Now in My Bookbag: Relativity, by Antonia Hayes

This is a pretty good book. I really like Ethan. His character is the one that is truly likable. The plot is a little different, and there is way too much technical jargon, and I feel that the book would benefit from assessing and removing some of the scientific dialogue (or expressing it differently). I eventually started glazing over when trying to understand some of the scientific dialogue.

The story is character driven and told through multiple POVs. It is a view into the lives of Ethan and each of his parents. It is told using both flashbacks and current character events. The primary plot event that tying the whole story together deals with the consequences of one terrible act.

I like this book, but I would rate it higher if it contained less scientific wording occasionally.

*3 3/4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: A Measured Risk, by Natasha Blackthorne

This book is an erotic, steamy, historical romance. It contains graphic bondage, dominance, and submission.

This story revolves around two enjoyable characters, Anne and Jon. The prologue describes a terrible carriage wreck during which one of the horses tragically kills her husband. After that, she suffers from PTSD. The love she had for horses turns into terror. She already has low self esteem, and comes across as cold and aloof when around others. Jon sees that she has the potential for more. He feels a need to hold others at arms length. He is a player, and has a reputation as a love them and leave them sort of man. He doesn’t want to become responsible for any sort of attachment to another, but eventually decides that he can use dominance to break down her walls and teach her to trust. Can he make this work even when his own heart is locked away?

I really like this book. The characters feel real, and the plot is enjoyable. Author Natasha Blackthorne does a great job of world-building and character development. 4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: The Sicarri Hired Gun Serial 1-4, by A. J. Bennett & Julia Crane

This is a violent, intense, erotic, paranormal story. It is hot, steamy, and action packed. Most of the scenes are really graphic.

I really enjoyed the plot and the emotional drama. However, the descriptions and verbiage used in the sex scenes were a bit repetitive, and that bothered me. I wished there were different expressive terms and phrases used. Some ideas were underdeveloped.

There were surprise twists… some of them a little out there. The ending could have been more in keeping with the tone of the rest of the book, but the story was mostly enjoyable.
3 1/4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: The Dollhouse in the Crawlspace

This book is well written and has every element needed to create a captivating novel.

Amnesia, double identities, secrets, lies, and an evil genius… It is impossible to put this book down. The characters are complex. The story is imaginative and compelling.

This would be a 5 star book but for the unresolved ending. I have a deep seated need to know what happens next.
4 1/4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Torn (Book #2 of the Wicked Trilogy), by Jennifer L. Armentrout

This is an excellent follow up to Wicked. The story is more intense and exciting. However, it is a seamless continuation.

The ongoing story of Ren and Ivy is fascinating. Tink becomes an even more entertaining character as he reveals his extraordinary secret. I really love these characters. Author Jennifer Armentrout does a great job leading them through conflict toward an unexpected resolution as they run the race to stop the Prince of the Fae.

I am truly looking forward to the final book in the trilogy, (Brave), in the summer of 2017.
5 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Torn (Book #2 of the Wicked Trilogy), by Jennifer L. Armentrout

This is an excellent follow up to Wicked. The story is more intense and exciting. However, it is a seamless continuation.

The ongoing story of Ren and Ivy is fascinating. Tink becomes an even more entertaining character as he reveals his extraordinary secret. I really love these characters. Author Jennifer Armentrout does a great job leading them through conflict toward an unexpected resolution as they run the race to stop the Prince of the Fae.

I am truly looking forward to the final book in the trilogy, (Brave), in the summer of 2017.
5 stars

Now in My Bookbag: 1980 - You Shook Me All Night Long (a Love in the 80's Novella), by Casey L. Bond

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this series of novellas.
If the rest of the 80s are as good as 1980, I will be totally impressed.

I thought that the plot of this book was very imaginative, and I thought the characters were well thought out. I found this story to be true to the spirit of the song title, and true to the year in which it was set.

Tina represented all of the girls who had to experience life to discover themselves. Luke was a very appealing character. His dedication to his younger brother, and his strong work ethics, and his looks, made him swoon-worthy.

I really liked this book a lot. 4 1/2 stars

Now in My Bookbag: 1981 - Jessie's Girl (a Love in the 80's Novella), by Lindy Zart

This second book in the New Adult Mix is a very good read. I love the author’s take on the Jessie’s Girl writing prompt. It is well imagined.

The foundation of the story is built on a post high school road trip. The rest of the story is character driven. Four unlikely, life-long friends (plus one) discover things about themselves, and each other, as they travel together. Although all of the characters drive aspects of the story, it is told through only one point of view. It is impressive that author Lindy Zart achieves this seamlessly.

I am looking forward to 1982. 5 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Wrecked (Clayton Falls Novel #3), by Alyssa Rose Ivy

This is another great book in the Clayton Falls series. Author Alyssa Rose Ivy continues to build on the familiar world of Clayton Falls, as well as the characters who I have come to love.

I am happy that Jake finally has a romance of his own. Emily is the new character who catches Jake’s attention, but she has a few secrets that could change everything. There are definitely some bumps that might impede any happily ever after.

This contemporary, NA romance touches on the consequences of big mistakes, secrets and lies. It is an enjoyable read, and it is well told. I would like to see Ivy write a few more stories about Clayton Falls. 4 3/4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Veer (Clayton Falls, Book 2), by Alyssa Rose Ivy

This book is so enjoyable. It is well-written, and develops the plot and characters in an excellent way.

