Groundhog Day Giveaway!!

Proceeding through Midnight on Groundhog Day, My Bookbag is hosting a Rafflecopter Giveaway! The prize? A Hardback, Signed Edition of Paper Towns by John Green (author of The Fault in Our Stars)

Giveaway Link: http://gvwy.io/5nakx68

Now in My Bookbag: Viral Justice, by Julie Rowe

For the most part, I enjoyed this read. It had an interesting concept and a lot of action. I enjoyed most of the back and forth between Max and Ali. I liked the fact that Ali was such a strong female character, and I loved the way she didn’t take any crap from anybody.

I thought that the book could use some more editing and proofing. There was a lot of repetition in ideas, scenarios, and dialogue. In addition,  there were quite a few grammatical errors.

Overall, I liked the book. Readers who like less romance, and a lot more action and violence, would probably enjoy this book. I would enjoy  it more with some extra editing and proofing.

3.5 stars

What I Am Reading

Through Netgalley, I have the wonderful opportunity to read and review books that I may not have ordinarily noticed. I previously read, and reviewed, two books I found at Netgalley: Ties That Bind, & The Golden Anklet.

I am currently reading a novel titled Viral Justice (Biological Response Team), by Julie Rowe. I should be finished later tonight and will have my review done tomorrow.

Here is the jacket blurb about Viral Justice:

As a general’s daughter, Alicia Stone has fought twice as hard for everything she’s earned in the military. A Special Forces consultant with black belts in three martial arts, she’s as strong as her surname implies. No one dares call her Alicia—no one but Colonel Robert Maxmillian, head of the Biological Response Team.

With Alicia at his side, Max must lead the team into northern Iraq to investigate a virus—or is it a weapon—killing the area’s population. Charged with guarding his body, she can’t help wanting his hands on her body. Max would be the perfect fling. But he demands more.

The heat builds between them, but danger quickly follows. As the two get closer to the source of the virus, they’ll have to risk their future to outsmart a scientist with nothing to lose.

Now in My Bookbag: Never Never Part Three, by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher

I read books one and two, and became addicted to the storyline. The cliffhangers only added to my withdrawals after the books ended. Therefore, I had very high expectations for the grand finale. The problem was this… the finale was less than grand. Some of the revelations were even inconsistent with previous facts collected.

Things that happened to Charlie in Book Two couldn’t be explained away, and the authors seemed to lose their way in reference to those facts. This bothered me a lot. There were other little things that seemed to interrupt the flow of the story arc.

What I liked: Silas and Charlie became better people than they had been when this experience started.

3 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Awakening, by S.J. West

This book was a great read. Author S.J. West perfected the seamless transition from the previous Redemption Series to this Dominion Series. Awakening, Book One, continued the story of Anna and Malcolm in such a consistent manner. Their love story, family, and mission to improve the lives of the down-worlders, remained flawlessly connected to the end of Redemption, (the final book of the Redemption Series).

The book was well proofed and well edited. The flow was very good, and created effortless reading. The dialogue was well done, and the plot lines made perfect sense.

This story was so interesting, with enough twists to keep me guessing until the very end. There were so many surprises, it created a compulsion to keep reading. I had to know what happened next. I read straight through and was completely blown away by the ending. I immediately wanted the next book in the series.

5 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Wings of Vengeance, by Cameo Renae

When I learned that author Cameo Renae planned to add a book to her Hidden Wings Series, I was both excited and worried. I was in love with the idea of spending more time in the world of Emma, Kade, and the rest of their family and friends. I was also fearful that an any addition to the story might fail to meet the very high standards already set by the Hidden Wings Series.

I was thrilled to find that Wings of Vengeance met, and exceeded, the bar previously set.

This story was centered around the strength given through the love of family and friends. It also focused on finding one’s own courage and power. Finally, it highlighted the strength of love versus the debilitating effects from hate.

There were triumphs and tragedies. I faced several emotional moments during the course of the book. Renae’s masterful storytelling had not diminished in any way, and I found myself absorbed into a fantastic addition to the Hidden Wings Series.

5 Stars 

Release Day for AWAKENING, by S.J. West (The Dominion Series, Book #1)

Author S.J. West has given us generations of worthy Watchers, and their loved ones. In addition, she has let us inside the Brotherhood that many share.

The newest series extension for the beloved Watchers, The Dominion Series, begins today with the release of AWAKENING.   *At the end of the release info, there is a list with exactly the recommended reading order.*

 While Anna and Malcolm anxiously await the birth of their twins, the universe is besieged by the complications of bringing a corporeal version of Hell into being. As Empress and Emperor of Cirrus, Anna and Malcolm must also deal with the politics of trying to unite those who live in the down-world with the pampered citizens within the cloud cities. Anna quickly learns that changing the way people think can be a daunting task, especially when the princes of Hell attempt to thwart her plans at every turn.

