Book One in the Forerunner Series is set in Ninth Century England and tells the story of young Finn who is living a regular Danelaw life. He goes about his day doing chores and following his brothers around as they tell grand tales of supernatural beings and ghostly curses. At the time the ghostly tales were being told young Finn never expected to have a real witch’s curse come alive and forever alter his life. After a mishap, he suddenly becomes a Vardoger and becomes haunted by his own forerunner ghost. Finn is a normal boy by day but at night he turns into a ghost that even his own clan members fear. He finds himself caught between the world of Midgard and another realm, known as the Realm Between. Finn finds that he must summon up the courage to defeat his numerous enemies and fight for his own life because of the numerous murder plots against him.
I loved the historical elements of this story and learning about Viking life, legends, food, weddings, and folklore. The author has clearly done a great deal of research which shows in the detail brought to life throughout the book. I enjoyed reading about Finn and seeing how his character grew and developed throughout the story. I especially loved the supernatural element that was crafted so well in the storyline because it added an extra element to the story. Very well written and a must read for anyone who enjoys both history and the supernatural.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2022-09-26 10:32:482022-09-27 12:17:33Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse (Forerunner Series Book 1) by Jay Veloso Batista – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Emma is the first book in the Notebook Mysteries Series. The book is set in 1881 Chicago, and centers around the rebuilding of Chicago after the fire of 1871. Sixteen-year-old Emma spends most days working early mornings at her family’s bakery. She has a thirst for adventure and is determined to explore the City of Chicago beyond the usual areas of her home and her family’s bakery. She decides to approach her Papa with the idea of helping the delivery boys who work for her family bakery with their deliveries on the days she does not work at the bakery.
Although Papa is reluctant, he knows that Emma is a strong and determined girl who can take care of herself. This was something he made certain of after Emma was kidnapped and brutally beaten at the tender age of six years old. From that day forward, Emma was determined to never become a victim again and learned to defend herself. With the help of her Papa, who enlisted the help of several experts through the years, Emma learned self-defense skills such as knife throwing. With those skills, Emma felt prepared to venture out into Chicago and learn more about the city she lived in.
With her little black notebook in hand, Emma sets off on a series of adventures while helping with deliveries through various Chicago neighborhoods. What started out as an adventure and a way to explore different areas of Chicago soon turned into a series of mysteries that needed to be solved. With her keen sense of observation and trusty notebook Emma soon realized there was some odd goings-on within some of the neighborhoods. The more she observed and took note of, the farther she delved into the dark side of the criminal underworld. Before long, the mystery came full circle and brought her back to her own family and the death of her mother during the Chicago Fire of 1871.
I loved this book and thoroughly enjoyed following Emma on her adventures through Chicago. The character of Emma is well written, and the reader cannot help but admire her strength, courage, determination, and zest for life. Emma is a girl who knows what she wants and does not allow anyone to stand in her way. She has a sense of fashion that is well ahead of her time and is not afraid to flaunt her bold style, regardless of what others might think or say about it. She does not allow anyone’s opinions or judgement to change who she is. These are all qualities you cannot help but admire in young Emma. I absolutely loved the author’s writing style in this book. It was unique and interesting to have Dear One pop into the story every so often as the Narrator told Emma’s story. It was a style of writing that added interest to the story and was unlike anything that I have ever read. Bravo to the author for thinking outside the box and adding this unique writing style to the story!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2022-09-23 12:30:472022-09-27 12:12:20Notebook Mysteries ~ Emma (Notebook Mysteries Book 1) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Euphoric Wonderland is an eclectic collection of poetry that delves into the world of mental health, tributes to rock stars, slam poetry, and even superheroes. With a flow much like listening to music this personal memoir was a delight to read. The raw emotions the author felt during the writing of each poem could be felt as I read through each one. Whether the author was feeling an emotional high or at an all-time low, those emotions were expressed so vividly that I felt and experienced them on a deep level.
As someone who has battled through mental health issues I could relate on a deep level and felt a connection with the author. I was brought to tears numerous times as I read through several of the poems. This book will make you laugh, make you cry, and will undoubtedly leave you feeling things while looking at the world through a different point of view. An uplifting and inspiring book that you will want to read more than once!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2022-09-21 12:16:342022-09-23 09:41:40Euphoric Wonderland by Ryan M. Becker – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Sofi is shocked when it is revealed that her parents were once in a biker gang before she was born. It is a side to them that she never saw and that was kept well hidden from her. As dark family secrets are revealed she is shocked to learn what a rival biker gang, The Wolves, did to her family many years ago. Sofi decides it is up to her to seek revenge on The Wolves in the only way she knows how. As a writer her pen is her weapon, and she decides to expose The Wolves for all their crimes and take them down by writing a story about them. Sofi dons a new persona as Dior and infiltrates The Wolves by dating a Wolves Member named Buzz.
Buzz is the temporary V.P. of The Wolves while his dad, Mud, the Prez, is in prison. He does not know any lifestyle other than the biker life because that is how he grew up. Dior’s initiation into The Wolves is rough but she is determined to stay the course and follow through with her revenge. Things get complicated when Dior falls hard for Buzz and sees a side of him that his biker friends do not get to experience. Buzz also finds himself falling for Dior and sees a life and world outside of the biker lifestyle that changes how he sees the lifestyle he lives. Dior finds herself enjoying the sense of camaraderie and the feeling of invincibility that comes with the biker lifestyle and starts to identify as one of The Wolves. Will Dior find herself falling hard into the biker lifestyle and give up everything else she knows to be one of The Wolves so she can be with the man she loves? Or will Buzz give up the only lifestyle he has ever known to be with the woman he loves?
