Shadow’s Fall is Book Three in the Shadowstalker Series. Although it could possibly be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the other books in the series first. I started with the third book not realizing there were two other books prior to this one. I will be going back to read those ones and then rereading this one because it will make more sense knowing the full backstory. It is a YA fantasy story with action, suspense, mystery, intrigue, magic, drama, and danger. The story centers around the character of Rose who has become the newly appointed Chief of her clan. She is trying to deal with a lot of issues at once but at the top of her list is finding Gerik and stopping him from hurting anyone that she cares about. If anyone can possibly stop him, Rose can because she is smart, strong, fierce, and determined. As Rose sets off on her adventure King Micah returns to a world full of chaos and anger. He must try to find a way to turn things around and keep everyone happy. The two characters have their work cut out for them. The author creates a great story full of secrets, sacrifices, lies, magic, and adventure that keep you riveted until the end. Anxiously awaiting the next book in this series!
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 Barnes2023-10-02 18:45:322023-10-10 07:45:13Shadow’s Fall (Shadowstalker Series Book 3) by Natalie Johanson – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Mr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium is a chapter book designed for children between the ages of eight to twelve years of age. This book is a fantasy story that follows the adventures of several children as they discover magic, adventure, excitement, and perhaps a bit of danger while exploring Mr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium. In a magical room hidden from view is a place where all four seasons exist at once. In this room is where the elementals live, and each child is allowed to adopt one as their friend. Four children end up at the emporium for different reasons and each discover adventures with their new imaginary friend. Soon they are caught up in the fantasy worlds of dragons, gnomes, mermaids, and sylphs. This was an entertaining and fun storyline with interesting characters. I loved the illustrations that were sprinkled throughout the book. Anxious to see what this author comes up with next!
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 Barnes2023-10-02 18:00:182023-10-10 07:51:10Mr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Wild For Me is Book Three in The Balefire series. It is a second chance, contemporary romance that centers around the characters of Annabelle and Dakota. We were introduced to them in previous books as secondary characters, but this book goes into their story. Annabelle has recently graduated from college and has been given the opportunity to do an internship with her favorite band, Balefire. The internship will allow her to gain admission to an MBA program that she wants to attend. The tricky part is that two years ago Annabelle slept with the lead guitarist, Dakota, of the band Balefire and she never expected to see him again. Dakota has slept with numerous women over the years and prides himself on never sleeping with the same woman twice. When he slept with Annabelle, he never expected to see her again, but he does find himself thinking about her and wondering how she feels about him. As fate would have it Annabelle and Dakota are brought together when a member of Balefire is about to get married to Annabelle’s best friend. The attraction and chemistry between Annabelle and Dakota is undeniable but she does not want to be accused of sleeping her way to the top. Dakota has a reputation for sleeping around so he must try to prove to Annabelle that he truly does care for her. The push and pull between the two becomes intense as Dakota and Annabelle navigate their feelings and attraction for one another.
This was another great book in this rockstar romance series. The characters of Dakota and Annabelle grew from what we read briefly in previous books. Annabelle is hardworking, smart, ambitious, and determined. She was attempting to explore her wild side when she slept with Dakota and never expected it to become anything more than her fulfilling a dream of hers. Afterwards, Annabelle put it behind her and focused on graduating college and pursuing her MBA. Dakota has a reputation for being wild, carefree, ambitious, and a bit of a jerk. He never expected any woman to make him feel the need to settle down and stop sleeping around until he met Annabelle. His fear of commitment stems from something traumatic in his past which enables us to better understand why Dakota acts the way he does. It was interesting to read and see how the chemistry would play out between Annabelle and Dakota and if there was any hope of a real, true relationship. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
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 Barnes2023-10-01 15:38:362023-10-09 14:43:18Wild For Me (The Balefire Series Book 3) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
A Death on Fool’s Lane is Book Four in the Eve Sawyer Mystery series. It is a cozy mystery with action, suspense, drama, intrigue, secrets, lies, and crime. Although it could possibly be read as a standalone, I do highly recommend reading the first books in the series because they introduce you to the FMC and give her backstory. The story centers around the character of Eve Sawyer who is a college journalism student with the uncanny ability to find a good story. I love the character of Eve and was drawn to her in the first book in this series. She is smart, feisty, determined, strong, and brave. Eve is also a bit of an amateur sleuth who enjoys tracking clues and solving mysteries that may otherwise go unsolved. When Eve and her friends decided to spend the Christmas holidays together house-sitting for her friend Cassie’s aunt the last thing, they expected was to be awakened to the police knocking at the door. As they soon discover a retired police detective and his retired cadaver dog have discovered a dead man hanging from the tree in the backyard of Cassie’s aunt’s house. Now Eve and her friends must determine who this man is and why he is there. They must also try to figure out if this man’s death was a murder or a suicide. As they try to unravel the clues, they discover that someone is not keen on the mystery being solved and danger lurks around every corner for Eve and her friends. The ensuing investigation takes some twists and turns that kept me guessing and that grabbed my attention until the very 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 Barnes2023-09-30 12:45:282023-10-09 14:36:13A Death on Fools Lane (An Eve Sawyer Mystery) by Jane Suen – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceneara is the second book in the Gumshoe Mysteries series. It is a YA cozy mystery that continues with the adventures of Mia and her sidekick Gumshoe. If you have not yet read the first book, I highly recommend that you do. It introduces the characters of Mia and Gumshoe, gives their backstory, and how they met. This time around the two are trying to find a murderer before he ruins her friend Tiffany’s quinceneara. Mia and Gumshoe come face to face with the sinister world of corruption as they track the clues.
