Now in My Bookbag: The Hazards of a One Night Stand, by Alyssa Rose Ivy

The Hazards Series is built around friends, and sorority sisters, at Harrison College in Charleston, SC. Each book includes the circle of friends. The books are also about college life, and the revelations that those experiences bring.

“One small town boy, one girl who wants more, one roll in the hay…”

This story features Mallory. When reading her story, I first thought her to be rather superficial. Rather than follow her heart, she worries what others will think. Embarrassed by her humble upbringing, she wants to be more than some nobody from a small town. However, there is so much more to her than that.

Mallory’s ideas are skewed by a father who ran away to the city and a boyfriend who shattered her heart. She feels an unworthiness that she associates with her hometown. How can she possibly fall for her high school crush who just started college at her school? Impossible, right?

During her sophomore year of college, Mallory learns a great deal about the whos and whats that are important in her life. She needs to see herself for who she is, not as some people think she should be.

I like this story. It speaks to believing in your own self-worth, living your own life, finding your own happiness, and then holding onto it. Author Alyssa Rose Ivy delivers all these lessons in the form of great storytelling. I didn’t even grasp all of this until I finished reading and then reflected on what I’d read. 5 stars

Now in My Bookbag: The Hazards of Sex on the Beach, by Alyssa Rose Ivy

The Hazards Series is written for readers 18 years of age and up. *New Adult* genre. This is Book 3 of 5. As with the rest of the series, this book is written about friends/sorority sisters at Harrison College in Charleston, SC.

“One broken heart, one drink too many, one steamy night in the sand…” Cara is devastated and humiliated by the end of her relationship with Aaron. After one completely reckless night, she feels more empowered, and a little less devastated. Chase is slightly obsessed with finding Cara. He felt a spark between them that night on the beach. Would finding her mend both broken hearts, or would being together mean facing one too many obstacles?

One of the things I really like about this book is the thought and detail put into the character, and personality, of Aaron the Betrayer (this is the name I have given him). Author Alyssa Rose Ivy does a pretty good job characterizing narcissism and obsessive behavior. I wish she had gone a bit further though, thus recognizing the way that those types of people tend to escalate the actions surrounding the obsession and the steps necessary to ensure the safety of that obsession.

So far, this is my favorite Hazards book.I like Cara and Chase. I love the writing style and plot devices. I enjoy learning more about the sisters of Delta Mu. This is a great read. 4.75 stars

Now in My Bookbag: The Hazards of Skinny Dipping by Alyssa Rose Ivy

The Hazards of Skinny Dipping is a New Adult book, and I recommend it for readers 18 and up.

I like this book a lot, and for several different reasons. Foremost. it is well written. The story is relatable, and author Alyssa Rose Ivy really brings Juliette to life. Her character comes into her own as the book progresses… a journey that begins with skinny dipping for the first time in her life.

She learns that people are not always who you think they are, and sometimes there can be consequences of living in denial. She learns to distinguish between being in a healthy relationship versus being in a relationship because she likes the idea of the relationship.

She makes great friends and sorority sisters. Juliette develops the independence, strength, and sense of self that she was lacking in the beginning. She becomes empowered.

There are a couple of plot points that feel under developed, and the very end feels a little contrived. I appreciate the effort by Ivy to bring Juliette’s story full circle, but I don’t find it as relevant. She has come too far beyond where she started.

This book is an enjoyable read. It is well thought out and flows effortlessly. 4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: The Hazards of Mistletoe by Alyssa Rose Ivy

The Hazards of Mistletoe is a contemporary book suitable for new adults, and therefore I suggest for readers 18 and up. It is a nice holiday read that I really enjoyed.

Savannah gets the kiss she has wanted for a while, then gets humiliated. Glen has been friends with Savannah since they were kids, even though they only see each other once a year. He also has a secret, one that changes their friendship forever.

I really like this book. The story is simple and sweet. It provides a little drama, a lot of romance, and ends the way that it should. It is not often that I get a chance to read a story uncomplicated by a lot of plot twists and red herrings. This is a straight-forward romance that follows a certain path. It is a pleasure to read and puts a smile on my face. I highly recommend as a light read for the holidays. 4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Holding On by Rachael Brownell

Holding On is a contemporary fiction suitable for Young Adult readers; I recommend high school age and up.

