I wasn’t sure what to expect while I was going into this, but I definitely didn’t expect this! To put it simply (well, as simply as I can get), it felt like Twin Peaks, Clue (the movie), Gravity Falls, and Stars Hollow (Gilmore Girls) all rolled into one! Haha! The characters aren’t complex by any stretch of the imagination, however, this was such an amazingly fun read! I devoured it in just a couple of hours. It’s a fun story about a town from which I hope to see many future adventures.
The story was cute and the characters were likable. The author tried to make their own world by borrowing from the real world, in a way that helped it feel familiar. I hope to get to know more about Gomez and Taylor in later storylines. I’m interested for the future books (if any are to come) to get into the power structure of the different supernatural communities and how they work together. Wen is her own biggest obstacle, but aren’t we all at one point or another?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Stephanie Nordlinghttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngStephanie Nordling2022-10-29 00:51:042022-11-01 12:15:47Friends with Benies (Paris in Springtime Book 7) by T.B. Bond – Review by Stephanie Nordling
I love that the Dedication is the same! The amazing world building continues into this installment. And the character building is even better. I really appreciated that now that we know Makayla, the author focused on fleshing out Caz and Tye more. It’s nice to have Makayla actually interacting with her brothers (and of course her friends). I immediately bought the third installment and pre-ordered the fourth. I cannot wait to dive into this wonderful and dangerous world even further!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Stephanie Nordlinghttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngStephanie Nordling2022-10-07 00:12:002022-10-08 22:02:58Grave Digger Academy II (Grave Digger Academy Book 2) by C.A. King – Review by Stephanie Nordling
To start, the Dedication is very sweet. The author found a way to not leave anybody out on accident. Haha! The author is extremely talented when it comes to world building and making you see what they see. The story is very reminiscent of a certain famous magical world mixed with the TV version of The Magicians (but not near as gritty), but still something all its own and creative. Makayla is spirited and spunky, which always makes for a fun protagonist to follow. I can’t wait to start the next novel in the series!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Stephanie Nordlinghttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngStephanie Nordling2022-09-29 00:20:552022-10-02 12:40:56Grave Digger Academy (Grave Digger Academy Book 1) by C.A. King – Review by Stephanie Nordling
The main character, Ashley, gives off strong Veronica Mars vibes (the character, not the show). I like the way that the narration flips between whomever is the subject of the chapter. It’s always nice to get an inside look into the workings of their minds. I saw some of the twists coming, but they were still so enjoyable! The ones that I didn’t see coming were much darker and more sad than expected, but helped flesh out the story. Think Ever After’s (the Drew Barrymore movie) envisioning of Cinderella, but made for today’s audience in a darker, 10 Things I Hate About You sort of way. The story flowed nicely. All of the main characters endeared themselves to me. I am invested in all of their storylines and I *need* the next book in the series. Haha!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Stephanie Nordlinghttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngStephanie Nordling2022-09-10 01:33:132022-09-12 13:26:21Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins – Review by Stephanie Nordling
I fell in love with this world. It’s like an Agatha Christie mystery with Jane Austen characters who text. The story was fun with a nice bit of mystery. Reminded me of the Lily Bard Mysteries from Charlaine Harris. I definitely need more stories from this world. Great-Aunt Iris is such a crack up! She reminds me of Grandma Mazur from the Stephanie Plum series. I love when a novel reminds me of others, that’s how I know that it will hook me. Especially if it’s mysteries with a side of romance and comedy. I highly recommend escaping to Pemberley.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Stephanie Nordlinghttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngStephanie Nordling2022-08-14 01:24:482022-08-15 10:39:58Murder Most Pemberley (Eliza Darcy Mysteries Book 1) by Jessica Berg – Review by Stephanie Nordling
I love how the protagonist isn’t what you would typically think of as a main character. A ghost as the main is just brilliant! Without getting into spoilers, I love that she started out with a selfish (albeit worthwhile) mission. But she ends up understanding the real reason to complete it and doesn’t really care about the outcome for herself. The secondary main is such a sad character at the start, but she really grows as a character. I’m excited to see how the author continues this series with a ghost as the main.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Stephanie Nordlinghttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngStephanie Nordling2022-07-16 01:15:152022-07-18 06:39:25The Graceful Ghost (Amberwood Hall Ballet School Adventure Book 1) by Eleanor Dixon – Review by Stephanie Nordling
I accidentally read this thinking that it was the second in the series, but I’m still happy to have read it. The author, as always, does an amazing job describing the technical bits of ballet. I can picture the scenes in my head without any effort. I love that Grace and Lauren continued to be joint protagonists. The added element of Nyree was just amazingly sweet. Now I need to go back and read the second entry to get to know the boys who have joined this world.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Stephanie Nordlinghttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngStephanie Nordling2022-07-16 01:13:192022-07-18 06:38:27Ballet School Rumours (Amberwood Hall Ballet School Adventure Book 3) by Eleanor Dixon – Review by Stephanie Nordling
I think that I actually liked this sequel even more than the debut installment. It really feels like the footing was found. Which is strange, because it already felt like that with the first novel! Haha! It gave me strong Ghosts (both CBS & BBC versions) vibes. I love how interactive Morgan and others are with their otherworldly counterparts. And that the spirits are so active in their own investigations. Morgan’s roommates are amazing to read. I don’t want to give too much away in terms of spoilers, so I will just say that I cannot wait for the next novel in the series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Stephanie Nordlinghttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngStephanie Nordling2022-06-26 19:58:282022-06-27 12:14:39Distant Heart Sounds (Nurse Morgan Series Book 1) by Kate MacInnis – Review by Stephanie Nordling
Morgan is a warm and with character that is written so that you want to follow her along in her journey. She doesn’t know what’s happening and you learn as she’s learning. The characters are all unique from each other and each brings their own brand of wit. If paranormal mystery romance is your preference, this is for you. It’s like a cozy mystery but with spirits. Morgan takes all of these new experiences in stride and is always willing to believe that they are possibly paranormal with a healthy dose of logic. And, of course, there’s Dr. Lightfoot. The romantic interest who can help her navigate this new found life twist. Highly recommended for relaxation reading.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Stephanie Nordlinghttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngStephanie Nordling2022-06-14 07:46:022022-06-14 07:46:02Distant Heart Sounds (Nurse Morgan Series Book 1) by Kate MacInnis – Review by Stephanie Nordling
Note: Although this is an anthology, I have only read Witch Switch by Louisa Bacio.