This was another great book in this series with a fast-paced and intriguing storyline. I fell in love with the characters of Mia and Gumshoe in the first book. I love the relationship that Mia and Gumshoe have and got a chuckle out of the banter between them. This book had action, mystery, murder, mayhem, magic, suspense, drama, and twists and turns that hook you until 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 Barnes2023-09-29 14:33:072023-10-09 14:23:43Gumshoe Goes To A Quinceanera (Gumshoe Mysteries Book 2) by Laura Hawks – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Gumshoe and the Mysterious Mushrooms is the first book in the Gumshoe Mysteries series. It is a YA cozy mystery for thirteen- to eighteen-year-olds. The story centers around the character of a young girl named Mia who discovers at the age of fifteen that not only is she a witch but that the stray cat she has been feeding behind her family restaurant is her familiar. The cat likes to be called Gumshoe because he recalls a former life where he was a Private Investigator, referred to as gumshoes in those days. Mia has always known that she can sense things before they happen but it all suddenly makes sense when she learns that she is a witch. When customers who ate at her parent’s restaurant suddenly become violently ill, Mia and Gumshoe set out to solve the mystery of the mushrooms that are reportedly the culprit. Danger lurks around every corner as Mia and Gumshoe start to unravel the mystery of who is responsible for the poisonings.
I loved this storyline and adored the characters of Mia and Gumshoe. Mia is smart, sweet, kind, and talented. She is a talented up and coming chef and loves cooking. Gumshoe makes for a perfect sidekick for Mia. He is clever, funny, wise-cracking, and as one would expect from a PI, he loves to drink and smoke. Together the two are unstoppable and able to crack the clues to solve the mystery. This book is a quick read and takes some twists and turns along the way. It has action, suspense, mystery, magic, familiars, and witty banter. I really enjoyed the ending where Mia helps Gumshoe remember more about his past. The recipes included at the end were a fantastic touch, thank you. I look forward to reading more 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 Barnes2023-09-29 14:25:082023-10-09 14:23:34Gumshoe And The Mysterious Mushrooms (Gumshoe Mysteries Book 1) by Laura Hawks – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Born To Die is the second book in The McIntire County Series. It is a gripping romantic suspense book that centers around the character of Detective Cassy Rivers. We first met Cassy in Atonement, the prequel to this book. If you have not yet read the first book, I highly recommend that you do as there are details that will overlap. Cassy is the sister to Nic Rivers who was the main character in the prequel, Atonement. She is still dealing with the aftermath of barely escaping from her life two years ago. Now faced with the tragic death of a fellow officer and a string of robberies she must ask the help of her ex against her best wishes. This man broke her heart and has left her with trust issues. What she does not realize is that her ex, Boyce, had very good reasons for doing so. As Boyce and Cassy work side by side the attraction between them grows and things heat up in more way than one.
This book was another well written story with a strong female character who persevered and battled through her own demons. The relationship between her and Boyce was an interesting dynamic that kept me reading so I could see how it all played out. The two clearly had feelings for each other but because of how it ended, Cassy had trust issues. Boyce had his reasons for leaving and did so to protect her, but she still felt betrayed. This book had action, suspense, drama, lies, secrets, betrayals, passion, and romance. I look forward to reading the next book in this fantastic series!
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 Barnes2023-09-28 14:53:492023-10-02 12:06:13Born to Die (The McIntire County Series Book 2) by Winter Austin – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Cruel Love is Book Six in the Hidden Valley Elite series. This book continues with Aspen and Phoenix’s story, so I highly recommend reading the books Cruel Start and Cruel Hate prior to reading this one. Without reading those books prior to this one you will not understand the characters or their backstory. The story starts with a bang that will immediately draw you into the story and hook you until the end. After a horrific car accident Phoenix was hospitalized and is suffering from memory loss. He wakes up to discover a beautiful blonde girl by his bedside but has no recollection of who she is. Phoenix not only does not know who Aspen is but has no memory that he is the father to her unborn baby. In his mind Phoenix is only fourteen years old and has suffered a head injury incurred during a football game. Aspen is devastated that Phoenix does not remember her or that she is pregnant with his child. She fears that she will be left to raise their baby on her own. Everyone is walking on eggshells around Phoenix for fear that they will set his recovery back, but Aspen does not want to hide the pregnancy from him. The car accident has changed the entire dynamic of their relationship and complicates matters even farther. Will Phoenix remember who Aspen is? Will Aspen be left to raise their baby on her own?
This story immediately drew me in from the first few pages and kept me riveted until the end. Phoenix risked his life to save the lives of Aspen and their unborn child. In doing so, the accident has left him suffering from amnesia and he no longer knows who Aspen is or that she is pregnant with his child. It was an interesting dynamic as both Phoenix and Aspen’s lives were changed by that fateful accident. Phoenix wakes up a different person than the bully he was before. Aspen fears setting back his recovery but eventually her pregnancy will be noticeable and will be impossible to hide. Both characters are forced to make some difficult choices and navigate through numerous challenges as they fight for themselves and their unborn child. It was an intense rollercoaster ride of love, loss, tragedy, unplanned pregnancy, drama, lust, passion, secrets, lies, betrayal, angst, and drama galore. 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 Barnes2023-09-28 14:23:142023-10-09 14:14:47Cruel Love (Hidden Valley Elite Book 6) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
The Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics is a fast-paced, insightful, and detailed look into nuclear weapons. The author does a fantastic job of describing what a nuclear weapon is, the science behind them, and a bit of the history of their development. From the basic science of what an atom is and how it became weaponized to the politics involved in the use of nuclear weapons and the dangers of them. The book is well written, easy to read, and informative. It is written in a manner that is easy to follow and could easily be understood by anyone. It is a real eye opener of the dangers of nuclear weapons and how easily they could be used to eradicate life as we know it. It was humbling, terrifying, sobering, and thought provoking. Not a book that I would typically read but I am glad that I did.
