Evan has given up a career he was destined for to serve others. Callie is making a name for herself and trying to find her place in the world. Not all relationships are destined for success, but they’re willing to help each other through every obstacle they encounter. At a time when mental health is at the forefront of so many discussions this story was well-timed. Toni Aleo shows the type of mental health support all people need and deserve. The characters were fun and loveable and their chemistry and love for one another is palpable. An easy read with a feel-good plot.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Megan Pesekhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMegan Pesek2022-07-21 18:52:392022-07-22 09:09:54Saved by Love (Bellevue Bullies Book 7) by Toni Aleo – Review by Megan Pesek
I LOVED this book! I read Body Checked right before I read this book (which means I read them out of order) and I have to say I loved that they followed the same timeline, I have never read a series that does this in books before. This means that many of the same events are being told but from a different perspective than in the other. In Power Play, we are still reading about events that follow the Astoria Bay Thunder, a hockey team. However, we are seeing the romance between Levi and Brynn. Brynn is a photographer who is trying to reinvent her life and make it on her own as a photographer. Levi is the captain of the Thunder and a very private person. Brynn first meets Levi when she wins a contest to go see the Thunder Play. However, when she sees Levi, she can’t believe her eyes. Levi looks like her first love, however, he has a different last name. When Levi sees Brynn he feels as if he is seeing a ghost. He left her long ago at her parents’ request and has thought about her every day since then. Maybe this is the second chance he has been hoping for. Brynn gets booked for a photo shoot with the hockey team and it involves a weekend in a cabin with the team. Perhaps, they will get their second chance after all. I cannot say how much I was rooting for Brynn and Levi. I loved everything about the team and this series. I hope that CJ Cartwright plans to continue this storyline with the other players. It was such a warm and heartfelt story that I really cannot recommend to anyone enough.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2022-07-20 19:57:312022-07-21 07:12:41Power Play (Astoria Bay Thunder Book 1) by CJ Cartwright – Review by Christine Baranek
My first book by this author, and I cant wait to go read the others! The characters were so well developed and raw. This book had emotion, romance and drama, touching on some real life problems. I was 100% invested in Evan and Callie’s love story, well done to this author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ediehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngEdie2022-07-20 16:44:592022-07-21 07:06:46Saved by Love (Bellevue Bullies Book 7) by Toni Aleo – Review by Edie Kelleher
I love this book so much! I would give this book 10 stars if I could. Reading from the POV of Evan, who’s going through a lot emotionally, has me relate to him so much. And I love that it shows that men go though things too. They have bad days. They get emotional. They have panic attacks. They get paranoid and constantly think they’re doing something wrong. He’s a good looking, extremely nice man but he’s always doubting himself. He thinks he’s not good enough for anyone or anything. And I relate to that so much, so this book was such an amazing read. I read it so quickly too!! Evan and Callie, they’re cute af together. She’s so understanding and lifts him up so much, it makes my heart melt. Callie has been through some hard times too, but that doesn’t stop her from trying to make him feel better. And Evan is there for her as well. They’re great for each other! So much support and so much love. As for Callie and her sister Aviva…AMAZING relationship. I so badly wish I had that kind of relationship with mine. They’re always there for each other and it’s amazing. You don’t see family like that anymore. Can’t forget, the spice in this book was great as well! HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend this book.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashley Sugarhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshley Sugar2022-07-19 23:01:432022-07-21 07:00:51Saved by Love (Bellevue Bullies Book 7) by Toni Aleo – Review by Ashley Sugar
This book is absolutely amazing! I read it so fast and it held my attention throughout. This is the kind of romance that isn’t over the top and is very believable. I also felt that the main characters really felt believable. Truthfully, I wanted to be friends with all of them. Tia is the main female character. She has lived a life full of mistakes when she was younger and they are coming back to haunt her. She goes on a cabin weekend with her best friend to act as her assistant on a photo shoot. She wasn’t expecting that this photoshoot was for a calendar of the men of the local hockey team. She decides to indulge herself and allow herself a weekend only fling with the man who seems to get under her skin more than anyone else ever has. Bridger is smitten with Tia and after the weekend, he wishes that their tryst will continue. Tia and Bridger end up falling for each other, however, once they do her past comes to haunt her. She feels that she will never live down her poor choices of her past. Is Bridger the man who is willing to look past her mistakes and see her for who she is today. Or will he be persuaded by her past to run for the hills? This book is truly amazing and I cannot say enough for how much I enjoyed it. It truly is an enjoyable read and a quick one a that.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2022-07-19 13:03:492022-07-19 14:17:55Body Checked (Astoria Bay Thunder Book 2) by CJ Cartwright – Review by Christine Baranek
This is my first book by this author and I loved this story of Evan and Callie. The raw emotion between Evan and Callie feels so real.