This book was full of action, suspense, romance, love, lust, and bloodshed throughout which made it impossible to put down. I loved the character of Sofi, AKA Dior, and admired the courage it took for her to infiltrate a biker gang to expose the truth. I was impressed with the lengths that she went to prove her worth to the Wolves, while also being simultaneously sickened by the abuse she was subjected to. Buzz initially came across as the typical bad boy: cold, abusive and a real lady’s man. That is the kind of man that most women are not attracted to, but Dior saw through his persona and witnessed another side of him. The chemistry between Dior and Buzz was undeniable and I had to read until I knew what would become of them. Would Sofi/Dior get revenge? What would happen when the truth was revealed? Would love really conquer all? Whose lifestyle would win out? This book is a must read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2022-09-20 17:37:332022-09-22 09:22:53Huntress by Karina Kantas – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Felines and Fatalities is Book 2 in the Kitty Beret Café Mystery series. When Ellie, owner of the Kitty Beret Café, agrees to put on a cat show for rescued cats she was not expecting anything more than an adventure involving cats in cute clothes. Things suddenly take a turn when Ellie stumbles onto the corpse of one of the cat show judges in a storeroom on the first day of the cat show. Now Ellie, along with her detective friend, Simon, are involved in a murder mystery that they set out to solve. Of course, no mystery can go unsolved without the aid of Ellie’s beloved rescue cat, Templeton, who is clever enough to help dig up clues of his own. When Templeton starts bringing mysterious items to Ellie, she is baffled by what they mean and who at the cat show these items belong to.
When the news spreads at the cat show about the death of one of the judges some of the reactions from the contestants are not quite what Ellie expected. Some of the contestants are happy about the judge’s death, which of course bumps them up to the top of the suspect list. Is it the sisters who constantly bicker? Is that the secret that one of them is hiding? Is it the begruntled cat mom who terrorizes everyone in her wake? Ellie, Simon, and Templeton are determined to uncover the identity of the murderer in their midst. As they start to uncover clues about each of the cat show contestants, they are stunned by what they discover.
I loved this book and really enjoyed how the author made one of the rescued cats an integral part of the story as he helped to dig up clues of his own. It seemed that Templeton was clever and had a keen sense of who the murderer was before anyone else did. Ellie was sweet and caring but also had her own sleuthing skills that came into action when needed. I loved the subtle love story that started to unfold throughout the book between Ellie and Detective Simon. Templeton played a large part in trying to bring Ellie and Simon together as he played matchmaker between the two of them. Ellie, Simon, and Templeton made a great team as they worked together to solve the murder mystery. A cute and enjoyable read.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2022-09-17 10:18:332022-09-17 14:10:46Felines and Fatalities (A Kitty Beret Cafe Mystery Book 2) by Ruth J. Hartman – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
A very real, raw, and unfiltered story of the author’s journey to find love. After packing up her entire life into just one suitcase Lynda sets off on a journey to faraway lands where she hopes to continue her writing. What she never expected was to fall in love with a young Turk and ultimately end up living in Istanbul. Nor did she expect to live through a worldwide pandemic that resulted in lockdowns and deaths around the globe or find herself living close to a war zone. In the aftermath of so much change, and surrounded by chaos, Lynda suddenly finds herself dealing with anxiety that leaves her questioning her life and her decisions.
I found that I could relate to Lynda on so many levels as I read her memoir. As an empath myself I know how trauma can have a very adverse affect to our bodies on both a mental and physical level. It is imperative to take care of our mental health otherwise it will manifest itself in our physical self. I too love sweets and chocolate but not dark chocolate because it is revolting. Did someone say chocolate, yum. I, as well, have been referred to as a cougar because I fell in love with, and married a man fifteen years younger than myself. When my husband and I first got together we had friends that poked fun at us and those that mocked us because of the age difference. This left me with doubts, and I became paranoid about what strangers might think when they saw us together in public. I am happy to say that after 11 years together, married for 8 of those, that our relationship is still going strong. I could also strongly relate to the getting older thing and feeling as though I was living life backwards. I went to college in my late 30’s, got married in my early 40’s, and now at the age of 51 feel as though I can live my best life. I no longer care what others think and have learned to sever ties with those that are toxic. I have come to terms with my past trauma, have taken the lessons I learned from it, and feel as though I can fully move forward and pursue my dreams.
I loved the author’s writing style and how she says it like it is without filtering anything out. It made me feel as though I was sitting there with her, having a conversation, and getting to know her. I admire her strength and how she managed to find the positive in every difficult situation that she encountered throughout her life. So often life has a way of kicking us while we are down, and it can be extremely difficult to bounce back from it without being negatively affected. I also admire her for the courage it took for her to share her painful story with others to try to possibly make a difference in their lives. Thank you for being brave enough to share your raw and unfiltered story with us! You are a true inspiration!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2022-09-13 10:32:472022-09-15 08:04:56Destiny’s Daughter (Intimate and Unfiltered Book 3) by Lynda Filler – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Nick and Julia O’Connor are on the trip of a lifetime to Venice after one of Julia’s photographs has been chosen to be in an exhibit there. While touring one of the local museums Nick is inexplicably drawn to a portrait of a beautiful young woman in Tintoretto’s work of art, Paradise, the world’s largest oil painting. When the woman in Paradise starts to speak to Nick, he feels as though she is his soulmate and becomes compelled to save her from being trapped in the painting.
Nick’s wife, Julia, is naturally concerned because Nick has recently suffered a concussion from a hockey injury, and she fears his hearing voices is a side effect of his brain injury. Nick tries to prove to Julia that he is not suffering from delusions and that this woman is his soulmate from a previous life which he lived in the 16th Century. Julia wants to believe her husband and even she is unable to explain how he understands a foreign language that he has never spoken before. Julia is unsure how to help Nick and begs him to get help from his doctor. When he ignores her pleas, Julia decides it is best to cut their trip short and return home. Unfortunately, Nick has now disappeared, and Julia is frantic to find him.
Nick’s obsession with the woman in the painting has consumed him and he seems to have forgotten that he is currently married to Julia in the present day. His focus is on learning more about this mysterious woman in the painting and he starts to investigate who she is. Through a series of blackouts, he learns this woman is Isabella Scalfini, a beautiful aristocrat that he had fallen in love with in 1589. As the blackouts continue, Nick is drawn back to his time with Isabella and the fate that brought her to her soul being forever trapped in Paradise. His obsession with the beautiful woman in the portrait leads him to uncover a secret religious Order that has been condemning souls to the painting for centuries. His beloved Isabella pleads with Nick to free her from the painting so he sets out on a mission to destroy the painting and save his beloved soulmate, only to discover that it is the Painter that he must destroy. However, the Order will never allow anything to happen to the painting and therefore have it heavily guarded. Nick now finds himself running for his life as the members of the Order are determined to destroy him so he cannot divulge the secret of the painting.