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 Barnes2023-09-27 13:36:372023-10-09 14:17:27The Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics by Paul McCarthy – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Daring Ceri is Book Six in the True Platinum Rock Star Romance Series. It is a second chance, rockstar romance full of love, loss, lust, betrayal, angst, and passion. The story centers around the characters of Ceri and Alex who went their separate ways years earlier. Alex’s band was on the verge of becoming famous and he broke it off with Ceris so he would not be cheating on her. Ceri was heartbroken over this but after years apart she has finally found someone and is about to become married. However, things get a bit tricky when she discovers that she is somehow legally married to Alex after a drunken wedding ceremony in Fuji years ago. Now she must find Alex and get divorce papers signed. When Alex sees Ceri he regrets breaking up with her and wants to win her back. He tells her to return to his band as their backup dancer for one tour and if she has no feelings for him, they can go their separate ways. The ensuing journey is a rough one as Alex tries to prove his love and loyalty to Ceri who is determined to not have him break her heart for a second time. No matter how hard she tries to fight it though, Ceri is inexplicably drawn to Alex. This was a steamy second chance romance that hooked me from the first pages and had me reading until the end.
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 Barnes2023-09-26 12:50:282023-10-09 14:11:47Daring Ceri (True Platinum Rock Star Romance Series Book 6) by Morgana Bevan – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Lucky Break is the second book in the Trentbridge Tales series. It is a British crime thriller full of action, suspense, mystery, murder, intrigue, deception, art, danger, secrets, and lies. Although it can easily be read as a standalone, I do recommend reading the first book because some of the characters overlap. The book brings back Detective Sheldon whom we met in the first book. James Sheldon is now working as a Private Investigator who has been asked to prove the innocence of the main suspect in a murder at the Albion Hotel. The murder involves a man who seems to have had several lucky breaks in the art world that have amassed him millions of dollars. Unfortunately, his luck ran out and he ended up dead. Now it is up to PI Sheldon to solve his murder. He is smart, feisty, and determined to solve the case. As PI Sheldon digs into the case and unravels the clues, he discovers an unlikely murder suspect who has been hiding right under his nose the whole time. The case takes some unexpected twists and turns that makes the book impossible to put down. Anxiously awaiting the next book in this amazing series!
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 Barnes2023-09-26 12:20:122023-10-09 14:11:02Lucky Break (Trentbridge Tales Book 2) by Lee Wood – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
What We Never Say is the second book in the Bold Journeys series. This book picks up where book one left off so if you have not read the first book, I highly recommend that you do, or you may not understand the characters and their backstory. This story centers around Rebecca and Kyle who have now moved in together. Rebecca has a blog that is gaining in popularity and is asked by a major magazine to write a story. When Kyle finds out he is rightfully upset because he used to model for the magazine and was sexually assaulted by the magazine editor. It is a dark part of his past that was so traumatic for him that he tried to bury it and forget it. However, he is now forced to confront his past and come forward with what happened. When he tells Rebecca she is less than understanding and chooses to go forward with writing the article because it will be good for her career. Will Rebecca and Kyle be able to overcome this part of his past and move forward?
The author did a realistic job of approaching the difficult and sensitive topic of sexual assault on men. This is a topic that garners a lot of attention and support for women who have been sexually assaulted but there is little to no discussion about sexual assault on men. Due to embarrassment men keep this to themselves and do not seek help for fear of not being believed or being ridiculed. Rebecca’s reaction and lack of support towards Kyle’s dark past is one of the reasons men do not come forward. After reading the first book I knew that Rebecca was coming from a place of low self-esteem and was just discovering herself. She was coming into her own, trying to find her place in the world, and take control of her own life. At the same time Rebecca’s lack of empathy and support towards Kyle’s painful past should have been a deal breaker for their relationship. Kyle should have walked away but it was easy to see that he, too, had self esteem issues. It was a very complicated situation for both Rebecca and Kyle as they tried to navigate through Kyle’s traumatic experience. This book had love, hope, angst, despair, secrets, lies, betrayal, and sensitive subject matter.
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 Barnes2023-09-24 13:05:282023-10-08 16:19:38What We Never Say (Bold Journeys Book 2) by Paulette Stout – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Tears Into Gold is a fantasy fairy book designed for children from the ages of eight to eighteen years old. It is a fun, whimsical read full of magic, fantasy, dreams, and wishes. This is an entertaining book that reads much like a fairytale within a fairytale. The storyline centers around a young girl named Branka who is in love with someone she knows she can never truly have. The boy she loves is out of her social class and a relationship between them would be strictly forbidden. The one thing that Branka wishes for is to have freedom but that wish could come at a price. This was an interesting read that was far different from any other book that I have ever read. Clever, entertaining, and unique. I look forward to reading more books 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 Barnes2023-09-23 14:24:022023-10-08 15:42:49Tears Into Gold by Cori Cooper – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Vixen is Book Four in The Devil’s Handmaidens MC: Timber-Ghost Montana Chapter series. Each book in the series builds on the one prior to it while introducing new characters and telling their story. The characters overlap in each book, so I do recommend reading the previous books in the series first. Plus, the series is amazing so I feel they are a must read. This book centers around the character of Mira, or Vixen as she is now called, who has received a call from a girl from her past asking for her help. The girl was left behind after Vixen managed to free herself from a human trafficking ring years ago. Vixen was one of many women who was viciously abused, exploited, and assaulted by a man named Juice. Juice is vicious, cruel, and will take what he wants. When the women in his trafficking ring became pregnant, he took their babies and sold them. Mira/Vixen is one of many women who has no idea where her baby is at or what happened. Vixen now must decide what to do and how to protect herself and her friend while freeing her from Juice’s sex trafficking ring. Her Devil’s Handmaidens have her back, and so do some unlikely others, one of which she never thought she would see again.
Enter Lucas, or Ironside, as he is referred to, who is an undercover FBI Agent. He helped to free Vixen from Juice’s trafficking ring. Ironside and Vixen had a brief relationship until he suddenly ghosted her and broke her heart. Now he has reentered her world and Vixen is uncertain if she can trust him. She must decide if she can forgive him and accept his help. Ironside has his reasons for disappearing and did so to protect Vixen, but he must try to get her to understand that. He is back now and is determined to protect the woman he loves at all costs. Vixen soon learns that there is far more to the story than she ever imagined. Now it is up to them and their friends to save all the women in Juice’s sex trafficking ring.