Becca is smart, funny, and an amazing tennis player. She is also being uprooted and moved 2000 miles away from her best friend, and secret crush, Brad. He loves Becca, but doesn’t tell her until she is leaving. Ethan is a nice guy at Becca’s new school who brings her whole being to life whenever he is around her. What is a girl to do?

This is a book that I like very much. It has an easy flow even though it transitions along a rocky and unexpected path. It is emotional but without all that dramatic angst that is hard for me to stomach. It is a love triangle, but not in the traditional sense. Author Rachael Brownell has written an excellent work that is smart and entertaining. There is the tiniest hint of a cliffhanger within the last lines. What happens next? You will have to read Unglued.

Christmas Offer of 1st in Series Books by Cameo Renae: Limited Time

Christmas SALE!
***Shares greatly appreciated!***

Message from Author Cameo Renae:

For the holiday, I’ve put Hidden Wings (Book 1) AND ARV-3 (Book 1)
FREE on Amazon from December 22 – 24.
The others in each series are also on sale!!!
Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!
XOXO! ~ Cameo
Hidden Wings (Book 1 ): http://smarturl.it/HiddenWings
ARV-3 (Book #1): http://smarturl.it/r43d0q

Runes by Ednah Walters Featured by Booktuber

I love these Booktubers who recommend books that I love. I am happy to see the Benjaminoftomes' FREE BOOK FRIDAY recommendation of Runes by Ednah Walters. It is a very enjoyable read. It is the first book of her Runes Series.

Here is the link to the of Free Book Friday that features Runes.
https://youtu.be/U4zHIEwp6OU

Here is the link to my review of Runes:
https://www.amazon.com/review/R3N1A63NIDPQT5/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm

Now in My Bookbag: A Christmas Spark by Ciara Knight

This book has the down-home sweetness and nostalgia that I expect from any companion to author Ciara Knight’s Sweetwater County/Riverbend world.

Although the story touches on some serious topics, it maintains the feelings of love and healing that are the signature for all things Sweetwater related.

This is an uplifting story of a Christmas, shared between strangers, that changes everything. Laying to rest the ghosts of the past, and laying the groundwork for the future, The Christmas Spark is full of heartwarming moments and romance. It is a great holiday read.

Now in My Bookbag: Pointe of Breaking by Sarah J. Pepper and Amy Saws

I was given a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.

I love this book. Pointe of Breaking is a raw and passionate contemporary romance with love, betrayal, money and power.

I love the way authors Pepper and Daws have written Adeline, a prima-ballerina who has a big heart and very little money. They capture her intensity, beauty and emotion, both within dance and life. Leo is a fascinating and complex character, written to show not only who he is but also his journey to get there.

The authors have included enough backstory, ancillary characters and intrigue to create a well-layered story that is a thoroughly enjoyable read. There are still too many typos in this book, but the story is superbly written and its main characters feel very real. I highly recommend it.

4 3/4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Iniquity by Amy A. Bartol

I have waited a long time for the release of Iniquity, and to be honest I am a bit torn about my reactions to it.

The book shows a lot of imagination and, a few times, elicits quite a bit of emotion. For the most part, the book wraps up all the loose ends from all of the previous books in the series. It had to be a large undertaking to try to connect so many dots.

I like the way in which Evie gets the memories back from her past lives. Parts of the foreseen battle are very vivid, inspiring a lot of imagination when I read through it.  There are also parts of the battle that are hazy, a bit of a blur to me.

The story reads well but feels as though it ends in a no decision… like a prize fight. It is definitely a unique strategy by Author Amy Bartol. It is unexpected and illustrative of this series as a whole. 4 stars

Are You Ready to Face Your Demons?

Demons, A Runes companion Novel. Eirik Book #1 Pre-Order Now!!

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Eirik, son of Baldur-God of Light-failed living as a Mortal. After loosing all that’s important to him, he’s gone to the underworld to meet his estranged mother. Torn, Eirik struggles to find himself, until a witch changes it all. Celestia Devereaux, uses her powers to help people, but a secret threatens to turn her dark. Will helping a tortured man be her undoing, or will he sacrifice it all to save her?