With many of the cloud cities under the tyrannical control of high-ranking demons and princes of Hell, Anna and Malcolm must find a way to force them out of power if the world is ever going to experience real change.

With her new War Angel army ready and willing to do whatever she asks of them, Anna realizes she has the means to take out anyone who stands in her way. Yet, war isn’t what Anna wants. God gave her the War Angels to help advance the human race to the next level in their evolution and to help solve the chaos Helena is causing around the universe.

As Anna gets to know some of the War Angels on a personal level, she begins to understand that they aren’t only there to help her. They are also there to learn what it means to live among humans and adapt to a new way of life. She quickly discovers that they may be angels, but they are far from perfect. Built as machines of war, these particular angels are finding it difficult to adjust to life on Earth. They seem to have as many triumphs as failures, but both Anna and Malcolm attempt to guide them when they stumble. Their assimilation with humanity is vital to God’s plan.

Purchase Link:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Awakening-Dominion-Book-S-J-West-ebook/dp/B01990X3WS/

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Reading Order of Watcher Books by Series:

The Watchers Trilogy (Ages 13+): Cursed, Blessed, Forgiven

The Watcher Chronicles (Ages 17+ due to mature content and themes): Broken, Kindred, Oblivion, Ascension

Caylin's Story (Ages 13+ - Can be read by younger readers without having to read the Watcher Chronicles): Timeless, Devoted

Aiden's Story (Ages 17+ due to mature content and themes)

Alternate Earth Series (Ages 17+ due to mature content and themes): Cataclysm, Uprising, Judgment

The Redemption Series (Ages 17+ due to mature content and themes): Malcolm, Anna, Lucifer, Redemption

The Dominion Series (Ages 17+ due to mature content and themes): Awakening (January 26, 2016), Reckoning (Spring 2016)

About the Author:

Once upon a time, a little girl was born on a cold winter morning in the heart of Seoul, Korea. She was brought to America by her parents and raised in the Deep South where the words ma'am and y'all became an integrated part of her lexicon. She wrote her first novel at the age of eight and continued writing on and off during her teenage years. In college she studied biology and chemistry and finally combined the two by earning a master's degree in biochemistry. After that she moved to Yankee land where she lived for four years working in a laboratory at Cornell University. Homesickness and snow aversion forced her back South where she lives in the land which spawned Jim Henson, Elvis Presley, Oprah Winfrey, John Grisham and B.B. King. After finding her Prince Charming, she gave birth to a wondrous baby girl and they all lived happily ever after.

Follow Me:

My FB Page:  https://www.facebook.com/sandra.west.585112?fref=ts

Watchers Agency: https://www.facebook.com/groups/watchersagency/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6561395.S_J_West

Website: http://www.sjwest.com/

Twitter: @SJWest2013

Now in My Bookbag: Forged in Ice, by Alyssa Rose Ivy

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I have mixed feelings about this book. I am a huge fan of this author and her storytelling skills. I am happy to read more of James and Ainsley’s story. They are an interesting and engaging couple. It is great to visit Belgard once again. This well-devised kingdom is one of my all time favorite fantasy locations. It has been since I read The Afterglow Trilogy, also by author Alyssa Rose Ivy.

I can appreciate her efforts to blend together the world of The Forged Chronicles/Afterglow Trilogy with the worlds of her other Chronicles. I love the idea of the crossover, however I feel like some of the flow of information feels forced.

It is a huge undertaking… the blending of all of Ivy’s many Chronicles. I am sure that it is very difficult to plot the story lines to do so. I know that Ivy’s storytelling skills are excellent, so I am looking forward to a more easy-going flow with the next installment. 3.75 stars

Now in My Bookbag: The Golden Anklet, by Beverley Hansford

I find this read to be positively riveting. The writing is engaging, and the storytelling is well done. The original tone of the book is set to the budding romance between Jane and Bob. As Jane’s story evolves, so does the tone of the book. As a reader, it is rare to be so invested, that the transition from budding romance to mystery and suspense, is unexpected.

That said, I do feel that the foreshadowing feels a bit too obvious. The only other advisement to offer the author is to mind the two or three typos. Even so, finding so few typos is very rare.

The ideas that author Beverley Hansford uses to fuel the suspense of it all are well thought out and expertly told. Saving the real significance of the golden anklet until near the end of the book is well devised. It is just another piece in the puzzle that is built upon throughout.

