The Blood Prince by Ayla Marie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book intrigued me from the cover. I love how there are different perspectives in this book. The author knew how to make you want more and more. From the dialect to the attention to detail. I could not put it down. I was shocked by how amazing the plot to this book was. I highly recommend this.
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Contemporary Cinderella with a twist
Absolutely loved this story. The characters are well developed the storyline so intriguing. Ashley and Harry come from different worlds and have their own family issues. With chemistry building between them they need to navigate carefully. A wonderful contemporary romance with a clean fairytale overtone for YA lovers.
Ashes by MK Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
3.5 stars
Mmmmm where to start. I have mixed feelings about this book. MK has some wonderful stories out there especially The Immortal Series which I love.
Ashes is a fairy tale rock-star romance but with an interesting twist. This modern-day Cinderella is definitely intriguing and unique.
I like a retelling if it is done well. Unfortunately, whilst the premise of the story is a good one, I think that MK missed the mark in pulling it all together with the all the right elements, some actions and a few conversations and wording. That’s not to say I didn’t like the story because I did but with a few changes I think it could be a really good story.
Please give the book a read because these are just my thoughts and may not be your thoughts.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Bake Happy by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a wonderful end to this series! I have thoroughly enjoyed these books and really taken Cat and her family/friends into my heart. I really do love Cat, she has been such a great character to read about across all three books, she’s definitely made me laugh with her humour and her love of baking came across so well. She is truly wonderful at her job. I loved that the recipes continued in this book – such a quirky addition to the stories that I absolutely loved!
Ive really enjoyed this book and indeed this entire series and would wholeheartedly recommend it to other readers.
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I LOVED this book and if I could give it all the stars in the sky as pet of my review, I would.
It feels like the main character, Ashley Adams could easily be one of my closest bff’s. Her amazing qualities made her all the more endearing, as you get to know her throughout this incredible story. Besides being smart and sometimes underestimated, she has the most impeccable timing with her witty remarks.
Also when Harry James was first introduced, I immediately thought of comparing his status to Harry Styles’ celebrity status. Had something like this occurred in the real world with so many HS fans, I’m sure most would close-mindedly assume he should not associate himself with someone like Ash.
I was sold on this book the moment I read the synopsis that mentioned it contained a plot with fairies and magic. Little did I know that it would open up into a magical world with phenomenal imagery and content.
Also I loved the cover art! It gave off dark Cinderella vibes and I adored it.
I think teens and adults will enjoy this book like I did. I give this title 5 out of 5 stars.
Ashes by MK Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
It was impossible not to love this book and be swept away into all this wonderful book had to offer, I always love a good book that does a good job of a fairy tale retelling, but this one blew my mind with how well done the writing was as well as the concept of the story! It was a magical read from start to finish!
Personally the aspect of this being a Cinderella re telling was magical as it could get! I love the modern take on this story, but I loved really how the author brought it to life. The characters were all sensational on their own path in who they were and whom they represented. The story had strong character development as well, and the characters were very connectable and each held their own. I was quite intrigued with things I did not expect as I read, the different things I really added to the story I felt. The writing was amazing, and the whole story was amazing, this was a wonderful and magical read! I simply loved it truly!
Such a good and wonderful read. I truly enjoyed the read and all the moments and feelings that went along with it, I highly recommend this must read book! Not one to be missed for any reason!
♡ 
BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ♡ ❥
Fairy magic has no place in the modern world – or does it?
Ashley Adams doesn’t have time for haters. Already too busy dealing with dead bodies after her stepmother purchased a mortuary, she is ready to put the lid on her judgmental peers and finally bury her high school experience. Falling in love was the last thing on her mind.
Too bad fate had other plans when the local celebrity lands in her life.
Pop sensation Harry James is ordered by the court to attend public school for his senior year or face jail time. He can’t afford any bad press if he wants his summer tour to go ahead. But when he ducks into the mortuary where Ashley works to escape a mob of fans, he wonders if he is chasing the wrong dream.
High school mean girls, a controlling publicist, and scheming stepsisters want to keep Ashley away from Harry. After all, everyone knows the popstar doesn’t belong with the social outcast.