Amazon http://bit.ly/DemonsPreOrderKindle
Amazon UK http://bit.ly/DemonsPreOrder-KindleUK
iTunes http://bit.ly/DemonsPreOrder-iBooks
B&N http://bit.ly/DemonsPreOrder-BN
Smashwords http://bit.ly/DemonsPreOrder-Smashwords
Google Play http://bit.ly/DemonsPreOrder-GoogleP
Kobo http://bit.ly/DemonsPreOrder-Kobo

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WATCH THE BOOK TRAILER!http://bit.ly/DemonsTrailer

Now in My Bookbag: STORM by Alyssa Rose Ivy (An Empire Chronicles Novel)

I was given an advance copy of STORM in exchange for an honest review, and honest it is. My impressions and response to this book are true, and my recommendation is sincere.

WOW! What an imaginative and intriguing storyline. Author Alyssa Rose Ivy has taken an expected plot and turned it upside down in a most unexpected way. This is only a part of what makes this book so fascinating.

The way in which Jared and Vera’s relationship grows is wonderfully satisfying. The knowledge they gain is truly enlightening, and the chance to reconnect with those they love is so moving.

Mrs. Ivy takes me on a wonderful journey to find the truth that she hides just below the surface. Throughout the journey, she gives me moments of laughter as she infuses sarcasm and snarky remarks. At the end of the adventure, she brings tears to my eyes as well as happiness to my soul.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book and this series. 5 stars

My Favorite Things Giveaway WEEK #2

The Giveaway of My Favorite Things started on Thanksgiving day. Week #1 of the giveaway is complete.  There will be one giveaway per week for 4 more weeks… the last week culminating on December 30, 2015.

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Week #1 is CLOSED. The winner is Rebecca Rogers. Congratulations Rebecca!!

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Week #2 is open from Midnight on Thursday, December 3 until 11:59pm on Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Here is the link for Week 2: http://gvwy.io/5nakx68

That means a whole new chance to win a signed book! Unfortunately, it means that, if you entered during Week #1, you will still have to complete the series of steps on the Rafflecopter form. 
HOWEVER, if you have already followed the My Bookbag Facebook page and my twitter account, just say so ON THE FORM. You can still get additional entries by completing the bonus entries. Some of them can be entered once a day during the week. Good luck everybody!! 8 hours until lift-off!

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Week #3 is open from Thursday, December 10 until Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Week #4 is open from Thursday, December 17 until Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Week #5 is open from Thursday, December 24 until Wednesday, December 30, 2015

The prize each week will be a signed book by one of my favorite authors. Once a winner is notified, that person should send a pm, to Karen Metcalf, indicating a genre preference from the following:
1. Young Adult-Paranormal
2. New Adult-Paranormal
3. Contemporary Fiction
4. Contemporary Romance
5. Dystopian
6. Adult-Paranormal
From there, you will be asked to choose a number from those randomly assigned to the authors in your chosen genre. This is how your random author/book combo will be chosen.

I can not wait to share some of my favorites with you!

Release of A Christmas Spark by Ciara Knight

• 
  
  Sara Foster blames herself for her failed marriage. On Christmas Eve, she hides away in the family cabin, the same place her father abandoned her twenty years ago. Dalton Scot is unable to face the family holiday after his divorce and discovering he can never have children of his own, so he chooses Christmas Eve to fix his buddy’s cabin. Both search for a secluded spot to mourn their Christmas pasts, but instead are snowed in at the cabin for the holiday where they discover the power of the Christmas spark.

  Purchase Link:

  Amazon: http://amzn.to/1kx2STm

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• Author Bio:

  Ciara Knight writes with a ‘Little Edge and a Lot of Heart’ with her contemporary and paranormal romance books. Her most recent #1 Amazon bestselling series, Sweetwater County, has topped the charts and received acclaimed reviews. Her international best-seller, Pendulum scored 4 stars from RT Book Reviews, accolades from InD’Tale Magazine and Night Owl Top Pick. Her young adult paranormal series, Battle for Souls, received 5 stars from Paranormal Romance Guild and Night Owl’s Top Pick, among other praises.

  Author Links:

  Website: http://www.ciaraknight.com

  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ciaraknightwrites

  Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ciaratknight

  Instagram: https://instagram.com/ciaratknight/