This book was very well written and both the past and present were beautifully interwoven together. I enjoyed reading the flashbacks as Nick was drawn back to his previous life in 1589 and his time with his beloved Isabella. My heart broke for Julia as she felt such deep concern for Nick and was worried about what was happening to him. She loved her husband and wanted to believe him but was also worried about his declining mental health. Then he just vanishes without a trace, and she has no idea of his whereabouts or if he is even still alive. How gut wrenching for poor Julia to be put through that. Nick was conflicted between his past love, Isabella, and his present-day love Julia which must have been confusing for him. Yet, at the same time, you just want to shake Nick and tell him to get a grip. How is he going to save a soul trapped in a painting? Why put your life in danger and that of your wife’s for a woman in a painting. I wanted to scream at Nick to get a grip, go back to his wife, and leave the country. Forget the painting, the Order, and get out of Venice while you can. I am anxious to see what will happen in book 2 to learn what became of Nick and Julia. Did their marriage survive? Does Nick still think about Isabella? Was Nick really suffering delusions? What will become of the souls in Paradise?
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2022-09-13 09:21:202022-09-15 08:04:39The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls Book 1) by Rob Samborn – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
A short, but detailed story that tells the horrors of dating after a zombie apocalypse. Our protagonist is searching for love in a world that is full of the lifeless, cold, and undead. Although the undead try their very best to cover up their imperfections through their clothing and by covering them up with makeup she sees right through them. Pushing her fears and paranoia aside, she goes on date after date in the hopes that Mr. Right is out there somewhere but that she just has yet to find him. The only real bright spot in her dreary world is the cat in the window across the street that she has formed a bond with.
The author does a great job of world building and drawing the reader into the story from the first page. She so accurately describes the very real horrors of dating while using zombies as a metaphor. Time and time again throughout this short story I found myself relating to the protagonist as I recall back to my own dating experience. How many times did I go on a date with a lifeless “zombie” who tried so hard to hide his imperfections behind his sweet talk and the clothes he wore? This short story was interesting, unique, creepy, and fun to read. Another great and unique story by this author!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2022-09-12 11:57:152022-09-15 07:54:36Hungry Business: A Gothic Story about the Horrors of Dating by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
In Plain Sight is Book 8 in the Logan McKenna Mystery Series. Logan is now married to her best friend Ben and has settled into a routine. She still plays her beloved violin, Bella, and her music career is blossoming. Life is good and Logan has time to do the things she enjoys like going for morning runs by her home on the Oregon coast. It is during these runs that she becomes fascinated with the beauty of the owls, hawks, and eagles she encounters along the way. Wanting to learn more about these majestic creatures she decides to volunteer at the Cascades Raptor Center.
Through her volunteer work at the Cascades Raptor Center Logan not only learns more about the owls, hawks, and eagles but all the work involved in caring for them after they have been rescued. She meets an amazing team of volunteers who have dedicated their lives to the care of these majestic creatures. When Logan goes into volunteer at the Cascades Raptor Center early one morning, she is shocked to discover the body of one of her beloved co-workers in one of the wards. At first glance, it appears that her co-worker has died from natural causes, but Logan cannot shake the feeling that something is not right. Logan senses that there is more to her co-worker’s death than meets the eye because her co-worker’s office was also vandalized, and a threatening note was left for the co-worker on her blackboard.
When the police investigation seems to be going nowhere fast Logan enlists the help of two of her friends and the three of them set out to solve the mysterious death of Logan’s co-worker. Thankfully, her friends have connections, and they can uncover answers that even the police and the coroner have been unable to discover in their investigations. This sleuthing by Logan and her friends has the killer’s attention now focused on Logan. The deeper her and her friends dig the more sinister secrets are revealed putting Logan’s life in danger. She is now racing against time to solve the mystery before she becomes the killer’s next victim.
I found this book impossible to put down because I needed to find out who the killer was. This book had wonderful characters and was action packed throughout. I became immersed in the lives of Logan and her friends and fully invested in the mystery of her co-worker’s death. I found myself trying to guess at the killer’s identity based on the subtle cues the author gives throughout the book. Boy, was I surprised when the killer was not who I thought it was! The killer truly was hiding in plain sight all along! I highly recommend this book and am going to ensure that I read the rest of the books in the Logan McKenna Mystery Series. If they are half as good as this book, I know that I will not be disappointed!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2022-09-08 11:04:312022-09-12 12:08:38In Plain Sight (Logan McKenna Mystery Series Book 8) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Dinosaur Friends is two books in one. In Book One, A Present for the Volcano, Spike tries to make an erupting volcano happy when he thinks it is sad. Spike convinces his friend Conifer to help him build a necklace out of rocks at the base of the volcano. When the volcano erupts Spike and Conifer are thrilled when the necklace of rocks stops the lava flow.
In Book Two, Saving Conifer’s Eggs, Spike and Conifer smell smoke from a nearby wildfire. They know they must immediately leave the forest and get to safety. Conifer must save her eggs that she has been sitting on, but she has three eggs and only two hands so she does not know how she can save all three eggs. Spike tells her to pick up her nest and carry it which she does. Conifer walks slowly and knows that she must be very careful to not knock the eggs together or she will break them. Spike, on the other hand, is impatient and starts swinging his tail back and forth. In doing so, he knocks down a tree which he uses to push shrubs out of the way and make their way to the river. Once at the river Spike and Conifer use the log to ride down the river and get away from the fire.
These two books were such a cute read about friendship and working together. Along the way we also learn about dinosaurs who lay eggs, what happens when a volcano erupts, and the importance of teamwork. A great read for any child that loves dinosaurs. In fact, I think I will be purchasing another copy for my friend’s son who has a birthday coming up soon. I highly recommend!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2022-09-03 13:17:132022-09-06 09:56:22Dinosaur Friends: 2 books in 1: A Present for the Volcano and Saving Conifer’s Eggs by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Ashali and her friend Miranda fully intend to make the most of their Spring Break and decide to go out to a club together. Miranda has no problem letting her hair down or meeting guys but Ashali, on the other hand, cannot seem to be as uninhibited as her friend. Until she spots Jase, that is, who Ashali feels inexplicably attracted to. Jase is good looking, polite, and charming so Ashali instantly feels at ease with him. Jase and Ashali immediately hit it off and Jase invites Ashali to come back to his house. This is something that Ashali would never normally do but she feels as though she can trust Jase and accepts his invitation.