Evan…newly retired from the NHL heads to Bellevue and become an athletic trainer for the woman’s gymnastics team. Focusing on himself and his mental health…trying to become the best version of himself…little did he know when meeting Callie how this chance encounter could forever change him. Callie is so strong, driven and smart .. but loves with all her might. She falls for Evan and is always is in his corner when he struggles. Can Evan and Callie overcome the obstacles that come their way?
This story really gives you so much…and it feels like everyday real life in so many ways that I can relate to. This story has love and hope but also the pain and anxiety when mental health is in question. Fantastic book
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 Hoerner2022-07-18 20:34:452022-07-19 14:00:52Saved by Love (Bellevue Bullies Book 7) by Toni Aleo – Review by Lorralei Hoerner
Battling crippling anxiety is not easy. Evan gives up his job in the NHL in order to save his mental health. He returns to college and takes on two jobs. The first as an RA for the school’s hockey team. The second job is as a trainer for the girls gymnastics team. On day one on campus, he meets Callie, a gymnast, and is intrigued by her. They actually have met before but he doesn’t remember. Even though he plans on staying single and focusing on his mental health, he cannot stay away from her. Opinion I love this series. Hockey romances speak to me and this one is a fabulous read. Add in the sweet innocence of their love and this book is a solid winner. The struggles in this book are a bit different than what I’ve read before, especially Callie’s family struggles. It was quite intriguing. Altogether, the book was fabulous.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dawn Brownhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDawn Brown2022-07-18 13:25:092022-07-19 13:58:16Saved by Love (Bellevue Bullies Book 7) by Toni Aleo – Review by Dawn Brown
This book tells the story of three college students who are friends embarking on the edge of independence. As a 30 something this book really hit home on how I viewed myself and my friends in our twenties. These three friends are navigating college together and the author does a great job illustrating college life, their love lives, parties, etc. However what I believe the author does best is illustrate how relationships can change over time. It shows how, with startling accuracy, how simple it is for women (and men) to fall into an abusive, controlling relationship. It also does an excellent job showing what the friends of those in these relationships go through. I will admit, the story hit home for me in many ways. The Colors of Friendship is the first in a trilogy and I cannot wait to read the second book. Because as we all know, the decisions we make have lasting impacts on the people around us. I can only hope that the second book continues to explore these friendships and their relationships with the same level of depth that was featured in this book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christinehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristine2022-07-18 09:44:412022-07-18 13:27:49The Colors of Friendship (The Colors Trilogy Book 1) by K.R. Raye – Review by Christine Baranek
Toni Aleo is one of the reigning queens of hockey romance, and she lives up to all of the hype and wonderful reviews she gets from her readers. I’m so glad I discovered her several years ago.
Now, it’s Evan and Callie’s turn to share their story with us, and what a beautiful story it is. Evan has come home to Nashville after retiring from the NHL. He is taking the time to focus on his mental health. Now, he finds himself surrounded by women gymnasts instead of hockey players. He has just begun his job as the athletic trainer for the gymnastics team. Callie and Evan’s paths have crossed before, as Callie’s sister is married to a hockey player, but they have never really had the opportunity to get to know each other.
