Category: Book Review

Book Critic, Book Review, Books, Literary Criticism, Reading

Review: Twisted Love Story by Samantha Downing

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Review: Twisted Love Story by Samantha Downing

Lat week I shared a special feature for Samantha Downing’s latest suspense novel, Twisted Love Story. So far I have loved Downing’s books and I had no reason to think that Twisted Love Story would be any different. Downing writes such great suspense novels that I couldn’t wait to check this one out and even though my summer reading schedule was really full, I knew I couldn’t pass on this one!

One of the things that appealed to me about this book (besides the fact that Downing was the author) is that the story sounded a little more modern and different. In My Lovely Wife, it was an interesting study in marriage and housewives but this book sounded like it would focus more on the early relationship parts of romance in a way that her other stories might differ. I think this would appeal to a different demographic of reader to some degree and might make it feel a little more ‘modern’ in the process.

I know for me, I am married and the way that I relate to marriages in books (even if they are twisted and insane) is different than someone who is not married so I think this book has the potential to appeal to readers of a different demographic. However, I think the huddled masses of readers will find al to to enjoy in this one—regardless of their season of life!

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Book Critic, Book Review, Books, Literary Criticism, Reading

Review: Marrying Off Morgan McBride (The McBride’s of Montana #2) by Amy Barry

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Review: Marrying Off Morgan McBride (The McBride’s of Montana #2) by Amy Barry

I did a special feature on this series last summer and at that time thought it sounded like such a fun series. I am not normally one for western romances, but I loved that the author had a promising modern voice and I thought she might add that as a special twist to western historical romances. The first book had a lot of positive feedback and fans so when this one came up for review, I knew I had to somehow fit it into my summer review schedule.

I have to say, I think the show Yellowstone has brought out a little bit of cowboy lover in all of us which is one of the reasons this book appealed to me—-even if this book is a historical romance, the rugged cowboys are in abundance in this book so I feel like it ticked a lot of boxes for reader appeal. I also liked that it promised some humor, I love romances that are light hearted and make me laugh, so to say I was excited for this one was an understatement.

I was so certain that I would love this book that I ordered the first one in the series so I could have it on standby. Since I hadn’t read the first book, I went into this one blind, I would say no need to read the other book before this one but there are some characters that make a reappearance from the first book. I will go back and read the first book a little later this summer so I will be sure to update this review if that does not hold true.

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Review: After Anne by Logan Steiner

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Review: After Anne by Logan Steiner

Is there a reader alive who didn’t love Anne of Green Gables as a kid? I was absolutely addicted to the Anne of Green Gables 1980s tv show when I was a girl. Gilbert Blythe was my first book boyfriend thanks to this show. I recall buying the books in third and fourth grades but not reading the books until I was an adult when the show Anne and with an E came out on Netflix! Anne with an E was my idol as a girl. Mostly because I too was an Anne with an E so I felt like in some way we had a special connection.

Now as an adult, I can’t tell you a single thing about the movie I watched many many times over as a girl, but I remember loving it and I remember that it made me fall in love with all things turn of the century and that I wanted desperately to move to Prince Edward Island and live on a farm, but I can’t really remember the actual story all that well.

After reading the first book, I had all kinds of nostalgia and I loved revisiting my childhood memories and characters that I loved so much growing up. But while I loved the books (even as an adult), I still hoped for something with a little more substance. This is where this book comes into play. This book follows the life of Anne author, Lucy Maud Montgomery. While I was hoping for something more about Anne, I was open to reading more about the woman who gave us one of literatures most loved heroines.

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Review: The Duchess Takes a Husband (The Gilded Age Heiresses #4) by Harper St George

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Review: The Duchess Takes a Husband (The Gilded Age Heiresses #4) by Harper St George

The first thing that caught my eye about Harper St George’s books was the covers! They are stunning and I LOVE the eye catching, bright colored dresses. I know we aren’t supposed to judge a book by its cover but when a cover looks that appealing, it’s hard to pass up! That’s how I ended up with her first novel on my desk—cover lust!

Imagine my thrill when the book turned out to actually be GOOD too—-not just a pretty face as it were. Sometimes pretty covers do not equal pretty books but in this case the book lived up to my hopes rather than my expectation and I found a new auto buy author so all around a win for me. Since the first book a couple of years ago, I have read all the other books in the series.

But never fear dear readers, even though this is part of a series, all of the books can be read out of order. The author does a good job at keeping the focus on the couple at hand and introducing other couples from previous books in passing rather than having them really be the main focus. So no need to worry about going back and reading other books before diving into this one. If you are looking for a steamy read with great characters this one is for you!

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Review: The Castle Keepers by Aimee Runyan, J’nell Ciesielski, and Rachel McMillan

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Review: The Castle Keepers by Aimee Runyan, J’nell Ciesielski, and Rachel McMillan

Over the years I have enjoyed each of these authors on an independent basis. I love all of their respective books individually and I was so thrilled to see that these three powerhouse writers were teaming up to write a collaborative novel! Obviously no one had to twist my arm to get me to review this one, it was an absolute no brainer!

Sometimes collaborative novels can be difficult. I have only really seen a couple of writing teams successful with it. It can be hard blending different writing styles let alone character visions. I believe this is the first collaboration for these three authors as well which can sometimes bring its own set of challenges but I had so much confidence in these three authors that I knew I was going to read something special!

All three authors are so strong and have written such great novels prior to this do if you read this book and enjoy it, then you should certainly check out their own individual books as they are all so wonderful. But if you are looking for a book that feels a little more ‘saga ish’ and sweeping, this is a multigenerational novel with lots to enjoy, devour and unpack! I really really loved my time with the characters and plots!

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