This is yet another amazing book by this talented author. I love this series and all the strong, fierce, kick-butt women in the Devil’s Handmaidens. Each woman has overcome a traumatic past and risen from the ashes to become a force to be reckoned with. Mira/Vixen is no exception to that. She was swept off her feet by Juice as he lured her into his world. When he tried making her do things, she did not want to do he viciously assaulted her until she obeyed him. Having freed herself from that part of her past she thought that she could leave it behind. She now must prove how strong she really is as her life comes full circle and she comes face-to-face with her past. This book had action, drama, suspense, danger, lust, passion, and chemistry. It also contains things that may be triggers for some with the sensitive topics of abuse, assault, and human trafficking. 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 Barnes2023-09-22 14:56:142023-10-03 13:54:38Vixen: (Devil’s Handmaidens MC: Timber-Ghost, Montana Chapter) by D.M. Earl – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Mr. Wimp is the first novella in The Human Mating Site Series. The story centers around the character of Bella who suddenly finds herself single after a twelve-year relationship with her husband. As she comes to terms with her newfound freedom, she soon realizes that she lost a lot of herself in the relationship. With the help of a few close friends Bella starts to enjoy the single life and learns a lot about who she is and what she wants. She realizes that her sex life was less than enthusiastic and sets out to explore her sexuality. This is the beginning of her journey and I anxiously await the next novella to see what Bella is up to next.
I enjoyed this novella and found it to be a quick read with an interesting storyline that I felt many women could relate to. I felt an immediate connection to the character of Bella because she was smart, strong, and feisty but at the same time had low self-esteem. She held back on a lot of things because she lacked the confidence to come out of her own shell. I look forward to seeing Bella grow as a character in her farther adventures. I loved that the book was not all serious and emotional, but that Bella and her friends approached the topic of being single with a sense of grace and humor. I felt the novella had a bit of a personal diary type of a feel which made it feel more personal to read from her POV. The only thing that I would think might possibly add to the story would be divisions between events, not like a chapter but perhaps as a diary entry with a date as the chapter heading. Each entry in Bella’s ‘diary’ would give the reader insight into her journey as though reading from her ‘diary’. I am not sure if that makes sense and is only my personal opinion. Bring on novella number two!
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 Barnes2023-09-22 14:10:552023-10-08 15:04:14Mr. Wimp (The Human Mating Site Book 1) by B.L. Wilde – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend is a children’s book for kids between the ages of five to eleven years old. This book tells the story of a stray cat, named Shadow that Oscar and Emmy’s family has been feeding and caring for. When they notice that Shadow does not look well, they take the cat to the vet who tells them that Shadow has cancer. Oscar and Emmy’s family care for Shadow until they must make the difficult decision to have Shadow put to sleep. The author has done a wonderful job of discussing the heart wrenching topic of the loss of a beloved pet in an easy-to-understand manner for children. This book will teach children about stray animals, loss, compassion, and how to say goodbye to a beloved pet. 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 Barnes2023-09-18 14:42:272023-10-07 11:48:37Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend (Oscarand Emmy Series) by Terri Sabol – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Rocketship Made of Stars is a children’s book designed for kids between the ages of four to eight years old. The story centers around a young girl by the name of Shirl and her alien friend Eee-Ahh. When Shirl takes Eee-Ahh to school with her the teacher and her classmates quickly realize that Eee-Ahh is an alien. The teacher asks her where she came from so, she draws a map of the stars and gives the names of all the constellations. The constellations look the same except the names Eee-Ahh gives the constellations are different from what the teacher calls them. Shirl and her classmates receive a lesson in the names of the different constellations, what they look like, and what they are called. This book is great for any child to learn about the stars and what the constellations are called. It is fun, easy to read, and full of bright illustrations that bring the story to life. 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 Barnes2023-09-16 16:15:392023-10-02 19:06:29Rocketship Made of Stars (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
A Forever Kind of Thing is a young adult contemporary romance that centers around the character of a teen girl named Mina. Mina is used to being bullied and teased because she has grown up poor and wears secondhand clothing. Her classmates are cruel, mock her, call her names, and spread rumors about her mom. When a new boy enters Mina’s fifth grade classroom, she cannot help but notice how cute he is and the confidence he exudes. Mina expects him to avoid her like all the other students and sit beside one of what would be considered a ‘cool kid’. Instead, the new student sits beside Mina and starts to talk to her. Mina tries to warn him that if he talks to her that he will be mocked and explains to him how the other kids bully and tease her. Rather than running scared the new student introduces himself as Wes, and Mina learns that they have a lot in common. Mina and Wes become fast friends and for the next two years the pair are practically joined at the hip. Then Wes suddenly vanishes, and Mina is left with a lot of questions and a broken heart.
Fast forward five years and Mina’s life has taken a drastic turn after her mom has married a wealthy man. Suddenly Mina has the life she thought she could only dream of. She is attending a prestigious school, wearing designer clothing, and is the most popular girl in school. When Wes suddenly reappears and pops back into Mina’s life, she is worried that he will reveal her secrets and ruin her new life. Wes has not had an easy life over the last five years as he has remained poor and in the foster system. Old feelings resurface and Mina is conflicted between her new life of popularity and the love of someone who truly knows her and loves her regardless of her background. The push and pull between Mina and Wes takes the two down a rocky road as they try to navigate their dark pasts and their feelings for one another. Can Wes and Mina ever truly have a life together?