When Callie sees him jogging one day with the hockey team, she decides she is going to take her chance with him. Her lust soon turns to something deeper when she discovers that he is struggling with feelings of worthlessness and being a failure. Both of them are soon on the path to finding out what true love really is and how it can truly save you…hence the perfect title of this book, Saved by Love!
I admired both Callie and Evan. I could totally relate to both of them. Evan feels like a failure for leaving the NHL because of his family’s legacy in the sport. He feels as if he is letting them down, especially his father. Who hasn’t felt at times that we have disappointed those we love? I know I have felt that way myself, even though I may not have. It was the same for Evan. I admired his tenacity and his focus on his mental health and his commitment to ridding himself of those feelings of worthlessness and failure.
While Cassie wants to make everyone she is around to feel the love and support that she has from her sister and brother-in-law, she still struggles with trust because of her family’s past issues. She hasn’t been able to let someone in to share those deep feelings of uncertainty and fear. Somehow, Evan is able to do just that!
While I loved the characters, both the main characters and secondary ones, I loved the story even more. Aleo always dives deeply underneath the surface and tackles important issues which make both the characters and story more realistic and relatable. Aleo never disappoints and that is what puts her on top of my list of favorite writers.
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 Mitchum2022-07-16 10:45:052022-07-18 06:46:14Saved by Love (Bellevue Bullies Book 7) by Toni Aleo – Review by Christie Mitchum
This book kept me turning the pages! Evan Adler has recently medically retired from the NHL and recently became and athletic trainer for a women’s gymnastics team. His whole family has been involved in hockey on one form or another and he feels as though he let them all down. Callie Pearce knows a thing or two about hockey, but her heart lies in gymnastics. When she sees Evan running by with the hockey team one day she calls dibs and decides to take her shot. Will they find love and happiness together? I feel it was admirable of Eva though, even of he is a fictional character, to step away from what he loved for his mental health. It is a serious subject that doesn’t get as much attention as it should, but has been coming to light more often. The author did a great job and now I need to go find the rest of the books in the series.
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-Alba2022-07-16 00:00:232022-07-18 06:36:48Saved by Love (Bellevue Bullies Book 7) by Toni Aleo – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba
Toni Aleo is one of the reigning queens of hockey romance, and she lives up to all of the hype and wonderful reviews she gets from her readers. I’m so glad I discovered her several years ago.
Now, it’s Evan and Callie’s turn to share their story with us, and what a beautiful story it is. Evan has come home to Nashville after retiring from the NHL. He is taking the time to focus on his mental health. Now, he finds himself surrounded by women gymnasts instead of hockey players. He has just begun his job as the athletic trainer for the gymnastics team. Callie and Evan’s paths have crossed before, as Callie’s sister is married to a hockey player, but they have never really had the opportunity to get to know each other.
When Callie sees him jogging one day with the hockey team, she decides she is going to take her chance with him. Her lust soon turns to something deeper when she discovers that he is struggling with feelings of worthlessness and being a failure. Both of them are soon on the path to finding out what true love really is and how it can truly save you…hence the perfect title of this book, Saved by Love!
I admired both Callie and Evan. I could totally relate to both of them. Evan feels like a failure for leaving the NHL because of his family’s legacy in the sport. He feels as if he is letting them down, especially his father. Who hasn’t felt at times that we have disappointed those we love? I know I have felt that way myself, even though I may not have. It was the same for Evan. I admired his tenacity and his focus on his mental health and his commitment to ridding himself of those feelings of worthlessness and failure.
While Cassie wants to make everyone she is around to feel the love and support that she has from her sister and brother-in-law, she still struggles with trust because of her family’s past issues. She hasn’t been able to let someone in to share those deep feelings of uncertainty and fear. Somehow, Evan is able to do just that!
While I loved the characters, both the main characters and secondary ones, I loved the story even more. Aleo always dives deeply underneath the surface and tackles important issues which make both the characters and story more realistic and relatable. Aleo never disappoints and that is what puts her on top of my list of favorite writers.