Ashali is unsure what to expect when she gets to Jase’s home but decides to try to relax and get to know Jase better. What she never expected was to get kidnapped by a group of assassins that are known as Ives who want to use her against Jase. As it turns out, Jase is a vigilante known as the Blue Horseman and Ives thinks he has something they want that will aid them in their sinister plot to take over the world. Of course, Ashali does not take well to being kidnapped and as it turns out she can hold her own against the bad guys. Before long Ashali and Jase have teamed up in a quest to uncover what kind of dark secrets Ives has been keeping. Ashali and Jase are now in the fight of their lives as they battle evil and dark forces all around them.
I truly enjoyed this book and found it difficult to put down as the author drew me completely into the world of Ashali and Jase. I was surprised again and again as the book took twists and turns that I did not see coming. The character of Ashali comes across as being dainty, sweet, and innocent at first glance but as you read farther you discover that she has strength and mad fighting skills. Jase initially comes across as a bit of a playboy but as the story unfolds so does his character. As the story develops, we discover that Jase is the Blue Horseman, and that he is a force to be reckoned with. Together, Ashali and The Blue Horseman make a dynamic and unstoppable crime-fighting duo. This book was action-packed throughout and impossible to put down. I highly recommend!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2022-08-31 10:46:262022-09-02 12:09:37Ashali and the Blue Horseman by Jordan Elizabeth – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Trey is one of the best surgeons around and for all outward appearances is a saint. Everyone who meets him is instantly smitten with him and his charming demeanor. The nurses he works with, both young and old alike, swoon over him and fight to get his attention. Trey, however, is not interested in anyone since losing his one and only true love. This, along with his involvement in the Mafia, are things that Trey does not openly share with many. Then he meets Hailey at a charity event for the hospital and he finds himself attracted to her. Feeling as though he is betraying the memory of the love he lost Trey puts Hailey out of his mind. Hailey, feeling hurt after being rejected by Trey, also tries to put him out of her mind.
All of that suddenly changes when Trey’s boss at the hospital asks for Trey’s help to save his stepdaughter, Hailey, after she is abducted. He is aware of Trey’s involvement in the Mafia and feels that having Trey help is the best option because of Trey’s connections. He also does not want to risk police involvement for his own sordid reasons. Before long, Trey has found Hailey and when she explains what her stepfather has done Trey and Hailey decide to team up. Together they follow a trail of money that leads them farther and farther into danger as they unearth dark secrets that put both of their lives at risk.
Trey is the ultimate blend of good guy and bad guy mixed perfectly together in one sexy package. Hailey is a girl on a mission to stop her stepfather from his self-serving ways. Together Trey and Hailey make a great team as they fight evil and corruption together. I really enjoyed reading to see what would become of them and if they would realize their feelings for each other. I was intrigued by the secrets they unravelled and completely thrown off guard by the twist at the end. I highly recommend this book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2022-08-24 12:00:432022-08-29 08:18:51Collateral Damage (Mafia Elite Series Book 6) by Amy McKinley – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Nico is content with his life within the Mafia and at peace with who he is. He is happy to be alone and not allow any woman to penetrate his heart or get close to him. Then along comes Mia, who has sought him out to enlist his help with her father, a well known and feared New York Mafia boss. She has known Nico for a long time and feels as though he is the only one she can trust and the one person who can help her. Mia asks Nico to marry her and offer her protection in exchange for information on the underground sex trafficking ring that her father and stepbrother are running. Mia wants to expose them and take down their operation. She also wants her father out of her life for good and will do anything to stop him. Nico is reluctant at first to help Mia, but he finds himself strangely attracted to this beautiful woman. He also feels the strange need to protect her from the horrible things she has had to endure at the hands of her father and stepbrother. Mia was reluctant to ask Nico for his help and unsure if she can trust him but is desperate for love and protection, things she no longer has since her mother passed away. Tired of being abused and used as a pawn in her father’s sick games she feels there is no other option.
Although Nico and Mia come together in one of the most unlikely of ways the attraction between them is undeniable. The author does a great job of unfolding the story of Nico and Mia as she builds up from that initial attraction they feel for one another and how that attraction builds into love. It seems Nico has finally found a woman who can penetrate the thick armour he has built up around his heart and Mia has finally found someone to love and protect her. As their story unfolds the reader is drawn into a world of crime, danger, suspense, action, and romance. A must read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2022-08-24 11:54:132022-08-29 08:18:20Rivals (Mafia Elite Book 7) by Amy McKinley – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Book 4 in the Notebook Mysteries Series starts of fast-paced and jumps straight into the action. The year is now 1887, and we find Emma and Jeremy on a train trying to catch bank robbers. The train crash leaves numerous passengers injured, many others dead, and because of the ensuing chaos the bank robbers think that they have gotten away with their crime. Emma and Jeremy are injured but choose to ignore their own injuries and instead jump to the aid of the numerous other passengers left trapped in the other train cars. Will the bank robbers get away with their crimes while Emma and Jeremy aid the wounded train passengers?
The mysteries continue once Emma and Jeremy return home and before long Emma is knee-deep in two unsolved cases. When Emma is looking through her local newspaper two stories catch her attention, and she knows that she must pursue these stories farther. Before long she is investigating the disappearance, and suspected murder, of a local woman. Even more intriguing is that shortly after the woman disappeared her husband left the country. When Emma becomes too deeply involved in that case, she has no time to pursue the other case and must enlist Jeremy’s help. Before long Jeremy himself is involved in a case involving child labor and possible sabotage at a local factory.
This author does an amazing job of drawing the reader into the story and the lives of the characters. I have loved the characters of both Emma and Jeremy since first being introduced to them in the first book in the Notebook Mysteries Series. Emma is smart, industrious, and relentless when it comes to solving a mystery. She is quick to pick up on subtle cues and hints that most people would overlook. Jeremy is equally smart and always eager to help Emma solve a mystery. Together they make a fierce crime fighting duo. I highly recommend this book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2022-08-17 09:53:402022-08-19 17:19:56Notebook Mysteries ~ Unexpected Outcomes (Notebook Mysteries Book 4) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Set in 15th century England, this book tells the story of Isabel who has had her marriage arranged for her by her father. When Isabel discovers her husband-to-be is on the wrong side of The Wars of the Roses, she is shocked and horrified. Why would a noble knight such as her father promise her hand in marriage to the enemy? With no other option for her, Isabel decides to make the best of her marriage to Sir William. Will their marriage survive all the drama that life throws at them?
