. The author does an amazing job of mixing magic with everyday life and the teachings I got from this book were be careful what you wish for as its not always what you need.
The author does an amazing job of mixing the life of a teenager today with the mythology that exists around djinn.
I really love how at first Bex thinks the ring and Djinn are the answers to all his dreams but what he doesn’t realise is the damage that will be caused when the Demon decides to twist his wishes/dreams into something that puts everyone and everything he cares about in danger.
It is a gripping story that will have you turning the pages till the end to find out of Bex actually learns the lessons and can solve the crimes before its too late. With all roads leading back to his guilt is it possible for him to prove it wasn’t him but the influence of a djinn or will he suffer for the twisted wishes that the djinn believes he wanted?
Dinosaur Friends: 2 books in 1: A Present for the Volcano and Saving Conifer’s Eggs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Cute illustrated children’s book. Its has a couple dinosaurs in the story and teaches a nice lesson as well. The fun thing about this is you get two stories in the same book! What a great idea! As mentioned this is an illustrated story with nicely drawn images to complement the good story. Good for kids who enjoy dinosaurs.
Agent Red: Fatal Memory by Ava S. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book in the Teagan Stone series and I can’t wait to read more. This book is full of so many twists and turns that at some parts its hard to keep up but it is well worth reading. This is definately a story that keeps the reader guessing and you won’t see the end happening. For a short story it is full of action and danger but for me personally i felt the end was a bit rushed, but I am looking forward to seeing what happens next.
Teagan used to be part of a company called The Firm. Their job was to work undercover to stop people who are a threat to Amercian and its people. When Teagan decides to retire she thinks her days as an agent are over and she settles into life with her family.
However that life is shattered when she is kidnapped by The Firm and because of her memory loss she can’t remember ever being an agent.
But here she is and in order to protect and keep her family safe she needs to find out what happened to her team member Leah and take down a drug lord.
But things aren’t what they seem. The people you think you can trust you can’t and when Teagan’s families lives are still in danger she has to decide who to trust and what to do to make sure they are protected.
Who can she trust? What choices does she need to make to guarantee her families safety? Can she remember how to even be a great agent?
Agent Red: Fatal Memory by Ava S. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 Stars
Agent Red: Fatal Memory is the first book in the Teagan Stone series by Ava S. King. This is the first book that I have read by this author, but as I love a great spy thriller, I was curious to see what I would find between the covers.
This proved to be an action-packed story with espionage, politics, agendas, drama, danger, mystery, suspense, deadly assassins, intrigue, secrets, lies, and more.
I did enjoy the story and am interested to see where the series goes from here. Being the first book in the series, I felt that there were a few ‘teething issues’-but the character/s, premise, and developments have left me wanting to join in for the rest of the series as I am sure there is a lot more in store for super spy, Teagan Stone.
Happy Reading!
Thank you, Ava S. King!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
From Brick & Darkness by J.L. Sullivan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Be careful for what you wish for, for you may get more than you thought.
From Brick & Darkness is a debut YA urban fantasy. For a debut book this is one author that you should keep your eye on. This engaging dark tale has a ring and something of djinn/genie mythology which makes for an interesting read. JL has created a mysterious mystical world that is a page turner. The world building is cleverly woven and well done as is his writing.
Journey along with Bax as he finds himself in a strange and dangerous world he doesn’t understand and a wish that was more than he bargained for.
YA fantasy lovers will enjoy this story.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Emma by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I am enjoying the Notebook Mysteries but just realised I missed the first book and have gone back and finally read it. This book is titled Notebook Mysteries ~ Emma and is where it all began.
This is a YA, historical cozy mystery tale where a 16-year-old spirited Emma wants more in life. She fancies herself a bit of an amateur sleuth and the adventure begins. She finds herself caught up in danger, crime, dark secrets, corrupt officials and mobsters.
Emma is a delightful and a fun read. It is not just a cozy mystery it is also a bit of a recipe book included throughout to delight the senses.
Notebook Mysteries is a for those who loves super sleuthing and who love a good mystery.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Dinosaur Friends: 2 books in 1: A Present for the Volcano and Saving Conifer’s Eggs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Dinosaur Friends are two cute action-adventure stories. A Present for the Volcano is one book and turn it over and discover Saving Conifer’s Eggs. Two books in one. I had a book like that when I was little and I loved it.
These picture books are wonderfully illustrated and beautifully colourful. They are fun, charming and original. These imaginative tales delight children aged 4 to 8. I read them to my 5-year-old and 3-year-old grandsons and they fell in love with the characters and the pictures.
These dinosaurs are best friends, but sometimes they don’t always see eye to eye but they are always there for each other.
What child doesn’t love dinosaurs and fun tales?
Reviewed by @jennadb
Dinosaur Friends: 2 books in 1: A Present for the Volcano and Saving Conifer’s Eggs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Reading this book with my 5-year-old son. My son enjoyed the pictures in the book and spoke about what type of dinosaurs they were. He said he enjoyed how the dinasour were talking about the volcano. Conifer and Spike talking about the volcano and talking about presents made my son think about the objects. This book deals with emotions such as fear and being scared as well as tackling friendship. My son said this was a good book about dinosaurs and a volcano.