The author is very talented at describing scenery and scenes. I was able to perfectly visualize what was happening, right down to the way that Rafe’s pants fit. I didn’t connect with the story personally, but I can tell that many people will love the way that it flows. There is amazing potential in this author to become long lasting in the world of paranormal romance. It has many elements that people look for: Suspense, romance, bedroom gymnastics. If you’re a fan of sexy paranormal, you’ll love this. It reminds me of the later novels in the Anita Blake series by Laurell K. Hamilton.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Stephanie Nordlinghttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngStephanie Nordling2022-05-24 08:42:592022-05-24 08:42:59Witch Switch (Bewitch Me Book 2) (in Midnight Magic Anthology) by Louisa Bacio Review by Stephanie Nordling
I just want to start by saying that I’m a “series” girl. I always have been, that’s just my jam. Stand alones just don’t do it for me. What can I say? I’m greedy. Haha! I’ve been trying to find my next series to obsess over and I’ve finally found it after a few false starts. I want to continue the journey alongside Dr. Joanie and her pack. Without spoiling anything, it has a lot of mystery, murder, and of course romance. The story has bite (pun absolutely intended) and keeps me wanting to continue reading, even when I should be doing other things. Excuse me while I run out and get the next three novels in the Lycanthropy Files series!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Stephanie Nordlinghttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngStephanie Nordling2022-05-14 08:07:242022-05-14 08:07:24The Wolf’s Shadow (The Lycanthropy Files Book 1) by Cecilia Dominic – Review by Stephanie Nordling
I just want to start by saying I read this in one sitting. It was perfectly adorable. There were never ill intentions by the two main characters and I loved that. It was a romance that started with a heartbreak and ended with happiness. Everybody in the story (minus the cause of the initial heartbreak) were sweet and quirky and people that I would love to have in my friend group. I would love to see this become a movie, I could picture everybody so clearly. I love the awkward moments as much as the perfect moments. Which lines up with the protagonist of this story. Definitely recommend this bookset. And definitely recommend clearing your calendar for the night in order to read straight through both books!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Stephanie Nordlinghttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngStephanie Nordling2022-04-16 15:45:032022-04-16 15:45:03Finding Melodie and The Wedding Special Boxset by Laura Rossi – Review by Stephanie Nordling
I just have to start by saying that this was such a light read, despite the subject matter. Haha! It almost reminded me of the Heather Wells Mysteries series by Meg Cabot. I loved how all of Ruby’s friends have very similarly themed names (Celeste, Sunshine, Nova). However, my favorite part is just how punny Ruby’s inner monologs were. (I’m a sucker for a good pun!) It took a few pages to get into the story (especially when it kept vaguely referring to the story of a prior murder from a different series), but it ended up being a by the book cozy murder mystery that had me turning the page just to read more. I don’t want to give any spoilers, so I won’t get too much more specific than I have already.
I started reading this without realizing that it was actually the 2nd book in a series. When they referred to a past incident but never fully explained it, I got the hint. However, this book was extremely new reader friendly. It felt like I was reading an episode of “Are You Afraid of the Dark?” and that’s a good thing. The story was fun while still being intense at parts. The characters were not fully fleshed out, but they did have their own personal identities. I look forward to many sequels in the future pulling the supporting characters out of their shells more. It was a shockingly quick read, and I had wished that there was more. So, I’m lucky that there’s the first one to go back and read. I’ll just pretend that it’s a prequel to this one. Haha!
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading a paranormal story about a spidershifter. I was pleasantly blown away by the depth of the character who was so much more than my initial thought of “just a spidershifter”. I don’t hate spiders, but don’t have a specific love for them either. This novel gave me a different perspective and new appreciation. I hate reviews that give spoilers, so I won’t go into depth about certain elements. However, there are so many fully fleshed out characters in this. From Aranha to Jonah to Dag, even Lars. I’m deliberately giving zero context on these characters, so that you can go into them with your own thoughts. The story has multiple layers and is, thankfully, not a one note storyline. I love that the author switches between perspectives, it really adds to the “flawed narrator” aspect while giving you a true picture of the situation. You can see why one character would read a situation one way while another will see it completely differently. This is the first book from Courtney Davis that I’ve read, but it was engrossing enough that she has now been added to my (literal) list of authors that I hunt down every month to see if a new book has been released or announced for release. I really need A Spider in the Garden to be the first in a long running series. Basically, if you love paranormal stories like Anita Blake, Rachel Morgan, or Mercy Thompson, this will definitely be worth your time.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Stephanie Nordlinghttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngStephanie Nordling2022-02-18 12:18:172022-02-18 17:34:48A Spider in the Garden by Courtney Davis – Review By Stephanie Nordling
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Better Gnomes & Gardens by Casey Cardel