I really enjoyed traveling back in time to 15th Century England and felt as though I was there with the characters. I enjoyed following the journey of young Isabel as she navigated her way through the customs of the time-period. I could feel her inner struggles as she tried to deal with the overwhelming emotions she experienced while trying to please everyone around her. How difficult it must have been for her to be forced into a marriage to a man she did not love because that man that was chosen for her by her father. I sensed the raw emotions she was feeling as though she had no choice but to do what was best for their society and for both families. I enjoyed the storyline, the plot, and the world building. This book was a magical read that contained drama, love, romance, and heroines and heroes. I highly recommend!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2022-07-30 09:41:102022-08-01 14:23:22Love in the Roses (Love Through the Ages Book 1) by TL Clark – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Levi is Book 1 in The Brothers of Creekside Ranch series. In it we are introduced to the Delaney Brothers who have been left to look after Creekside Ranch after losing their dad and stepmom. On top of running the ranch, they have been faced with the difficult task of how to care for their now orphaned nine-year-old sister, Allie. Running the ranch is a full-time job so the brothers are unsure how to properly care for their little sister. Ex-Navy SEAL Levi is finding the task especially daunting and feels that he is far too busy with the ranch to have to worry about how he is going to try to raise his kid sister. An opportunity presents itself when an old friend asks Levi for a favor and needs somewhere for a person in the Witness Protection Plan to hide out. Levi decides to bring her to the ranch as their new Housekeeper and Nanny to their little sister.
Bella has found herself in the Witness Protection Program after helping to get her abusive ex-boyfriend, Dimitri, arrested. Now she must find a safe place to hide out until the trial against Dimitri and the Russian mafia. Bella never anticipated to be asked to be a nanny for a kid or a housekeeper for three grown men. Having never been a nanny before Bella is unsure what to expect or how to act the part. She is more unsure about what to do about the attraction she feels to the rugged, good-looking cowboy Levi.
Bella and Levi instantly clash and butt heads with one another. Bella, an English aristocrat, comes across to Levi as snobby. His brothers, on the other hand, find Bella charming and fawn over her every chance they get. Levi comes across to Bella as bossy and rude. Although Bella is still struggling with how Dimitri hurt her, she has a problem with him thinking that she must follow his every order. Levi is fighting his own demons. Although the two butt heads, they also feel inexplicably drawn to one another. Bella feels compelled to help Levi and Levi finds himself jealous when his brothers shower Bella with attention. Will Bella and Levi act on their underlying feelings?
I loved the wholesome story of Bella and Levi and enjoyed reading to see if either would let their guard down long enough to let the other in. Bella may have seemed snobbish at first but there was more to her than that a prim and proper appearance and good manners. Deep down she was full of grit, determination, and hidden strengths. Levi came across as harsh and cruel initially, but he was fighting with the trauma of his past. This book was full of action, suspense, mystery, love, and good old fashioned family values. A great read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2022-07-21 14:05:222022-07-22 09:00:31Levi (The Brothers of Creekside Ranch Book 1) by Edith Mackenzie Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Nathan is popular, drop dead gorgeous and part of the group of popular kids in high school. The girls drool over him and want to be with him, and the boys want to be him. Nathan seemingly has it all but he’s harboring a deep, dark secret that could destroy everything he has worked so hard for. He is so terrified of having his secret discovered that he has built up lie after lie to protect himself. He bullies and torments anyone that is less popular than he is and keeps everyone at a distance so he can keep his secret from being discovered.
Holly has just started attending Nathan’s high school and is determined to be one of the popular kids so she can fit in. On her first day of school Holly approaches Nathan and the rest of the popular kids and asks them if she can sit with them at their table for lunch. She is instantly shot down, mocked, and left to feel inferior. Naturally after treatment like that from Nathan and his friends Holly is disgusted when her and Nathan end up as lab partners. Although she finds Nathan to be gorgeous, she also knows how much of a jerk he is and wants nothing to do with him.
When Holly accidentally discovers Nathan’s secret everything changes. Nathan decides the best way to handle the situation is to pretend to like Holly and ask her out. As both Holly and Nathan get to know one another better they fall deeply in love. When Holly finds out their relationship is a sham and based on a lie she is devastated. When the web of lies start to unwind both Nathan and Holly’s lives are changed forever. Will Holly and Nathan ever be the same afterwards?
The characters of Holly and Nathan were wonderfully written. Both were typical teenagers battling all the typical drama that comes with high school. Holly was a true sweetheart who saw there was more to Nathan than he let on. Nathan acted like a jerk on the surface but that is not who he was nor who he wanted to be. It was all an act to protect himself and enable him to navigate his way through high school. This book was wonderfully written and described very well the cliques, the bullies, the mean girls, the jealousy and all the rest of the teen drama that comes with high school. High school can be traumatizing, and a great deal of importance is placed on fitting in.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2022-07-19 13:20:072022-07-19 14:18:13The Lie That Binds by Amy Argent – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Between Darkness and Light is Book 3 in the War of Destiny Series. Julia has been shunned by her Ka-tet since betraying them and aiding Valentino, King of the Vampires, in his efforts to destroy them. Her betrayal not only tore the Ka-tet apart but drove Mathew from the group. Julia feels extreme remorse over her betrayal and is attempting to repair her relationships with the Ka-tet but none of them, nor any vampire in the Resistance, trust her. With her already tenuous relationships with the Ka-tet Julia cannot bring herself to confide in them that the voices in her head told her to do it. They already think she is crazy and telling them that she hears voices and sees people that are not there will only cause more conflict.
When the Resistance Leader, Samuel, suddenly disappears Julia is forced to enlist Mathew’s help to find him. Mathew has created a new life for himself, so Julia’s sudden arrival is unwelcomed, but he reluctantly helps because of his friendship with Samuel. Before long, Julia and Mathew realize that there is something far more sinister at work and they must work together before it destroys them.