Hollywood talent scout Jules ends up in the small, ranch town of San Sity, Florida to scout talent for an upcoming reality dating show to be filmed in the town. While the town’s quirky relatives all think they have what it takes to be a star, there’s one man who stands above all the rest: Mitchel Scott.
Mesmerized by the hunky cowboy at first glance, Jules sets off to convince Mitchel he’s the spark the show needs to become a hit, but the tough-talking, no-nonsense rancher wants nothing to do with Jules or her show and would be happy if he never heard from her again.
Or so he claims.
Jules and Mitchel fight each other at every turn, but neither of them is prepared when their growing animosity turns into love.
Little Maddie was so cute with her matchmaking scheme. Even though she doesn’t realize exactly what it meant to “have a male companion” in the context she heard the term, she believes that their next door neighbor Max will make the perfect companion for her mother. Having no filter whatsoever she tells the both of them her thoughts on the matter and gets the ball rolling.
Skylar was once on the path to becoming a nurse, but when she met Maddie’s father her dreams changed. Things got rocky between them when Maddie had health issues after birth and they ended up divorcing. Now as a single mother Skylar was doing everything she could to keep a roof over their head and food on their table by working as a waitress at a local diner. Will she find someone who will accept that her daughter is part if the deal when dating her?
Max Logan is back from his long stint as a Marine. He’s got battle scars that are both visible and invisible. He isn’t looking for a relationship when his beautiful neighbors daughter came barging into his life. Max can’t help but be drawn to the intelligent girl and answer all her inquisitive questions. When he hears that he would make the perfect companion to her mother he can’t help but start to invision the results. Will he be able to move past some of his demons and open his heart to the possibility of love?
Dinosaur Friends: 2 books in 1: A Present for the Volcano and Saving Conifer’s Eggs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Dinosaur Friends: 2 Books in 1: A Present for the Volcano and Saving Conifer’s Eggs by Lois Wickstrom is a cute, beautifully illustrated children’s story with dinosaurs, action, adventure, a little drama, and friendship- while also providing lessons in empathy, co-operation, patience, being helpful, and working through problems (just to name a few).
This book contains two stories- “A Present for the Volcano” and “Saving Conifer’s Eggs”. They are cute stories that follow Spike (an Ankylosaurus) and Conifer (a Tyrannosaurus), two dinosaur friends, on their adventures.
The bright and colourful illustrations brought the whole story to life.
Happy reading!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Destiny’s Daughter: It was the best of times. by Lynda Filler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Destiny’s Daughter: It Was the Best of Times is the third book in the ‘Intimate and Unfiltered’ series by Lynda Filler. Wow, if I hadn’t already loved this author’s work- this book certainly would have sealed the deal. It has certainly given me even more appreciation and respect for her…
This memoir would not have been easy to write- but still filled with so much heart and soul. A raw, emotional, heartfelt, inspiring, intimate, honest, unfiltered, and entirely fascinating window into her life- made for an engrossing read that played with my emotions.
The courage, strength, vulnerability and authenticity shared in her words was poignant, and moved me in so many ways- and there was a lot of thoughts amongst Ms. Filler’s insights and musings that were things I didn’t even realise that I needed to ‘hear’ or be reminded of. A lot of the story moved me to tears- as I felt for her, and/or, her words touched me so, so deeply. I recommend having some tissues close at hand, just in case you need them.
A wonderful storyteller with a beautiful soul and an adventurous heart- I can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next.
Highly recommended reading!
Thank you, Lynda Filler!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Dinosaur Friends: 2 books in 1: A Present for the Volcano and Saving Conifer’s Eggs by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I read these two Dinosaur Friends books, A Present for the Volcano and Saving Conifer’s Eggs, to my 6 year old son. He loved the pictures and guessing what would come next. He liked Saving Conifer’s Eggs more. He insisted on googling “ginko trees” after reading, to see if they were real. Thank you for adding in unknown trees, to help my little guy learn! The pictures are really cute and colorful.
We also had a discussion on the names of the dinosaurs. He knew Spike was the anklyo due to having spikes but wanted to know where Conifer came from. Then was mad because a carnivore shouldn’t be named after a plant- so there’s some 6 year old feedback lol
A Present for the Volcano was really cute. My son was sure the Lava would overflow, but was happy the friends were safe and were able to work together.
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
Hard Lover by Deborah Garland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars! This is the first Deborah Garland book I have read, and I have to say I went and bought 3 others immediately. I also read this book twice!
The author has a knack for hot, steamy scenes that jump off the page. This book was by far my fave of the ones I have read because I love the idea of Noah – tattoos, piercings, abs… what more could you want? Callie is a great character too, I love her sassy commentary. Getting caught up in their world at a cabin in the winter is a perfect fantasy. All in all, the book gives you a little bit at a time, leaving you craving more!! The additional thriller aspect of the security firm and Noah’s haunted past gives the book even more substance.
I cannot wait for the next book in this series!!