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 Mitchum2022-07-15 20:45:342022-07-18 06:28:47Saved by Love (Bellevue Bullies Book 7) by Toni Aleo – Review by Christie Mitchum
Great read—especially for young adults! Ms. Raye did a magnificent job captivating the audience and making them feel that they were also in the circle of friendship! Excited for book 2 in the series—very enjoyable and I love how she portrayed how you never really know what is going on behind closed doors in relationships. A beautifully written story that continually draws the reader in! This story follows the lives of three best friends as they navigate family, relationships, the ups & down of friendship, and falling in love….& the struggles they face because of their differences. The author does a marvelous job outlining abuse and how it not only affects the person being abused, but also affects those who love the victim of abuse. The twist at the end is something you don’t see coming! Fabulous read! Looking forward to the remainder of the books in this trilogy.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Christina Granhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngChristina Gran2022-07-15 18:44:082023-08-05 14:42:24The Colors of Friendship (The Colors Trilogy Book 1) by K.R. Raye – Review by Christina Gran
The Colors of Friendship is a pretty straightforward read, not TOO in depth, and easy to follow. The story is about 3 best friends that love and protect each other. Melody is a childlike romantic, living with her head in the clouds, and wants nothing more than to find her Prince Charming. Instead, she bumps into Kevin (literally) and while he seems to have the ability to always know what to say, he is far from her Prince. Imani is level headed and focused on her studies and career goals. Unlike Melody, she has no interest in finding a love interest. Then, Trevor comes along, great friends that they are…..And then you have Lance, the football star and womanizer. The irony here is that he uses women for his own pleasures (frequently) but is severely protective if HIS girls (Melody and Imani). There are some triggers in here for romantic scenes and abuse, so that should be known as well….Overall, There are plenty of peaks in this book, and the plot and dialogue flows effortlessly, but it just was not my preference in style. I do think others will enjoy this read, however, so I will leave it as a 4 star. Reviewed By: @zoltrixes
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda Swindlehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda Swindle2022-07-15 17:43:182022-07-18 06:16:28The Colors of Friendship (The Colors Trilogy Book 1) by K.R. Raye – Review by Amanda Swindle
This was a nice read, I really enjoy college themed stories and this one did not miss for me. I enjoyed following Imani, Melody and Lance and it was nice to be able to read see each of their perspectives through the book. Three college students with three different dreams and three different paths. It was also so nice to see such a strong friendship between the three of them, it was a very refreshing to see such a solid friendship while in college. I’m used to reading about a lot of toxic friendships in that age range. There was some domestic violence involved in this book so that may be a trigger for some, but it was written so well, and realistically & could be helpful for some going through similar situations out there. I really do look forward to reading the rest of the trilogy.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shanette McCreehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShanette McCree2022-07-15 14:28:402022-07-18 06:05:04The Colors of Friendship (The Colors Trilogy) by K.R Raye -Review by NettyBumBooks
3.8/5 stars This book was okay. I could see the theme the author was trying to do, I just don’t think it was executed well. Every time I read “mommy” I cringed. It gave Melody a child like persona instead of an adult one. I do appreciate that the black characters didn’t have an exaggerated version of AAVE like other authors try to do. I wish this book was more realistic to the ages of the characters and the college experience.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Daryian Lucashttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDaryian Lucas2022-07-14 22:17:292022-07-17 22:39:42The Colors of Friendship (The Colors Trilogy Book 1) by K.R. Raye – Review by Daryian Lucas
When a book gets you at its dedication and acknowledgment you know you in for a treat !
When someone is honest and cares their heart like this “ First let me give thanks to God for gifting me with the writing bug that I just couldn’t kick . To my exquisite husband …. ❤️ how precious , thank you for sharing your heart
I then read the prologue and my blood runs cold …..
What an epic read this was and characters really just climb into your heart .