I loved the writing style of these authors and found the storyline compelling. The characters were ones that I was immediately drawn to and found myself relating to. Mina was smart, strong, feisty, and determined to have a better life than what she had. She was tired of being bullied and teased for being poor and wearing secondhand clothing. Her classmates were cruel, and she struggled to feel worthy of anyone. Mina wanted more out of life and dreamed of leaving her small town. When she met Wes, she found someone who saw her for who she was and genuinely cared for her. He did not care about where she came from or that she wore secondhand clothing. Wes was also someone who grew up poor and had a less than desirable life growing up within the foster system. When Mina and Wes became friends, it changed both of their lives. They found friendship, love, hope, strength, courage, and allies in one another. That all came with a price though when their friendship seemingly dissolved into thin air. Love and hope turned to grief, loss, and heartache. When Mina and Wes were reunited after years apart the feelings were still there but the two had led very different lives and taken very different paths. The ensuing journey was one full of angst, drama, betrayal, hurt, anger, and second chances. 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 Barnes2023-09-13 15:27:152023-09-14 09:31:06A Forever Kind of Thing by Carrie Thomas and Melinda Harris – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Atonement is Book One in The McIntire County Series. It is a romantic suspense novel full of action, mystery, intrigue, danger, and drama. The story centers around the character of Nicolette Rivers who is a deputy in a small town called Eider, Iowa. Nicolette, or Nic as she is called, is a former marine sniper who suffers from severe PTSD. Nic is estranged from her family and has a complex relationship with her father. She feels strongly that he never loved her, and she blames him for the death of her former lover. Due to the trauma of war and the estrangement from her family, Nic finds it hard to trust anyone, so she shuts everyone out and moves to a small town where nobody knows her.
When a series of apparent suicides begin to take place in her sleepy little town Nic sets out to solve them. The string starts with a man talking about atonement and repenting for his sins while holding his wife and kids’ hostage. When he cannot be talked down Nic is forced to shoot him. This causes flashbacks of her past and her PTSD rears its ugly head. After this incident, Nic is paired with Con, a police detective. Con has been interested in Nic for a while but because of her trust issues she pushes him away. Con, however, refuses to give up on Nic and is determined to break down the walls she has placed around herself. When other suicide cases pop up where the word atonement is mentioned Nic and Dusty begin to feel the cases are linked together. Were the victims somehow connected through a Priest that one of the victims mentioned prior to his death?
This book was brilliantly written and had me hooked from the first pages. The author did an amazing job of creating a riveting storyline with complex characters that you feel an instant connection to. She handled the complex subject of PTSD, and the effects it has on those suffering from it as well as how it affects the relationships they have with others. Nic was a smart, strong, kick-arse woman who was determined to fight her demons and come out stronger for having done so. Con was sweet, kind, and stubborn as he refused to give up on Nic. This book had heartache, heartbreak, loss, trauma, dark secrets, mystery, danger, intrigue, complex family dynamics, death, war, and a crazed serial killer. 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 Barnes2023-09-12 14:25:162023-09-14 09:21:47Atonement (The McIntire County Series Book 1) by Winter Austin – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
A Party to Remember is part of the Notebook Mysteries series. It is a historical crime novella that takes place in 1889 in Chicago and centers around the characters of Emma and her friends. Emma has a nose for solving mysteries and seems to find them everywhere she goes. When Emma and Jeremy are invited to attend a Christmas party, she cannot shake the feeling that something seems to be off about the party. As the day of the party draws nearer her suspicions increase especially when she learns of the list of guests that have been invited to the same party. The guest list seems odd and those invited do not seem to be those that Gregory and Geoff, the party hosts, would normally socialize with so why have they been invited? Emma begins to conduct a small investigation with the help of her friends, Jake and Ethyl, who go undercover as hired help for the party. As they report back to Emma about the going-ons at Gregory and Geoff’s home, her suspicions only increase, and she knows that something is wrong. Who will win the deadly game of cat-and-mouse that Gregory and Geoff have planned?
Another brilliantly written novella by this talented author. I love how she uses historical events that occurred between 1880-1890 in Chicago as inspiration for her stories. The storyline was intriguing, and the characters are engaging. I have grown to love this close-knit group of friends that have become family to one another. Emma is a smart, feisty, stubborn, young lady with a knack for solving mysteries. She can sense something is wrong and pick up subtle clues that many might otherwise overlook. Christmas is a busy enough time of year but for Emma this year she certainly has her hands full. An invitation to a Christmas party that has her suspicions raised. Helping her friends Savannah and Ethan plan their wedding. Added to that, Emma and Jeremy have just become guardians to young Henrietta who I found was a wonderful addition to the story. I look forward to reading future stories with Henrietta to see if she becomes involved in helping Emma solve mysteries. Such a brilliant-minded young lady will surely aid in solving future mysteries that Emma stumbles onto. 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 Barnes2023-09-12 13:30:332023-09-12 14:56:47Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember (Notebook Mysteries Series) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Master Campania is Book Seven in the Masters of the Consulate series. It is an edgy, enemies to lovers, paranormal romance with vampires, witches, magic, drama, danger, action, suspense, chemistry, passion, love, and fated mates. Although this book could possibly be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the first books in the series because they will introduce you to some of the recurring characters that pop up. Putting that aside, it is an amazing series that you will not want to miss out on.
This book centers on the characters of Master Campania and Willow and is told from each of their points of view. Master Campania is a vampire that rules the south of Italy with an iron fist. Nobody would dare lie to him or betray him because they would not live to see another night. When Master Campania learns of rogue shifters and traitorous vampires teaming up with a group of witches, he is determined to find them and put a stop to them. Master Campania sees all and knows all in his dark underworld, so he knows where a group of witches have been living and where they like to socialize.
Enter Willow, a witch who is out for a night of fun with her friends at a club that Master Campania frequents. Willow and her friends have fled the academy because they were tired of being under the thumb of the head witches, and the coven leader Devora. They are hiding out in Master Campania’s region thinking that nobody would think to look for them there. However, Master Campania is aware of the witches as well as where they are staying. When he spots Willow at the club, he approaches her and demands information on the whereabouts of the rogue witches. Willow is reluctant to tell him anything and instead gives him false information to buy them time so her and her friends can flee to safety. Unfortunately, Willow and her friends do not escape quickly enough, and Master Campania quickly hunts them down. He is now angry that she lied to him and is more determined to get the information he seeks. What he does not expect is to find this little witch so enchanting. Willow also finds herself attracted to Master Campania. What will become of this mutual attraction?