The author did an amazing job of building up the story from the second book. I loved reading to see how Julia dealt with the aftermath of her betrayal and what would become of the Ka-tet. I devoured the book as I read on to see what would become of Julia’s visions and the voices she heard. Was she really losing her grip on reality? Samuel was devastated by Julia’s betrayal, and it was destroying him. Samuel’s emotions were so real and raw that my heart ached for him, nearly bringing me to tears. How could he possibly ever forgive her when she threw him away so easily? This book was sensational, and a must read! I highly recommend!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2022-07-14 18:27:522022-07-17 22:26:08Between Darkness & Light (War of Destiny Book 3) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Pursuit into Darkness is Book 2 in the War of Destiny Series. The journey with Julia continues as she has been working on her powers for the past 70 years. Life with Julia and Samuel have been quiet since Julia took his offer to help the Resistance but that all changes when Valentino arrives to destroy Samuel and Julia who have become a threat to his power. Julia and Samuel feel ill prepared to do battle and instead Samuel, Julia and the Ka-tet decide to flee the country. When fleeing does not work, they are forced to battle Valentino before he destroys them all. Julia is forced into a battle to save her life and those of the ones she loves while also saving herself from the impending madness that is slowly consuming both her mind and soul.
I loved the character of Julia and admired her strength, courage and resolve in the face of danger. Although at times I must admit that I doubted her sanity and there were a few times that it appeared Julia was slowly losing her grip on reality. Samuel was a complex man who was haunted by memories of his past which spilled over into the present. Book 2 really picked up from where the first book ended, the action intensified, and it took a dark twist that I was completely unprepared for! I highly recommend this book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2022-07-14 17:36:382022-07-17 22:22:57Pursuit into Darkness (War of Destiny Book 2) by Theresa Van Spankeren – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Cora Croft is finishing up her last year of high school at Palmer High School in Colorado Springs. Cora is a young lady interested in pursuing higher education, something that most women do not consider in the year 1899. When her teacher mentions an opportunity for Cora to become Nikola Tesla’s lab assistant Cora is determined to seize the opportunity. Before long, Cora finds herself wrapped up deeply in a mystery as Nikola Tesla’s previous lab assistant has mysteriously ended up dead and important documents containing Nikola Tesla’s top-secret designs have been stolen. Tesla is at his wits end over the theft of his documents and is determined to pack up his lab and move back to New York. However, Cora not wanting to miss the unique experience to work with such a brilliant man offers to help Mr. Tesla figure out who is behind the theft.
Cora reluctantly enlists help from Harrison Byrne, a man whom she despises no matter how charming he seems to be on the surface. She also asks her friend Marshall, a man with whom she has known for years and trusts with her life. As the trio starts to investigate farther into the sudden and mysterious death of Tesla’s previous lab assistant and the top- secret documents they start to uncover something that is far more sinister than they could have imagined. When there is another death, Cora, Harrison, and Marshall quickly realize that their own lives may also be at risk.
I loved the character of Cora and found her to be inspirational. Cora was smart, feisty, and wise beyond her years. No matter who or what tried to stand in her way Cora was determined to battle against the social constraints of the time to pursue her dreams. Harrison seemed a bit arrogant initially as he liked to tease Cora and seemingly mock her, something that really irked Cora and made her despise him. Eventually, as I read farther, I learned there was more to Harrison’s character than I had thought at first. I soon realized that although he may appear almost condescending at times in his tone as he spoke to Cora, deep-down Harrison had a big heart and deeply cared about those around him, especially Cora. This book contained several twists and turns throughout with a surprise at the end that really caught me off guard. I highly recommend this book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2022-07-12 12:05:092022-07-13 07:51:18Murder in the Lightning Room by A.D. Brazeau – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Callie is a girl with a heart of gold. As Bellevue’s star gymnast she is fiercely driven. When she lays eyes on Evan Alder for the first time, she knows that she will do anything to get to know him. As she is watching him and the rest of his team jog past their dorm room many of Callie’s teammates also spot Evan and think he’s dreamy. Callie decides to call dibs on him though because she spotted him first.
What Callie does not see is that Evan Adler is a broken man. Evan has given up his NHL career to focus on his mental health. By his own definition, Evan is a worthless failure unable to live up to great Adler hockey legacy. He has failed himself and let his whole family down. These are the thoughts that Evan cannot drive out of his head, the inner demons that he battles with everyday.
Callie gets her chance to know Evan when she hurts her ankle, and he must tape it up for her. Callie is determined to take a shot at love with Evan. Will Evan ever feel good enough to get past his inner demons? Will Callie’s love and patience be enough?
A beautifully written story about how love can truly conquer all. I loved how the author tackled the issue of mental health and the inner demons that many of us struggle with daily as we doubt our own worth. It shows how even those that seemingly have everything going for them also struggle with the feelings of failure, rejection, and low self worth. I highly recommend!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2022-06-29 22:55:452022-06-30 09:53:53Saved by Love (Bellevue Bullies Book 7) by Toni Aleo – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Vive la Resistance is Book 3 in the Donovan Trait Series. The story continues with Donovan Trait, a vampire lawyer, and his chemically turned vampire turned wife Shirley Magnusen Trait, a judge. Donovan and Shirley are in hiding after being targeted by the Vampire Coalition. When Shirley became pregnant with twins the Vampire Coalition wanted the babies surrendered to them. When Donovan and Shirley refused to do so the Vampire Coalition ordered them dead.
As the Traits start to unravel centuries worth of cruelty, discrimination and lies about half-bloods and Weres by the Vampire Nation the Coalition continues their reign of terror. The worst lie of all was the Great Lie and the ensuing coverup that made all female vampires infertile and unable to have children. The Vampire Coalition has chosen all out war against all half bloods and Weres and are going to great lengths to kill anyone that might not be full blood vampire. To the Coalition it no longer matters if a human is killed in the process.
Millions of half bloods emerge from all over the world, ready to take a stand against the Vampire Nation for centuries worth of injustice and cruelty towards them by the Vampire Nation. Battles fought must be done in a way that does not draw attention to them in the human world.
Shirley and Donovan want the best life possible for their children and that involves living in a world where they are free. Rather than stand in the shadows and allow others to fight the war for them, the Traits choose to come out of hiding and make the ultimate sacrifice. They put their own lives on the line in a battle that will be impossible to win.