If only they had some fairy magic to help them find their happy ending…
Ashes is a fun and snarky standalone YA romance. If you like captivating characters, emotional twists and turns, Fairies and Cinderella retellings, then you’ll adore MK Harkins’ fast-paced tale.
Contains mild swearing and off-page violence.
Click here to experience a Chapter Reading of Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale Book 1) by MK Harkins
MK has always been a voracious reader. After hitting a dry spell of reading material, she decided to write the kind of book she’d like to read. This resulted in the creation of her debut novel, Intentional. (Award for Best Sweet Romance – eFestival of Words- August 2014) Unintentional, Breaking Braydon, Taking Tiffany, The Reader, Famous by Default, soon followed. The follow-up to The Reader, The Jack, released August 2018.
Ashes, the first book in a new series of modern-day fairy tale retellings released in May 2022. (Five more books in the series to follow)
When she’s not writing novels, she likes to spend her free time traveling the world, splashing in mud puddles (She lives in Seattle, what can she say?), watching movies and reading (!) She LOVES to hear from her readers!
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a wonderfully original retelling of Cinderella. I found the story to be relevant to today’s world. Ashley is a strong and brave young woman. She has a battle ahead and she takes nothing. I found the interactions with the characters, such as the M & M’s, Veronica, Laura, and Harry James were so relatable. The plot twist of solving the poisoning and attempted murders was a great twist. A fun read for any age. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author in this series.
The Blood Prince by Ayla Marie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Good cover, good read. It was full of mystery and adventure, and this book was a good page-turner with an excellent plotline and flow. It has that “just one more chapter” feeling. This debut novel gives its reader a wait of anticipation for the next installment. The author has a fantastic world-building ability and easily loveable characters. Suspense and supernatural powers help drive this first installment that leaves readers falling in love with its pages and eagerly awaiting more.
Overall, a good read, and will be waiting for the next.
Bake Believe by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Eat it up! What a sweet story of Cat as she discovers a love of baking. Funny, magical, and creative. I love the characters and the story. This book made me feel like a kid again! Go ahead, and dig in!
Bake Believe, Bake Believe Trilogy, Cori Cooper, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Kids, Fantasy, YA
Bake Off by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Secret ingredients, family recipes, and a dash of drama. This story is sweet and a little spicy! Told through the eyes of a teenager as she explores life, in and out of the kitchen. I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Bake Off, Bake Believe Trilogy, Cori Cooper, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Kids, Fantasy, YA
Bake Happy by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Don’t Read Hungry!
This yummy book is full of fun and whimsy. This is the final book of the series and wraps up the trilogy like a crepe. I love Cat and her spunky teenage humor. Great relationships, wonderful characters, delicious story all around!
Bake Happy, Bake Believe Series, Cori Cooper, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, YA, Fantasy
Bake Happy by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Bake Happy is a great and funny book filled with comedy and recipes. Cat is a fourteen year old girl who is sarcastic and loves to bake. Her family has this gift where they can bake something and make people feel certain emotions. One day, Cat loses the ability to bake her feelings and she gets upset. Eventually, she realizes that people don’t need to feel happy in order to make the world a better place. Helping others is more beneficial than getting them to feel certain emotions. As a fellow baker, I love that the author included recipes for the baked goods at the end of every chapter. Bake happy is great for someone who loves comedy movies and baking.
Jester by Brielle D. Porter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lisette grew up under the shadow of a father who was labeled a traitor after killing the king. When he is put to death before he could pass on his magic to Lisette, she feels the loss ten times over because she lives in Oasis- where magic rules. As she perfects sleight of hand that LOOKS like magic, she decides to enter into a competition to compete for the position of Jester to the Queen. However, her biggest competitor, Luc, has REAL magic. Lisette realizes very quickly that she will do anything to gain magic and fame. The farther she makes it, the more she has to lose, though. When she is approached with information concerning the death of the king not being at the hand of her father, everything changes. Can she trust the source of this information? Could it be true? Will the cost of the truth be her undoing?
I really enjoyed reading this story. It follows a girl that wants to be recognized as the best because she feels like she’s never been good enough. In her pursuit of being the best, she begins to make friends in places that she doesn’t expect. In the end, she realizes what is worth keeping and what is worth letting go. Her path isn’t easy, and she doesn’t always pick the right choice, but the ending is perfect!