Though there are some twists as the story progresses, the final chapters of the book deliver twist, after twist, after twist. It is definitely a story that keeps me thinking about it long after the last words are read.  4 1/2 Stars

Just Released!! The Secrets of Dargon, by Best-Selling Author Ciara Knight

In Book #2 of The Shrouded Kingdoms:

The fog of the High Gods choke Marshea’s Kingdom, forcing her to yield to their demands. She is ordered to ensnare a man she once loved and return him to the Elders of Dargon. There he will face an eternity of suffering for his sins.

Saldor trains his men to fight the evil magic that enslaves the people of Dargon, the eastern kingdom. He prepares for war until the woman he was sworn to marry before the days of enslavement, returns from the dead. She convinces him that the only threat to Dargon is his army, but when magical beasts attack, he suspects his true love of treachery.

Excerpt:Scalding breath escaped Marseha’s lungs. Nightmares clouded her vision. She couldn’t talk, couldn’t see, couldn’t feel, but she knew. Knew that Saldor lived. For that she would fight beyond this Elders’ curse.

“Please, you must be well.” Risme’s soft voice flittered through the screams of her people now fading from her consciousness.

“It cannot be,” a deep voice sounded. His voice.

Coughing to clear the ashen smoke from the back of her throat, she answered, but no sound passed her lips. Sadness wept from her soul. Not her own sadness, but something of another realm. Thick, frightening, deathly, a bone-crunching energy pummeled her, Elders and witches both fighting within for control.

“Come back to me,” Risme whispered into her ear, an echo of promise if she survived the war within.

“I have never witnessed such a reaction to the amulet’s removal,” a male voice said.

If the Elders and the Veiled Queen continued their battle, she’d be nothing but dust. Ancestors, I summon you. Break me from this madness.

A storm’s wind blew through her, hurling the control of others from her body. With a heave of breath, the madness went silent and her eyes saw beyond the dark mist. To a God. No, a man. A man with thick dark hair, brown eyes, full lips and the strength of a warrior. “Saldor?” she choked.

“Yes. Yes, it is me.” He remained a distance away, on his knees, his hands in his hair. His torn clothing revealed snatches of a man’s body, arms that she’d longed to feel around her for an eternity. No longer was he the boy she once knew.

Purchase Links:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/1QjnVpu

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/the-secrets-of-dargon-1
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-secrets-of-dargon-ciara-knight/1121228940?ean=2940157793845
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-secrets-of-dargon/id1072974029?mt=11

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/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5127753.Ciara_Knight
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1Jc5ASN

Genre: Paranormal/High Fantasy

Hosted by: Lady Amber’s PR

Now in My Bookbag: The Curse of Gremdon, by Ciara Knight (Book #1 of The Shrouded Kingdoms Series)

This is in the genre of adult high fantasy, so I know when starting this book that I will find magic, adventure, beasts and warriors. However, I also find a great story to go along with all of the fantastical elements.

This story is an excellent adventure, where love is mightier than the sword. The “Curse” is closer to home than the characters realize. Good battles evil for the right to live free.

The imagination that builds this world lives within the mind of author Ciara Knight.This book is so enjoyable, and I really like it. It lives up to my expectations from this genre 100%.

5 Stars

Release Day for The Secrets of Dargon, by Ciara Knight

This is Book #2 of The Shrouded Kingdoms Series, by Ciara Knight. You can download Book #1, The Curse of Gremdon, for FREE currently. on Amazon Kindle

The Secrets of Dargon:

The fog of the High Gods choke Marshea’s Kingdom, forcing her to yield to their demands. She is ordered to ensnare a man she once loved and return him to the Veiled Queen. There he will face a beast that threatens to destroy all the lands of his people.

Saldor trains his men to fight the evil magic that enslaves the people of Dargon, the eastern kingdom. He prepares for war until the woman he was sworn to marry before the days of enslavement, returns from the dead. She convinces him to return to her lands to fight, but when magical beasts attack, he suspects his true love of treachery.

Amazon

Your Introduction to Judgement of the Six, by Melissa Haag

Hope(less) is the first book in the Judgement of the Six Series, by Melissa Haag. It is currently FREE on Amazon, so it is the perfect time to get started!

Gabby’s brain is like a human fish finder. It comes in handy when she wants to avoid people. Mostly men. They seem to like her a bit too much. It’s lonely being different, but she’s adapted to it. Really. She just wishes she knew why she is different, though.

In her search for answers, she discovers a hidden community of werewolves. She immerses herself in their culture, learning about their world until she meets Clay. He’s unkempt, prone to mood swings, intense without saying a word, and he thinks Gabby is his.

It’s going to take every trick she knows to convince Clay to go away, and every bit of willpower not to fall for him when she discovers the man beneath the rough exterior.

Delve into a riveting world of werewolves and young women with unexplained abilities, in Hope(less).