This was yet another fantastic book in this series! The author draws the reader in from the first few pages with a suspenseful, action-packed, and intense storyline. Master Campania is a dark, sexy, devious, and ruthless vampire that nobody dares to betray. He is used to getting his own way and will stop at nothing to get what he wants. Willow is a feisty, bullheaded, smart, and charming witch that values her friends and will do anything to protect them. When Master Campania and Willow first meet it is under less-than-ideal circumstances. They are opposites from two different worlds where vampires and witches have been taught that they are mortal enemies and that they must never mix. However, when Master Campania and Willow meet the chemistry and attraction between them is intense and undeniable. It was impossible to not continue reading to see if either would act on the attraction and if there was hope of them having a relationship. This book hooked me until the end and kept me riveted until the last pages. I cannot wait for book number eight!
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 Barnes2023-09-07 13:36:462023-09-14 08:24:25Master Campania (Masters of the Consulate Book 7) by Sylvia Black – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
The Mother’s Threat is a fast-paced, psychological thriller that will grip you from the first pages and keep you reading until the end. The story centers around the character of Violet who has just opened her own security business. She is an ex-covert-ops leader who is smart, strong, courageous, and tenacious. Violet is a woman who never backs down from a challenge and will instead tackle it head-on. Her first job with her security business, Outrigger Services, is to provide security for a company called Bettermed at an upcoming conference they are holding. When Violet discovers that her mother, Daisy, is planning to join a group of protestors at the conference she is shocked and horrified. She knows her hippie mom to be peace-loving, gentle, and kind so how could she be involved in a protest? Not only is Daisy involved in the protest, but she becomes the voice for the group. When the peaceful protest becomes heated looting, fires, and destruction occurs. Violet and Daisy’s mother-daughter relationship hangs precariously in the balance as they find themselves on opposing ends and Violet finds herself being forced to choose between her business and her mom.
This was yet another amazing book by this talented author. Her writing style is impeccable and draws the reader fully into the story. The relationship between Violet and Daisy became complex quickly when they found themselves on opposing sides of an issue involving big business and climate change. Both women are strong, smart, determined, and have strong beliefs and values. It was interesting to read and see how the conflict would play out between Violet and Daisy. This was a book full of action, drama, suspense, conflict, family dynamics, beliefs, morals, values, and the complex mother-daughter dynamic. The twists and turns will keep you on the edge of your seat and have you reading until 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 Barnes2023-09-05 12:44:032023-09-14 08:38:26The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
When We Fell Again is an angsty, second chance, contemporary romance that centers around the characters of Jordan and Alexis. Jordan is lead singer with the band Idol Rev. His band is due to go on a comeback tour but after an alcohol induced moment of stupidity Jordan has dislocated his shoulder. He insists that he is still able to tour if he has super strength painkillers to take the edge off his pain. Alexis is a tour manager that usually manages smaller tours. When she is asked to fill in for Idol Rev’s regular tour manager, she is reluctant because it means that she will be on tour with her ex, Jordan.
Jordan and Alexis were together while in university and when he was an up-and-coming rock star. It was being his girlfriend that gave her the love of live music and led her into a career in tour management. Her new career was also what broke Jordan and Alexis up when she started to spend long periods of time away from home. Jordan became jealous, accused her of horrible things, and it inevitably caused the two to break up. Naturally, Alexis is not keen on seeing Jordan again but when she does old feelings begin to stir and she cannot deny her attraction to him. Jordan has managed to avoid Alexis for five years and is not keen on seeing her again but feels that he can maintain a professional attitude. That is, until he sees Alexis and old feelings come to the surface. His attraction to her is undeniable and he vows to change his ways and be a better man so he can win her back. Can old hurt and bitterness be put aside so that Jordan and Alexis can have a chance at a future together? Will Jordan settle back into his old ways of anger and jealousy?
This was a well written story with an intriguing storyline. It was interesting to read and see how Jordan and Alexis would handle being on tour together. Their attraction to one another was undeniable but would it be enough. I had to keep reading to see if Jordan really could change his ways and be the man that Alexis deserved. It was interesting to see how Alexis would handle the situation and if she could forgive Jordan and accept that he truly wanted to change. Would Jordan break her heart again? This book was an angsty, passion-filled, second chance romance that took me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions.
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 Barnes2023-09-05 12:05:152023-09-14 08:37:39When We Fell Again by Julie Archer – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Murder Creek is Book One in the Eve Sawyer Mystery Series. It is a murder mystery that centers around the character of Eve Sawyer. Eve is a journalism student who chooses to write an article about a woman who went missing twenty years ago. The only clue to the woman’s disappearance was a bloody scarf that was left behind. Eve decides to delve into the case acting as an amateur sleuth to solve the cold case. Eve has an ability that few others prior to her had which give her a bit of an upper hand in solving the case. As an empath she has unique abilities that allow her to notice minute details that others might overlook. Eve can also feel and sense the moods of others which allows her to tune into their mindset. An added bonus is that as an empath people feel more comfortable with Eve and will openly confide in her.
This was a wonderfully written book with an intriguing storyline and relatable characters. I adored the character of Eve and felt a connection with her. She was smart, feisty, determined, and courageous. I loved that the author chose to write Eve as an empath because I have not yet read about a character with that ability. Empaths have unique gifts and abilities that often get overlooked. They can pick up on energy, moods, and feelings of those around them. Empaths can often sense when someone is lying and picking up on negative energy. Empaths are those that others generally feel comfortable around enough to open up and discuss things that they generally would not divulge to anyone else. How do I know this? I know from personal experience because I discovered a few years ago that I am an empath. Random strangers have come up to me at bus stops and at my workplace and told me things that they have never told another person. These individuals were surprised afterwards that they told me what they had. I can sense other people’s moods and pickup on their energy. Negative energy is emotionally draining so it is important to be surrounded by happy, positive individuals. A huge shoutout to the author for giving the character of Eve the unique ability of empath. This book had action, suspense, mystery, intrigue, and a few twists and turns that kept me reading until the end. I anxiously await the next book in this amazing series!