This book was well written and built up the suspense of the first two books. I admired the bravery of the Trait Family as they stood together as a family in the face of danger. They risked their own lives to save all half bloods and Weres from genocide called on by the Vampire Coalition. It was a risk they were willing to take to give not only their children a better life, but to create freedom and better lives for all vampires, half bloods and Weres. A must read! I highly recommend!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2022-06-28 10:35:062022-06-29 20:45:21Vive la Resistance (Donovan Trait Book 3) by Seelie Kay – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Ellawyn has managed to escape her abusive ex and is looking for a fresh start. She finds that in a small town called Quimby Grove where she discovers a quaint little bookstore called Starlight Books. Ellawyn immediately feels at home in Starlight Books and spends all her time there where she develops a close friendship with the bookstore’s elderly owner, Benji.
Suddenly things take a shift when Benji asks his grandson Beckett to return home for a visit. When Beckett returns home Benji drops a bombshell on him about his declining health. Not only does Beckett take the news hard but so does Ellawyn because she has grown to love Benji like family. She immediately offers to help Beckett run the bookstore knowing that Starlight Books is everything to Benji.
Beckett and Ellawyn immediately feel drawn to each other but initially try to fight the attraction. However, the more time they spend together the deeper the attraction becomes and the more they realize they have in common. Ellawyn finds herself falling hard for Beckett and slowly starts to allow her guard down. Trust does not come easy for Ellawyn after her previous relationship, but she slowly starts to confide in Beckett and feels that he won’t hurt her. As their relationship grows and flourishes danger lurks in the background when Ellawyn starts getting stalked. Has her ex discovered where she fled to?
This was a beautifully written book and I really resonated with the character of Ellawyn. Having been in abusive relationships I know how broken you feel and hard it is to trust others afterwards. The character of Beckett was amazing, and I loved how gentle, kind and understanding he was with Ellawyn. Rather than force her to confide in him he allowed her the time and space she needed. Benji was lovable and you could not help but fall in love with his character. I loved this book and will read it again! I highly recommend!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2022-06-28 10:24:062022-06-29 20:41:22Finding Starlight (Quimby Grove Book 1) by Shannon Nikole – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Oliver is a lizard-like creature who is sent to his room after being scolded by his adoptive parents. In his room, Oliver sulks and wishes he had a different life. He wonders how different things would be if he were with his “real parents”. Would they treat him differently? Would his “real parents” have scolded him? After Oliver has spent some time in his room his parents talk to him and explain to him that his feelings were normal and that all children feel like that at some point. After his parents share stories with him of their own childhood experiences with those same feelings Oliver decides to stay.
This book was written in simple language that was easy to understand and the illustrations really pull together the message being delivered. I feel that the use of language in reference to “real parents” is quite accurate in how an adopted child would feel, or any child for that matter, when feeling angry or upset after being scolded by their parents.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2022-06-14 09:42:462022-06-15 06:29:16Oliver, A Story of Adoption by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Dwarf is a man who is used to women using him to get to his taller and more handsome Brothers. He wants to find that perfect someone who will love him and accept him for who he is but because he has been used by women so many times in the past, he has low self esteem and feels destined to be alone. Then fate intervenes and Dwarf quite literally crashes into Raven on a dark, lonely stretch of road in the middle of nowhere. When Raven appears out of nowhere, Dwarf thinks it is an animal he is swerving to avoid. He is justifiably angry when he learns that it was Raven who caused him to crash and wreck his bike until he realizes how shaken Raven is. Something or someone has terrified her so bad that she has chosen to flee in the middle of the night which causes Dwarf to switch into protector mode and get to the bottom of what scared poor Raven out of her wits. This leads both Raven and Dwarf on a new adventure taking them into the world of the supernatural.
This story was unique, unexpected, eerie, and often leaves you with goosebumps as it delved into the supernatural. The characters of Dwarf and Raven were real and raw which made them relatable. The author did an amazing job of telling the story of characters who are struggling to work through their own imperfections and insecurities while also dealing with the very real and raw emotions that come with falling in love. This book had danger, suspense, intrigue, love and even humor. The banter between the MC Brothers lightened the mood as they tried to work through their thoughts and feelings when presented with the presence of something from another realm. This book was amazing, and I will be sure to read it again and again!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2022-05-25 09:12:592022-05-25 09:12:59Tickety Tock (Wicked Warriors MC Arizona Chapter) by Manda Mellett – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
The Night Has Ended is Book 5 in the Vampire State Series. Rowena’s fate is hanging in the balance as she struggles to keep a dark secret to herself. She finds herself often doubled over in pain and battling frequent seizures as her transformation continues. Rowena cannot let the pain slow her down because the Empire is in chaos and the fate of the human population of Sanguinia is precarious at best. Sanguinia is in desperate need of a new Emperor and Rowena has a plan, but will anyone listen to her or go along with her plan?
The story was well written, the characters were relatable and the world of Sanguinia was described so vividly that I felt as though I was there. I loved the character of Rowena and found her strength and courage in the pursuit of her plan to be admirable. She never allowed anyone or anything to get in her way or stop her from pursuing her plan. I found the character of Vincenzo to be smart, determined and it was obvious that he loved Rowena and would do anything for her. Luka was a character that you love to hate. He is bloodthirsty and angry at the world for how his life has turned out. Luka chooses to lash out at everyone and is determined to kill anyone he feels is responsible for his bad fortune. Although you can understand his pain and empathize with him, his behavior as a result seems unforgivable. This story put a new spin on the battle between vampires and humans. It is full of action, danger, politics, violence, suspense, and secrets. It leads to a conclusion that takes a twist the reader does not see coming. This book is a must read for anyone that loves a good vampire story!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2022-05-09 08:02:382022-05-09 08:02:38This Night Has Ended (Vampire State Book 5) by Alexander Charalambides – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Growing up in impoverished conditions in the 1940’s, young Margaret Rose dreams of making a better life for herself. She is also determined to escape the iron rule of her father and when she meets Eugene, an older man, she finds the opportunity to do so. When Margaret Rose announces her engagement to Eugene her father is dead set against their marriage because he has already promised her hand in marriage to a neighboring farmer’s son. Margaret Rose refuses to wed the neighbor’s son and instead chooses to elope with Eugene. Margaret Rose’s hopes of a brighter future are soon dashed when she receives news that her husband has died in the war. Pregnant and alone with no money to support herself or her child, Margaret Rose is forced to return home and live with her parents.