Armani is really studious and want to achieve and she does and Melody you just won my heart from the get go with your fairytale like belief in everything , I think you and I could be great friends
Lance , you amuse me but you have a good heart
There was so much going on and I don’t say it in a negative way at all , so many topics touched on and dealt with but in essence it was about the friendship these people shared and it’s so very precious and their journey had me in tears , had me shaking my head and there were times I just wanted to put it down and walk away but my perseverance was rewarded ❣️📕
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heidihttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeidi2022-07-14 13:05:572022-08-16 07:53:20The Colors of Friendship (The Colors Trilogy Book 1) by K.R. Raye – Review by Heidi Sturgess
This is book one of the series. I didn’t know what to expect but boy this book took me for a ride.
This book is about three friends who couldn’t be more different if they tried. Melody is the romantic dreamer. She is absolutely convinced she will find the love of her life and live happily ever after. She wants what her parents have and while there is nothing wrong with that, she places a lot of importance in finding her soulmate in college. Imani is tough and no nonsense. While she doesn’t think love doesn’t exist she doesn’t value it the way Melody does. Lance feels love doesn’t exist but outside of football all he needs to worry about is Melody and Imani. Melody meets Kevin and she’s sure he’s everything she’s looked for. Even when things begin to change she gives him the benefit of the doubt. Imani never had a good feeling about Kevin but Imani and Lance will be there for Melody no matter what.
This book is well written. It touches on some sensitive subject matter as it relates to abusive relationships but it was done well. There was a lot of emotion in this story as Imani and Lance navigated how to help Melody. I enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read more.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angelina Frazzinihttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngelina Frazzini2022-07-14 05:56:112022-07-14 13:52:17The Colors of Friendship (The Colors Trilogy Book 1) by K.R. Raye – Review by Angelina Frazzini
This book is about three college friends. Imani, Melody and Lance have very different personalities but they are there for each other. This story gives you a variety of different college experiences, partying, friendship, studying, meeting new people, and making romantic connections. This may be a trigger for some people because of a relationship that becomes abusive. This book was well written and the characters are well developed. This book brings out different emotions while reading. I was kept captivated throughout the entire story. I can’t wait to read the next one in this series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Candida Hopperhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCandida Hopper2022-07-12 22:39:272022-07-13 11:02:35The Colors of Friendship (The Colors Trilogy Book 1) by K.R. Raye – Review by Candida Hopper
The Colors of Friendship is about just that, friendship. It explores different worlds that come together to cross paths you wouldn’t think to collide. The author had an uncanny ability to make you think, feel, and react to what the characters have to go through. It did seem to have a slower start that what I personally enjoy, but making it through the beginning and into the meat of the book proved to be completely worth it. I definitely recommend relishing this book and allowing yourself to continue up to the very end, as it is completely worth it!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Trishahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTrisha2022-07-12 21:59:522022-07-13 10:58:00The Colors of Friendship (The Colors Trilogy Book 1) by K.R. Raye – Review by Trisha Cargile
This was a great read that was centered around college friendships. I enjoyed that friendship was the main theme and thought it was a good choice to place the romantic relationships in the background. Melody, Imani, and Lance have found such a great balance of school and friendship, always supporting each other through everything! There is a switch in point of views with each chapter which can feel a little quick but is refreshing as you don’t get fatigued by too many details. Throughout the story I feel one of the main characters, Melody, seemed to lack a little depth so she didn’t feel quite as real as the others. I finished it in one day as I couldn’t wait to find out what happened. I can’t wait to pickup the second book!