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 Barnes2023-09-04 20:24:342023-09-14 07:54:47Murder Creek by Jane Suen – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
A Rainbow Like You is a contemporary fiction book with drama, love, loss, heartache, heartbreak, drama, angst, and tension. The story centers around the character of musician Adrian “Jazzer” Johnson and is told from his POV. Adrian has loved music from an early age and was always driven by the passion to succeed and become a rock star. He dropped out of high school and chose to focus on his career, becoming the leader of a hugely successful rock band. Adrian’s life is not all sunshine and lollipops as he had hoped. The perfect life he hoped for did not happen for him and becoming a popular rock star did not guarantee his happiness. His marriage at a young age turned into a traumatic divorce. He lost his mother, has a less than desirable relationship with his dad, and has turned to alcohol to cope. With so much going on Adrian cannot seem to have the ability to create any new music. Adrian’s life is spiraling out of control until he meets a young girl by the name of Hastings. She has the ability to see music in colors which is a stark contrast to Adrian’s color blindness. Hastings tells Adrian that she can help him, and he reluctantly agrees to accept her help. As the two spend time together they share stories of painful pasts.
This book was beautifully written and not what I expected at all. It was not the typical bad boy, drug addicted, swoon worthy rock star story. This book was centered around a character who seemingly had a perfect life in the sense that he had fame, fortune, and success. Yet, success came with a price and there was a lot going on behind the seemingly perfect façade. Adrian was a tortured soul with a troubled past who was fighting some inner demons. Having suffered so much heartache and loss he was suffering and drowning in his grief. When Adrian met young Hastings, they forged a friendship that helped him grow emotionally and move forward. Their friendship was endearing and heartwarming. This book was a rollercoaster ride of emotions that left me reaching for the box of Kleenex more than once. 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 Barnes2023-09-04 19:30:372023-09-14 07:53:49A Rainbow Like You by Andréa Fehsenfeld – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Dead Keen is Book Two in the Things Unseen Series and the sequel to Dead Sound. If you have not yet read the first book in the series, I highly recommend that you do. Book One will give you an introduction to the characters and their backstories which will give you a better idea of the ordeal that the characters have been through. Dead Keen is a gripping psychological thriller with elements of action, drama, suspense, romance, danger, and drama. Picking up where the first book left off, Neve and Con are flying to Ireland in the hopes to rest, relax, and recoup from the ordeal that they have recently been put through. The pair are enjoying the beauty of Ireland until they get entangled in a mystery involving a deadly cult. Suddenly, their magical getaway turns sinister, and they find themselves in a deadly game of cat and mouse. Neve and Con find themselves battling against video game designers, ancient gods, and evil cult leaders. The tension builds throughout the book as the pair try to unravel the lies and secrets while facing off against an evil cult leader.
Another amazing book by this talented author who drew me into the story from the first few pages and kept me hooked until the end. The writing was so vivid and descriptive that it pulled me into the story and made me feel as though I was there in Ireland with the characters. Neve and Con are a wonderful couple who fit together like pieces of a puzzle. The ordeals that they were put through brought them closer together as they leaned on each other for support. A brilliant rollercoaster ride with twists and turns that will keep you riveted until 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 Barnes2023-09-04 18:31:482023-09-14 07:52:13Dead Keen (Things Unseen Book 2) by Anise Eden – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Rogue Wolf is Book Three in the Protector Wolf Shifter Series. This book picks up where the last one left off so if you have not yet read the first two books in the series, I highly recommend that you do. The first two books give Kodiak and Tamaska’s back stories, how they met, how the vampires obtained the Blood Opal and why Tamaska and Kodiak are so heavily invested in retrieving it from the vampires. It is a paranormal romance with shifters, vampires, drama, action, suspense, mystery, intrigue, passion, chemistry, and danger lurking around every corner.
Tamaska is in hiding with Kodiak’s wolf pack from the vampires who are determined to get to her. For reasons unbeknownst to her the vampires need to mix her blood with the Blood Opal which will give them special powers. Kodiak will do anything to protect Tamaska, but his wolf pack does not feel the same way as he does about Tamaska. As far as they are concerned, she brought trouble to the pack that resulted in bloodshed and the loss of several members of their pack. Out of loyalty to Kodiak the pack reluctantly agrees to protect Tamaska but have a difficult time accepting her into their pack. Kodiak is trying to become Alpha of the wolf pack so he still must prove himself worthy of the title of Alpha. Tamaska could prove to be detrimental to this if his desire to protect her is perceived as weakness by the pack.
Tamaska is anxious to be turned into a wolf shifter but does not understand all the complications that the transformation process entails. Nobody, including, Kodiak will explain the transformation process to her because they want to protect her. What she does not realize is that she may die during the transformation process. She is determined to be transformed and become accepted by the pack but fails to try to understand how the pack works. To be accepted into the wolf pack and become one of them she must follow the rules of the Alpha, who will soon be Kodiak. Tamaska is used to being strong and independent, so she goes against Kodiak’s wishes, and this risks everything he was worked for as well as her acceptance into the pack. Tamaska’s stubbornness almost proves to be fatal when she does not listen to Kodiak and is attacked by a vampire. Lucky for her, Kodiak rescues her before it is too late. When Kodiak is captured by the vampires Tamaska is determined to save him but to do so she must be transformed into a wolf shifter. Will she find someone who will transform her? Will she survive the transformation process? Will she be able to save Kodiak?
This was another phenomenal book in this series! The author does a great job creating an engaging storyline with vivid scenes that fully immerse you into the story with the characters. Tamaska was strong, determined, stubborn, pigheaded, and independent to a fault. These characteristics almost cost her life when she went against Kodiak’s wishes. She felt that she could protect herself without stopping to think about how dangerous the situation was. Not only was she risking her own life but those of Kodiak’s wolf pack as well. Kodiak was strong, smart, loyal, and a born leader. He wanted to protect both Tamaska and his wolf pack at all costs. It was up to him to make the best decisions for his pack, which included Tamaska, but she failed to understand how pack mentality worked. Both Tamaska and Kodiak failed horribly at communicating properly with one another. She felt that she could protect herself and Kodiak felt he was protecting Tamaska by keeping things from her. It was interesting to see how strong Tamaska truly was when it came time to save Kodiak. A great read that kept me hooked until 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 Barnes2023-09-03 14:09:022023-09-14 08:07:00Rogue Wolf (Protector Wolf Shifter Series Book 3) by Lilliana Rose – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
The Secrets of Arkaim is Book Two in The Reeds of West Hills series. It is a kid’s fantasy book aimed for children between the ages of nine to twelve-years-old. If you have not yet read book one in the series, I highly recommend that you do so prior to reading this book. Book one in the series introduces you to the characters, the setting, and their back stories. This story continues with twin boys Jon and Frank Reed and their journey to learn more about their powers while attending West Hills School for the Perceptually Gifted. The boys are anxious to compete in the Zodiac Games and win the title of Zodiac champions. The games will be challenging and will involve testing them of all the knowledge and skills that they have learned so far.