Judgement has begun…

Hope(less) at amazon.com
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“I could not put this book down for a second, it was simply wonderful!” – Vanessa Vendrasco-Aere author of yabookbutterfly.blogspot.ca

From my original review:

“This is not your typical book about werewolves. It is a fresh, original, unique spin on a subject that has been told over and over. I can’t wait to read Book #2!” – Karen Metcalf, author of My Bookbag

My Book

I am finally writing one of the books rattling around in my head. It is a contemporary story drawn from some my own life experiences. I decided to post about this endeavor as a part of my motivation to remain committed to my goal. 

I have a lot of work ahead, and I am determined to have a first draft done by the end of the year, if not before. I plan to post an update once a week or so. To be continued…

Now in My Bookbag: Ties That Bind, by Debbie White

The publisher of this work provided, through NetGalley, a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Author Debbie White has written a story that has an interesting plot. The events depicted are fairly easy to follow, and the details understandable. The main character, Patsy, takes us on an incredible journey through her life story.

There are many ups and downs throughout. The potential to connect with the segment of readers who are adopted, or know only one birth parent, presents during Patsy and Charles’ expedition to investigate Patsy’s true lineage. The last fourth of the book, or so, elicits several emotions, and offers plenty of opportunity for tears. This is the part of the book that provides the strongest connection to most readers.

However, there is much work to be done on the punctuation… especially commas. There are a very many places that are missing appropriate commas, plagued with too many commas, or a comma is simply inserted at the wrong place. The book needs another proofread. Also, a few of the sentences need restructuring, and the flow needs a bit of work. I am sure that another edit can rectify these concerns.

I like the concept of the book. I love the focus on family. There is an honesty concerning topics like depression, child neglect, and the search for biological connections to the past, and it is very refreshing. I can also appreciate White’s attention to detail on the realities of aging, care taking, and death of a loved one.

With some tweaking, this can be a great book, rather than a good read.  3 1/2 Stars

Now in My Bookbag: The Mason List, by S.D. Hendrickson

This a completely engrossing, all consuming read. I LOVED every minute of it!!

I was hooked from the very start, and I could not stop until I revealed the entire picture. Each chapter provided an extra piece of the puzzle… of the unusual story of Alex Tanner.

Though the story was told from the present, the backstory (spanning 20 years) was revealed through flashbacks. It chronicled family, love, loss, hate and lasting friendship. It introduced the Masons, including nearly life-long, best friend Jess. Even though the story fluctuated between the present and the chronological past, the flow was very good. It kept me guessing through the very end.

The epilogue was a nice touch. It sort of wrapped the story up in a nice bow. This book was phenomenal, and I recommend it with 5 out of 5 stars!

Now in My Bookbag: New York Love Story, by Tony Wards

I wish there had been more.

I hate to criticize someone else’s work. However, it is my hope that my opinions help an author bring the book’s full promise to fruition.

In New York: Love Story, the romantic concept is there, but this story is missing the descriptive details that make you feel as though you are part of it. The fast pace seems to detract from the love story. Whether the setting is a holiday party, touring the city, or out shopping, the finer points are missing.

Amanda and Richard make a lovely couple, but particulars of their appearances are few. Author Tony Wards expresses several plot ideas that receive no further realization.

The last paragraphs have the feeling of an epilogue, rather than part of the story narrative.

I believe that Wards has good ideas for the book, but it needs more tender loving care. There is potential there. I hope he will resolve these issues and re-release this book as the best work imaginable.  3 Stars

Now in My Bookbag: Royal Marriage Market

I am absolutely in LOVE with this book!

It has dynamic main characters that are easy to like. Elsa is witty, smart and unabashedly outspoken. She also loves her country, its people, and her service to both. Chris is accomplished, giving and a good man… despite having a mother who resembles Maleficent.

Author Heather Lyons weaves a story that has the feel of a classic, historical romance which takes place in the modern era. It is a great love story. There are moments that are laugh-out-loud funny.

The dialogue and inner monologues are so well done. The Royal Marriage Market is an engaging, enchanting read that I could not put down. Lyons has truly outdone herself. 5 stars

Now in My Bookbag: The Next Together, by Lauren James

This book is difficult to review.

The concept is so fresh that it’s very enticing. It gets more and more interesting the further I read. However, my captivation doesn’t begin until approximately 1/4 of the way in.

There is too much timeline jumping too quickly in the beginning of the book. I find it confusing, and difficult to acclimate to a story that jumps around from the start. I really wish that Author Lauren James had provided a longer intro to each time period.

I am much happier with the rest of the story. It is mesmerizing to meet Kathryn and Matthew throughout each of their incarnations.

There are a few things that remain unanswered, and I feel that it makes the ending a bit weak. I like this book but feel that it could be so much better. 3 3/4 Stars

Happy New Year!!

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