Jester by Brielle D. Porter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Jester is a fun dark and twisted tale. Imagine falling down a hole in a city that is more sinful than sin city, outrageously ostentatious, blindingly entertaining and certainly deadly and definitely twisted. This story is unique, fun and entertaining with secrets and lies, magic and corruption, political intrigue and a deadly competition. Add in a romance between enemy to lovers and you have a wild ride.
Lisette wants magic and to win so badly she can taste it. She longs to be the best but what would she do if things turn deadly?
Jester is Brielle’s debut novel and it will be interesting to see what she does next.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Jester by Brielle D. Porter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Jester by Brielle D. Porter is one of the best books I have read this year- or ever! It is such a fresh, original, and fun story- a fantastic fantasy with a little bit of a darker tone, plenty of mysteriousness, magic, dramatic developments, rivalry, revenge, danger, obsession, illusions, intrigue, interesting complex characters, stellar world-building, murder, politics, agendas, adventure, family dynamics/drama, humour, romance, emotion, and sooo much more.
I am so impressed with this book- even more so when I discovered that it is the author’s debut novel! Way to go to stamp your mark as an author! First time up to the base and Ms. Porter has hit it out of the park!!! If this is what she can do as her debut- I CAN. NOT. WAIT. to see where we will go from here! I am excited to find such a talented author to add to my MUST-READ author list! I can not recommend this book highly enough- if you love well-woven fantasy that provides an immersive experience in the form of a rich, vibrant, and exciting story- then you will definitely want to get your hands on this book- STAT!
I don’t want to go into the story in too much detail, as I really don’t want to spoil it for you. The blurb does a better job of whetting the appetite for what to expect, than I would, without giving too much away. I recommend going into the story a little blind and letting the author and the story surprise you- in the best possible way!
I loved Lisette (Mirage) and Luc… their rivalry really added to the overall feel and excitement of the storyline. I was so invested in them and the outcome of the story that I stayed glued to the pages the whole way through- reading the whole book in one sitting, just so I could find out how everything played out in the end. LOVE. LOVE. LOVE this book. I can’t wait to get my hands on Ms. Porter’s next book- my mind is whirling with possibilities! Ms. Porter is definitely an author to watch out for, as I can see great things in her future!
Must Read! If I could give this book more than 5 stars, I would!
Happy Reading!
Thank you, Brielle D. Porter!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Jester by Brielle D. Porter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This incredible story had so much that interested me that I’m not even really sure where to start. First of all if you love fantasy books with a strong female protagonist, an enemies to lovers romance, illusions, mystery and more than like me this book is right up your alley. When I first saw the beautiful cover to this book I knew right away that I had to read it. The character development was strong, the word building was magical, and the overall story hafnso many twists and turns I physically couldn’t put it down. So if your looking for a great new fantasy for your next read then make sure to pick this one up today.
Jester by Brielle D. Porter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Jester was wildly entertaining and exciting to read! Lisette’s tricks were mind blowing even though she does not have magic herself, she does try to do her best. She and her competition Luc do some pretty crazy things trying to one up each other. One has Magic while the other does not. While most of the story is from Lisette’s POV it was nice having some backstory of why her father was executed for his crimes against the crown. This book was written wonderfully and I can’t wait to read more from this author again soon!
Jester by Brielle D. Porter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a fun read full of action and magic. The setting of Oasis with fancy hotels, gambling, shows, street performers, and magic reminded me of Las Vegas. The backstory is that Lisette’s father killed the King and was executed and he did not pass on his magic to her. I liked that the story is told from Lisette’s point of view but there are also chapters written from her father’s point of view which gives his story. Lisette’s goal is to become the next Jester to the Queen and she will do pretty much anything to get there. She doesn’t have magic so her show needs to be amazing. Luc is her biggest competition and enemy who is able to heal himself and always seems to outdo Lisette’s show. As Lisette and Luc get closer to the competition the tricks get more dangerous and they are both out to win. The characters were easy to like and the story was fun, sad, and suspenseful. I hope there will be more books to come.