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 Kern2022-07-12 18:56:512022-07-13 08:28:58The Colors of Friendship (The Colors Trilogy Book 1) by K.R. Raye – Review by Shannen Kern
I did not read the first books in the series but I am going to fix that soon. Evan and Callie are endgame and I want to be them when I grow up. Everything about them and all their struggles. Him the broken man and her the caring sweet heroine.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Ashley Johnsonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAshley Johnson2022-07-12 07:48:402022-07-12 10:32:46Saved by Love (Bellevue Bullies Book 7) by Toni Aleo – Review by Ashley Johnson
This book brings out all kinds of emotions but was written so well. There are triggers in it but it’s like the author is talking about your friends. You fall in love with the three main characters and you feel like you are right there with them. Lots of twist and turns buts so good.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Heather Goodmanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHeather Goodman2022-07-11 21:57:292022-07-12 10:26:40The Colors of Friendship (The Colors Trilogy Book 1) by K.R. Raye – Review by Heather Goodman
All I have to say is WOW! The Colors of Friendship is a very powerful novel. With some very dark themes. Be mindful going into it, I was hesitant but I’m so glad I took the leap. Three friends meeting at college orientation for different things. I felt at that age I related the most to Imani. I was that friend, still am. No nonsense, tell it like it is, but will always be there for you. Unfortunately I could also say I related to Imani even more based on what her character went through and fought for. I’ve been in those situations. Outside looking in, in a terrible situation. Letting the one you care for go for someone else in your circle. Then there’s Lance, I’ve known quite a few Lance’s in my life. People like Lance, you want on your side, unfortunately till they grow up they only make good friends. Now there’s Melody, the main focus of this novel. Unfortunately my best friend growing up was a Melody when it came to relationships. Just takes us back to the outside looking in, knowing that no matter what you do or say it doesn’t matter it won’t get through. Which is exactly why Melody believed everything boyfriend Kevin said and challenged Imani. If you’ve ever been in any type of abusive relationship, approach this book with caution. The author does a phenomenal job with each character, and setting the themes throughout. They always say you can’t choose your family but you can choose your friends. My friends are my family. I want friends like Imani and Lance in my life. I hope Melody sees that going into book 2, she’s going to need them. Especially with how book 1 ended, and no I’m not telling. You are just going to have to read it for yourself!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Beverly Place-Finniehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngBeverly Place-Finnie2022-07-11 21:30:072022-07-12 10:25:15The Colors of Friendship (The Colors Trilogy Book 1) by K.R. Raye – Review by Beverly Finnie
I enjoyed the fact that one of the main focuses in this book is the relationship between friends. Even with other things going on that was always right at the heart of the book. The book was well thought out with some strong themes running through. This is a newer author to me and I enjoyed thr way the story was crafted. Although I thought it was quite an easy read I also found that it had depth and emotion throughout. This is a great start to a new trilogy and I will definitely be reading book 2.
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 Baker2022-07-11 15:14:032022-07-12 10:17:10The Colors of Friendship (The Colors Trilogy Book 1) by K.R. Raye – Review by Kerry Baker
This was a wonderful story. The author does a great job showing how abuse affects the victim and those around them. Melody is a naïve, hopeless romantic. She is hoping to find the love of her life in college just like her parents. Imani is sassy, loud and unapologetic. She is an extremely loyal friend and it shows. Lance is a star football player, he’s hoping to get into the NFL. He also will do anything for his 2 best friends.
A couple of concerns I had: -The 3 of them are incredibly close, you would think that they were childhood friends. When really they just met at orientation. It seemed weird how their friendship was seeing they didn’t know each other that long
-The ending seemed incomplete. I know there are other books to come. The ending just seemed oddly abrupt, it felt like something was missing.
Outside of a few small issues from me, I am very interested in how their friendship evolves as they grow!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Allison Davishttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAllison Davis2022-07-10 13:12:062022-07-12 07:30:13The Colors of Friendship (The Colors Trilogy Book 1) by K.R. Raye – Review by Allison Davis
Encouraging, reassuring, promising, and heartening are just some of the words that come to mind when I think about this book!! Saved by Love is a story about two young individuals’s journey to a better mental health life through loving each other. Callie is a young woman who was raised by her sister and brother-in-law (an NHL player with autism) after her mother died and dad abandoned them. She is a strong-minded, independent woman who is an amazing gymnast for her college, who also volunteers for the autism center. The new gymnastics trainer, Evan, is a hot, smart, slightly broken, retired NHL star who came back to college to figure things out. While both of them are familiar with each other, due to Evan playing with her brother-in-law in the NHL, he doesn’t recognize her at first although she is smitten with him from the start. While the entire school is hitting on him, she takes a different approach to gain his attention, they become running partners and friends. That camaraderie quickly turns into something more, deeper, beyond the physical. The two of them start to take a journey that neither of them want to come back from.
