Reviews of Bella Books are in—what can we say? Reviewers love our books! From our romances to mysteries, to adventures our books are making reviewers so happy we can’t help but say “Stop you are making us blush” But don’t take our word for it, read on to hear directly from them…
Some of our reviews
If I Don’t Ask by E. J. Noyes is getting early raves. “Jude Silberfeld at Netgalley gives it a 5 out of 5 and says: “Telling the same story twice is always a risk. It could be boring, simply recycling. It could ruin the original. It could be seen as the author lacking the imagination to create something new. But this is E. J. Noyes, and she pulls it off magnificently. Far from ruining the original, If I Don’t Ask adds to it. Deb M. at Netgalley says: “If I Don’t Ask, the latest book in the Ask, Tell series, is absolutely fantastic. Noyes wraps up the final book of the series brilliantly, ending almost where she began. She displays a real mastery of her craft in this series by playing with point of view.”
Take your Shot a new YA by Riley Scott is getting some early attention. Librarian Kaye Cox says: “Now is a time when school (and public) libraries are having many books challenged for for LGBTQ content and it was nice to read a YA book that can easily sit on a Middle School and up shelf.” And over at Netgalley Breeana L gives it a 5 out of 5 and raves: “Riley Scott has a new fan! Scott handled the coming out story with care and tenderness.” Also at Netgalley Della Baczyk says: “This story really worked for me. Scott creatively choosing to make the main characters be high school seniors brought a level of maturity you don’t often see in a YA novel. This difference combined with Scott’s accomplished writing style, positive pacing and stellar character development makes Take Your Shot a must read to any age group.” Abbott Ford over at Netgalley gives it a 5 out of 5 and says: “Riley Scott has written a delightful coming-of-age novel that features two young women who are smart, compassionate, and willing to take risks. The dialogue between the two main characters is funny and sad, sometimes at the same time. The writing is excellent, and readers are given enough insights into both characters to feel like they know them.” Stephanie Diaz at Netgalley says: “This is the kind of book I wished I could have read in my high school years. I am happy that this is now available. This was a sweet coming out story. It was a sweet, easy read. One I will definitely be recommending and should be put in public libraries so anyone in need of a story like this can have access to it.”
Delafield the long-awaited return of favorite lesbian detective Kate Delafield by Katherine V. Forrest does not disappoint. Laura Green at Netgalley gives it a 5 out of 5 and says: “This is a beautifully, haunting character study of a woman working to maintain her sobriety while trying to make amends for the mistakes of the past. I will be going back and reading the previous books in this series because this book has reminded me of just how brilliant and legendary Katherine V. Forrest is.” Anne Maguire at Netgalley also gives it a 5 out of 5 and says: “KVF is a brilliant writer and is well able to sustain a character and plot over a book series and I really hope this isn’t the end.”
The Lines of Happiness a debut romance by Venetia Di Pierro continues to wow. Della Baczyk at Netgalley raves: “I sank down into The Lines of Happiness and allowed myself to wallow in the fullness of the language. The story of grief, loss and discovering love in an unlikely place is exquisitely written. It reminds me of the elegance of Jane Rule’s writing in her novel Desert of the Heart.” At Netgalley, Claire Estelle raves: “A wonderfully told, delicate story of grief and healing, of both people and horses following an unspeakable tragedy.” And also at Netgalley Nutmeg says: “The Lines Of Happiness is a beautiful but poignant tale that speaks of loss, bravery in the arduous seasons of healing and a lasting encounter with love when it’s least unexpected.” Henrietta Bookgeek at Netgalley raves: “Lush and poignant are the two words which come immediately to mind to describe this debut novel. The writing itself is lush, luxurious and brimming with wonderful, exquisite language, images, rural landscapes and rural life, horses and emotional depth. A real little gem of a book lovingly edited and polished.”
The Roads Left Behind Us by Kat Jackson is getting a lot of attention. Natalie Tee at Netgalley raves: Kat Jackson had a beautiful way of words within this. It read easily and it was exceptionally written.”
Standom a new romance by Maryn Scott continues to get attention. Over at Netgalley Ashlee Gonzalez gushes: “I stayed up till 2am to finish this gem. It was the first book I’ve read by this author and I doubt it will be the last. Maryn Scott’s writing is very well done and her characters are very well developed. Rebecca Thomas also over at Netgalley says: “From the blurb, it’s easy to assume this is just a wlw celebrity romance. Don’t get me wrong, it certainly is that but there is also so much more to this story than I was expecting.”
Radiant a debut romance by Judy Sapphire is getting some attention too! Over at Netgalley Georgia Harrison says: “I found it to be a strongly sensual and heartfelt story, surprising at times and quite well finished, in my opinion.”
As You Look by Veronica Gutierrez gets raves from Roxanne Spencer at Netgalley who says: “It’s great that more mystery and thrillers with a diverse cast are being published, and I keep finding wonderful new authors and characters to follow. Yolanda Avila, a LA PI, as written by Veronica Gutierrez is one.”
Training for Love by Amanda Kabak continues to draw attention. Bonnie Sherrard at Netgalley says: “Ms Kabak has given us a story about a bi-polar woman and an overworked business owner. Strong characters along with a moving plot kept me from putting this book down. Very nice read. “
We’ll be back with more reviews soon!