However, with strange things going on at the school any chance of winning the Zodiac Games might be nearly impossible. Weird things are happening to the telepathy students causing them to act irrationally and paranoid. Jon is terrified to go to sleep because a sinister shadowy figure lurks in his dreams. Trouble seems to follow Jon and Frank and they find themselves trying to stop a shadowy figure intent on destroying everything in its path. It is up to Frank and Jon to try to solve the mystery and save everyone.
Another wonderfully written book by this author. The storyline was intriguing, the setting was wonderful, and the characters were engaging. I love that Frank and Jon have gifts and that their parents are sending them to a school for gifted children so they can hone their skills and knowledge. The boys do not like being so far from home, but they love what they are learning and have formed great friendships while at school. The boys are constantly finding new adventures and solving new mysteries. 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 Barnes2023-09-01 14:09:292023-09-14 07:36:13The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants is a kid’s book that centers around the character of a young girl by the name of Xenia Navarro. Xenia lives with her older brother Lucas, and her mom, who is an undocumented immigrant from Mexico. Her dad died in Iraq before he was able to marry her mom and her mom felt raising them in the US would be better for her children. Xenia has grown up with the fear of her mom being deported and has been taught not to draw attention to herself. She must get good grades but not so good that she ends up winning a prize and going in the newspaper because this would bring unwanted attention.
Xenia rarely plays outside because of her mom’s fears but one day while outside she begins to observe a group of ants on the special rock around the sunflower in her yard. The ants and the rock help the sunflower to grow. She watches the ants climb into the garbage can and as she watches them, she notices strange things that they seem to be able to do. As Xenia watches the ants, she decides to do a science project on them and the sunflower. However, before she can complete her science project her mom is deported back to Mexico and Xenia’s life is turned upside down.
The author did a wonderful job of writing about difficult subjects in a way that is easy for children to understand. The storyline was a bit intense at times and took me on a bit of a rollercoaster ride of emotions. The character of Xenia was smart, strong, kind, caring, independent, and inquisitive. The neighbor was someone I felt compelled to slap because what Xenia was doing in her yard was none of his business. Who was he to decide if there was a right or wrong way for a girl to act or play? My heart broke for Xenia when her worst fears came true, and her mom was ripped away from her. How traumatic it was to be separated from her mom and everything she knew. This was a a great little chapter book that touches on the topics of family dynamics, immigration, deportation, ICE, Mexican culture and language, politics, whimsy, a hint of magic, and science.
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 Barnes2023-09-01 13:20:122023-09-14 07:35:59Xenia Navarro and the Magic Ants by Lois Wickstrom and Milagros Darling – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
Cruel Hate is Book Five in the Hidden Valley Elite Series. This book continues with Aspen and Phoenix’s story from Cruel Start, so I highly recommend reading it first. Honestly, this is an absolutely amazing series that should be read from the first book to understand who each character is, as well as their backstory.
In Cruel Start Aspen decided a good way to test her freedom would be to have a one-night stand with a handsome stranger at a party. Then she learned a short time later that she was pregnant and had to tell this sexy stranger, Phoenix, that he was about to be a baby daddy. Now, having learned of her pregnancy Phoenix is asked by Aspen to go along with her as her fake boyfriend when she reveals the news of her pregnancy to her parents. Neither of them want a real relationship so the idea of a fake relationship seems like it could be a good idea. Phoenix wants to focus on his football career and sees this as a good way to keep the punt bunnies from pursuing him. Aspen hopes that Phoenix will offer her support and step up to help her co-parent the baby. Neither of them are prepared for the complications that arise from their fake relationship.
Aspen and Phoenix are both struggling with school and personal issues which neither wants to bother the other with and this complicates matters farther. Both come from dysfunctional families, have just started college, and both have big dreams for their future. Phoenix wants to pursue his career in football and get drafted into the NHL. Aspens wants to pursue her art and open a fantasy board shop with her sister where boards with her design would be sold. Aspen has no support from her parents and does not feel that Phoenix is stepping up to the plate as he should. She realizes that it is up to her to raise the baby on her own and support herself. Phoenix is having personal issues with his brother and wants to be there for Aspen but somehow keeps messing up. Then there is the undeniable attraction and chemistry between them that only complicates things farther.
This has been an outstanding series from the first book and each book just gets better than the last. The storylines are intense, complicated, and take twists and turns that keep you hooked until the end. The characters are complex, engaging and throughout the book we see them grow. Initially Aspen seems like a girl just testing the bounds of her newfound freedom by losing her virginity. We quickly learn that Aspen is smart, strong, and able to take care of herself. She refuses to raise her child in the type of dysfunctional family that she grew up in. The constant bickering between her parents created a toxic environment and she vows that her baby will not grow up in that kind of environment. Phoenix comes across initially as a jock who uses his good looks and charm to woo women. We quickly learn that deep down he is sensitive, kind, and compassionate. He wants to help but has a lot going on and tends to get preoccupied. Phoenix wants to help raise his baby and does not want to be anything like his own deadbeat dad. This book had angst, drama, family dynamics, unexpected romance, and leaves on an intense cliffhanger. I cannot wait for the next 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 Barnes2023-08-31 15:26:162023-09-09 20:55:55Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite Book 5) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
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Shadow’s Fall by Natalie Johanson