Margaret Rose is dead set against staying with her parents and wants to pursue her nurse’s training. However, she now finds she is unable to do because she has two small children and no woman with a child can be accepted into nurse’s training. Undeterred by this, Margaret Rose finds a way to pursue her nurse’s training in New York. While there she meets a good looking and charming young man who sweeps her off her feet. Soon Margaret Rose is wed and living her dream life with a beautiful home complete with a white picket fence. However, she soon discovers that her husband has been keeping some dark secrets from her and he is not who she thought he was. As Margaret Rose starts to dig deeper into her husband’s secrets, she finds the lives of herself, and her three children are in danger. Finding herself far from home and with nobody she can trust, Margaret Rose must rely on her wits and savvy to devise a plan to save herself and her children.
This was a beautiful and poignant story of a young woman who overcame many of the challenges women faced in the 1940’s as she pursued her dream of creating a better life for herself and her children. Margaret Rose is a young woman who was well ahead of her time and her story of how she overcame insurmountable odds is a true inspiration. She is a woman to be admired as she faces each obstacle with grit, determination, and courage despite the odds being stacked against her. Margaret Rose’s story is full of raw emotion as she pursues love and acceptance from her family and from the men in her life. It will tug at your heart strings and at times leave you in tears. This book is beautifully written, and a must read for anyone that enjoys historical fiction!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2022-05-08 21:09:322022-05-08 21:09:32The Scent of Gardenias by Lorraine Haas – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Josie is a waitress working in a small diner in her hometown that she cannot wait to leave. After leaving her abusive husband she is waiting for her divorce to be finalized so that she can start fresh somewhere else with her two kids. Unfortunately, life has other plans for Josie and suddenly she is mixed up in a murder case.
When Josie discovers a body floating in the river near the isolated cabin that her and her kids live in, she chooses to look the other way and not say anything to anyone about what she saw. From personal experience Josie knows what the reaction would be from friends, family and the local folks who love to gossip. Josie knows this because she was teased and ridiculed years ago when she saw a body in the same river when she was younger. What Josie never expected was for the FBI to charge her with one of the murders. Now faced with living her life behind bars and never seeing her children again, Josie is desperate to prove her innocence. But who can she trust to help?
As Josie starts looking into the mystery of the dead bodies in the river, she stumbles onto some dark secrets that have been held for years. Secrets that even her own parents have kept from her about her identity and where she came from. Secrets that they will not divulge for fear of what will happen to them all. Josie is already struggling with her own personal demons as well as growing concerns over the Covid-19 pandemic so this news could not have come at a worst time. Still unsure of who to trust Josie asks the help of her brother to solve the murders and prove her innocence.
The author did an amazing job of keeping the reader hooked and wanting more. I found this book impossible to put down as it took some twists and turns that I never saw coming. The character of Josie was well written and contained many layers. As the story unfolded there were moments that I could not help wondering if Josie really was innocent. Was Josie capable of murder? Did she black out during one of her episodes? There were so many questions that begged to be answered which of course required reading until those questions were answered. I highly recommend this psychological thriller!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2022-05-03 07:42:042022-05-03 07:42:04The Last Cabin Girl (Detective Josie Thompson Series) by Tom Swyers – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Zenni returns to Everwood with the intent to save the Everwood County Plantation because it is her only remaining link to her heritage. Local billionaire, Colton, has purchased the plantation and intends to destroy it. Zenni and Colton are soon at war with one another, and each will stop at nothing to get what they want. Each is intent to destroy the other at all costs in pursuit of their end goal. Neither Zenni nor Colton could predict that there would be an undeniable attraction between them that will change everything. Will Zenni and Colton be able to put aside their hatred of one another over the fate of the Everwood County Plantation? Will they be able to deny the chemistry between them?
This book was a quick and enjoyable read. I loved the characters of Zenni and Colton and found myself rooting for each one for different reasons. Zenni is feisty, smart, and determined. She is a woman on a mission who will stop at nothing to get what she wants. Colton might have money to throw around, but Zenni proves to be a worthy adversary. Colton comes across at first as a ruthless billionaire who is used to winning and getting what he wants. Then we learn that Colton also has very personal reasons for wanting the plantation destroyed which makes the reader look at him in a whole new light. I had to keep reading to see what the fate of the plantation would be and who would win the battle of wills between Zenni and Colton. Of course, I also had to see if either Zenni or Colton would let themselves admit the attraction to the other and pursue a relationship. Great read!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2022-04-25 07:20:322022-04-25 07:20:32Everwood Plantation by Stacy-Deanne – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
When Angelina made the painful decision to leave Blade to move to Seattle to pursue her career, she convinced herself it was the best decision for all involved. She did her best to leave her past behind her and threw herself into pursuing her career as a journalist. Years later Angelina’s life is on track, her journalism career is going well, and she loves her job working as a journalist at Unabridged magazine. Imagine her surprise when she walks into work one day and her new boss is her ex-boyfriend, Blade Spencer!
Angelina’s past is brought to light and old feelings resurface. Suddenly she is forced to relive her past and make the difficult decision to reveal her true reasons for leaving Blade. Would Angelina finally tell Blade the real reasons she left him with no warning or explanation? What was so horrible that it would make her leave the love of her life? Would Blade be able to forgive her? Could they put the past behind them and move forward?
I loved this book and found it impossible to put down. I read it from cover to cover in one sitting because I had to find out what would become of Angelina and Blade. The author did an amazing job of drawing the reader into the story. The characters of Angelina and Blade were wonderful, and they were easily relatable. I found myself rooting for them to work things out and just put the past behind them. Many times, I just wanted to reach into the book and give Angelina a shake for being so stupid by leaving a man who was so clearly devoted to her. Other times I felt such compassion for her and could understand why she did what she did. This book was a roller coaster ride of emotions for me as I became wrapped up in the lives of Angelina and Blade. I highly recommend this book!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2022-04-19 07:35:452022-04-19 07:35:45Unabridged (Lovestruck Series Book 2) by Melinda De Ross – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
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Thorfinn and the Witch’s Curse by Jay Veloso Batista