Reviewed by @bibliophilenerd
View all my reviews
Jester by Brielle D. Porter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What an interesting and entertaining story this book turned out to be. This is a new author to me so I didn’t know what to expect when I started reading. The story sounded interesting enough for me to give it a try and I was honestly not disappointed. I was pulled into the story so effortlessly and I enjoyed every second of reading it.
I loved how the author created such memorable characters and a storyline that was easy to get lost in. I found myself flying through this book quicker than I wanted because I wasn’t ready for it to end. This was an amazing book and such an incredible way to be introduced to a new author.
Jester by Brielle D. Porter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I LOVED THIS BOOK! This is a completely new author to me and wasn’t sure what I was getting into, but I loved the cover and decided to give it a read. I can’t express my love for this story enough, but I couldn’t put it down. I had Alice in Wonderland in New Orleans or Las Vegas vibes. Lots of intrigue and mystery with magic and secrets galore. I could picture the main character on Bourbon Streets in New Orleans performing her street magic for money. The characters are amazing, the writing is phenomenal, and the world building is truly out of this world. I am really hoping that there is second book in this story because in my opinion there just needs to be. Maybe two or three more. Highly recommended book.
Jester by Brielle D. Porter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
~Fame or Family~
Lisette takes us on a wild ride from beginning to end…from first glance at the cover, to the last drop, you are in for such a treat! Her goal…The Queen’s Jester…can she do it? It depends on if she can get past Luc. Lisette is a feisty female protagonist in a political hot mess. I read some of the other reviews and everyone is spot on with this. -5 Stars- for sure.
I would say this is a romance, because of the way you can get sucked into Lisette’s romance. BUT, to me this reads more as a YA Fantasy overall (which is one of my favorite genres.) There is a Magic, and some practicing of magic. I just love how the world development allows for different characters progressing on their own individual paths. Every great fantasy novel does a good job developing the magical undercurrent that all the characters rely on, and the author sure doesn’t disappoint.
As Lisette’s own story unfolds, she goes through abandonment, deciphering between right or wrong (her own moral compass), and all the twists and turns that are involved all along the way. Her world is enchanting, fun, competitive, and a romance that is “enemies to lovers” if you’re into that.
I would absolutely jump on picking up the story again, and can’t wait to read book 2. Thank you for this book!!!
Reviewed by @TaylorKStephenson
Bake Happy by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
~ A Third Dose of Family Fun~
I will definitely be re-reading this trilogy from the first book through the third. I picked it because I was needing a little bit of a pick me up in life. This was just so much fun, there was laughter, smiles, and “good feel” emotions that just can’t be simulated on your own. Despite not knowing the backstory of the characters, I still found this to be a charming read.
Cat is obviously a baker, and her confidence inspires me to really enjoy my own hobby as well. It also makes me wonder what I can do to make my world a better place. I think this will be a good re-read for the holidays, as there is a lot of family and tight-knitted “ness” between the characters.
Reviewed by @taylorkstephenson
Jester by Brielle D. Porter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed the strong female presence. Jester is a book I can see myself rereading. Lissette has some hard choices to make which enables her survival skills. Using her goal of becoming the Queen’s Jester. You can see how much focus she has on her goal one could call it an obsession. There are many lessons to be learned from this book.
Jester by Brielle D. Porter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a romantic adventure. What happens in Oasis certainly stays in Oasis. Lisette is trying to make a name for herself and Luc is her main competition. He has an edge: real magic. Lisette lost her magic when her father was executed for killing the King. The sparks arise between these two as does some new evidence against the Queen that shows she may have been the one to murder the King. I love the passion and suspense in the story. The back and forth. The characters are so well-developed. The plot ran smooth with some twists in it. This is a story that will have you on the edge of your seat wanting to know what happened next. It sucked me in right from the start. I highly recommend it.
Jester by Brielle D. Porter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Just wow! This book was so freaking good. The story was artistic in its own special way, and held me as I read, I could not get enough of this book and what it has to offer. The story not only provided much intrigue, but a lot of realism and a world that was magical on it own to imagine!