This book was completely unexpected in the most amazing ways. One, there was no bullshit between the main characters – I love the fact that they continued to fight and support each other and never went through angst or regret amongst themselves. Also, as a mental health professional, I may be slightly biased, but the fact is that this book centered around “disabilities” and mental health in athletes made me fall in love with it more than I thought I would. It is definitely a topic that isn’t talked about enough in books, and the fact that much of the issues was the male character was even more amazing; to see things from the male point of view which is still considered pretty taboo today. The other aspect that completely drew me in were the two main characters. Callie, while she struggles with her own things, you can see the work she has put in. She is beautiful inside and out and became a wonderful foundation for Evan. However, Evan, oh my, I am so in love with him. From the beginning of the book, you can feel his pain and you just want to reach out and hug him. The way he goes about improving his own mental health, it just took a lot of bravery and you could totally feel it in the character. Also, I don’t want to give anything away, but there is one major aspect about him that just makes him so endearing, which really goes against everything we know about hot athletes. The growth he does because of Callie’s love is just remarkable and really inspiring. The fact that his family members were also amazing characters just made me love him and the life he leads even more. This book really shows you that mental health is a problem for so many and really needs to be discussed more – not frowned upon. Also the support that Evan receives is a great reminder to others that you don’t know what people are going through and you should be kind and just love a person for where they are. Mental health issues are not someone being weak, it is someone who needs a little bit of help to get back on their journey!!
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 Schultz2022-07-10 11:41:352022-07-12 07:28:42Saved by Love (Bellevue Bullies Book 7) by Toni Aleo – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz
This is my first book by this author. I am a fan. Everything from the characters to the plot had me intrigued. I could not put it down. THe author has a way of hooking you into the story and not letting go. For it to be the second book in the series, I could not tell the difference. An Amazing stand alone.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jerricka Brownhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJerricka Brown2022-07-10 02:10:042022-07-12 07:16:14Body Checked (Astoria Bay Thunder Book 2) by CJ Cartwright – Review by Jerricka Brown
Every bit as good, if not better than the first! I loved the second installment in this series (though it can be read as a standalone). The author continues to deliver an engaging page-turner with Bridger and Tia’s story.
Bridger is a “bad boy/playboy” who keeps finding himself in trouble and in need of an image change. Tia has sworn-off the bad boys but a trip with her best friend and the team drums up an undeniable chemistry between them.
This book has it all: friendship, spice, sass, laughs, and fun! The characters are likable and relatable and you’ll find yourself rooting for them! The author develops the characters and their relationship in a mostly realistic way and the tension draws the reader in. I just love reading her stories and can’t wait for more Astoria Bay romances!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jessica Condrahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJessica Condra2022-07-09 22:17:242022-07-12 07:11:31Body Checked (Astoria Bay Thunder Book 2) by CJ Cartwright – Review by Jess Engel
I loved this steamy romance! This second book in the Astoria Bay Thunder series follows Tia and Bridger. The story picks up when the two if them meet for the photo shoot at the cabin. I really love Tia as a character! She’s not perfect and is a very strong female. Her and Bridger both can be to hard on themselves and it makes you feel their pain even more. There are also some amazingly steamy scenes in this book that would be hard not to enjoy! You can read this as a stand alone but then you miss out on another great romance.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Carlahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngCarla2022-07-09 22:12:042022-07-12 07:11:12Body Checked ( Astoria Bay Thunder Book 2 ) by CJ Cartwright – Review by Carla Clemmons
Body Checked: A Frenemies-to-Lovers Hockey Romance is the second book in the Astoria Bay Thunder Series. This book runs along the same time period as the first read of the series, Power Play. You are introduced to Brider and Tia in book one. This book details the beginning of their relationship and brings you in to get the inside workings of how they got together. The author does a great job connecting the reader with the characters. I can’t wait to read more in this series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00April Smithhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngApril Smith2022-07-09 21:45:312022-07-12 07:09:39Body Checked (Astoria Bay Thunder Book 2) by CJ Cartwright – Review by April Smith
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