Loved this story and the characters that it contained. I saw a lot of character development as well. Especially with Lisette. I found she really grew through the story, She was a very admirable character as well. Whom she started as, and what by the end of the book, she finished as, was rather remarkable. I loved the plot, and all it contained. The story was a quick read for me, as I could not put it down, it held me and I kept needing more answers to my questions and to keep on reading! It was just soo good! I loved this book so much!
The author truly captivated me and I loved their writing style, as well as how they brought this story and characters to life. A must read for sure! Definitely a very high recommendation on my list from me!
Jester by Brielle D. Porter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this fantasy adventure. It is a fast paced story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. It’s a story full of different aspects such as revenge and redemption. There is also a enemy to lovers romance which at first you don’t expect. The main character Lisette is very strong willed and determined to succeed, however sometimes her plans to do that could be seen as questionable.
Lisette has been left on her own since her father was executed for murdering the king. Now she has to struggle through life trying to get out from the disgrace her father caused by commiting that crime. Lisette’s dream is to become the Jester however this will be no easy feat considering she doesn’t have any real magic. When she enters into the challenge to become the Queens Jester its a highly dangerous thing to do and when her worst enemy Luc also joins the challenge things just get worse for her. After all Luc has what she doesn’t. Luc has real magic not an illusion like Lisette.
As the challenge progresses Lisette sees evidence go show the Queens involvement in her husbands death.
Was Lisette dad really to blame for the Kings murder? Now Lisette has a choice. Does she strive to clear her family name and lose her dream or does she live under the disgrace of her fathers supposed crime and fulfil her dream of being Queens Jester? Is that even an option with Luc in the competition?
Bake Happy by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Bake Happy is the third and final book in the Bake Believe trilogy by Cori Cooper. This was both a fun and bittersweet read, as I knew it was the final book in the series and I wasn’t ready to say goodbye yet.
This follows on from the previous books, so I suggest reading the first two instalments before beginning on this one.
As I have said before, I love how original and fun this series is. Ms. Cooper has crafted such a clever and imaginative teen/YA fantasy story- with magic, family, humour, recipes, a sprinkle of drama, teen life, adventure, emotion, heart and soul. Oh, and recipes, did I mention yummy recipes?
I have loved Cat (and company) right from the moment I met her back in book one. I love how wonderfully quirky and endearing the character/s are- they really brought the story to life and things definitely wouldn’t have been the same without them.
Our adventures all started in Book One when we met Cat Anderson for the first time and saw how her life was turned upside down after she discovered baking, and found out exactly what her baking could do. It took her a while to get a handle on her baking ‘skills’ which may have caused a little chaos in the process. But now things are going smoothly and she has everything under control…. or does she? Stay tuned for a surprise or two, because things are about to get quite interesting.
I’m really hoping that we may get to revisit Cat again in the future. In the mean time I’m looking forward to seeing what Ms. Cooper does next!
Happy reading!
Thank you, Cori Cooper!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
~ 
~ 
BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ~ ~ 
Brielle D. Porter decided to become a writer after a well-meaning elementary school teacher told her she had a gift for it. Stolen moments under the covers reading anything from Harry Potter to William Goldman solidified the desire to tell stories herself one day. Jester is her debut novel.
Brielle lives with her husband and three sons on a lavender farm in Northern Idaho. When she’s not writing, she can be found running and beekeeping. Only ask her about her hobbies if you have plenty of time to spare.
~ ~ ~ PREORDER ~ ~ ~ ~Chicago, 1887 – Events start suddenly for Emma. She and Jeremy are chasing bank robbers who hope to stay hidden in a train wreck. Injuries and death permeate the environment as she struggles to get help from a nearby town. Will the robbers evade capture? Will Emma and Jeremy emergency unscathed?
Home again, there’s time for things to settle down to normal though Emma never wants to settle for normal. She looks to the newspaper for new cases. When one of these starts to take up all of her time, she asked Jeremy to step-in on a second case.
Both become entangled in the two cases with both of them offering the other support as needed. Emma’s case involves a murder and a missing husband. Jeremy’s case involves child labor and possible sabotage. Things aren’t as they seem in either case. Tough decisions are made and they made Emma and Jeremy reevaluate those around them.