Becca is positive that she doesn’t want to start a relationship, because she is only in Clayton Falls for the summer. Gavin is looking for a forever love, not just a summer fling. They can’t stand each other.

I love these characters, as well as the characters already introduced in Derailed, book one of the Clayton Falls series. Ivy does a wonderful job telling their story in this contemporary, NA romance. She also does a great job developing the world of Clayton Falls. I recommend this book. 4 1/2 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Derailed (Book 1 of the Clayton Falls Series), by Alyssa Rose Ivy

This is an excellent New Adult Contemporary novel. I love the characters, the plot, and the writing style.

Molly is such a beautiful, tortured soul. The unbelievable guilt she carries is breaking her, crushing her self esteem. Ben is also tortured, still in love with Molly. Her return to Clayton Falls may be his last chance to break through her walls.

The story is well developed and refreshing. I find this read enjoyable and entertaining. This is a well-written, cohesive, and expressive book. I recommend it for readers 17+, with a 5 star rating.

Now in My Bookbag: The Beach Bag Boxed Set

This is an entertaining collection of seven books, by seven different authors. These are complete books, not novellas. The books vary in style, but are similar in content. I enjoyed some books more than others. As a whole, this is a cohesive collection of stories that are great for beach reading.
Here are the links to my reviews for each, individual book:

Wet – by Stacy Kestwick
Eversea – by Natasha Boyd
Drops of Rain – by Kathryn Andrews
Diving In – by Gretchen Galway
Undertow – by Elizabeth O’Roark
The Hazards of Skinny Dipping – by Alyssa Rose Ivy
A Stone in the Sea – by A.L. Jackson

My process in determining the rating for the complete boxed set is this: I add the ratings of each book together, divide by 7, and use the average to express my overall enjoyment of the collection. The numerical value of the end result is 3.86 – therefore, the rating is rounded up to 4 stars. I recommend getting a set of your own.

Now in My Bookbag: A Stone in the Sea, (Book #7 in The Beach Bag Boxed Set), by A.L. Jackson

I am very conflicted about this book. I like the plot, and the (mostly) likeable characters. The main characters are very well developed. However, there are many incomplete sentences, run-on sentences, and other grammatical errors. I feel that these problems disrupt the flow of the story. Therefore, my enjoyment is inhibited.

Jackson grabs me with the cliffhanger, so I have decided to purchase the second book in this duet, (Drowning to Breathe). I am drawn to these characters, and I want to follow them to the conclusion of their story.

Taking into account all of these things, I rate this book 3 stars.

Now in My Bookbag: Undertow (Book #5 in The Beach Bag Boxed Set), by Elizabeth O'Roark

I am thoroughly enamored with this story. It is well thought out and well written. Despite being written using flashbacks through the first part of the book, it flows well. The story brings a wide range of emotions and deals with love separated by time because of misunderstanding and others’ machinations.

Should the expectations of your family’s class (inner-circle), dictate behavior? Maura thinks so, especially after she believes her childhood ‘everything’ broke her heart. The truth is, she is afraid of turning her back on the familiar to have no one left. Author Elizabeth O’Roark deftly underscores the fact that the exceptionally wealthy can sometimes play by their own rules and pay their way to anything they want, including an extended sense of entitlement.

As O’Roark delivers Maura’s last summer at the beach, the book is as page-turning as it is frustrating, in a good way. I am compelled to see whether Maura leaves her world of privilege to work things out with Nate, or if she follows the future laid out for her by her family. You don’t want to miss the revelations as truths are uncovered and Maura’s decisions are finally unveiled. 5 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Diving In (Book #4 in The Beach Bag Boxed Set), by Gretchen Galway

This is a nice story with likeable characters. It touches on issues like phobias and family divisiveness. Nikki is driven by the need to heal herself, and Ansel is driven by the need for his father’s acceptance and love. I do have an appreciation for the author’s use of a size 14 heroine, rather than a size 6. It is not often that writers use the type of body types from the real world.

The story follows a standard romance diagram, though the writing doesn’t dig as deep into the romantic elements. I can appreciate Nikki’s drive and Ansel’s insecurities. Overall, I find this book an enjoyable read, though I wish it was more in-depth. 3 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Drops of Rain (The Beach Bag Boxed Set, Book #4), by Kathryn Andrews

I really like this book. It is a great choice for older YA (or NA) readers. In addition to being in the Beach Bag Boxed Set, Drops of Rain is also Book #1 in the Hale Brothers Series.

This book contains a lot of symbolism. Also, it tastefully explores serious topics such as grief, loneliness, self esteem issues, bullying, and domestic violence. I find this story well thought out, yet there are several grammatical errors that hurt the flow of it.

I like the characters very much. They are well developed and relatable. The “bad guys” are truly vile. The “good guys” are loveable. In Drew, Ali, and Beau, author Kathryn Andrews gives me characters that I can figuratively wrap my arms around.

This story gives me a rollercoaster of emotions, and I freely admit that I was brought to tears at times. I recommend this book for readers who are sixteen years old and older. 4 1/4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: My Star, My Love (A Butler Cove Novella), by Natasha Boyd

This book is a rather light hearted, holiday extension to the story of Jack and Keri Ann. It touches on issues effecting each one of them. It is also steamy and sweet. I like this story, but wish that it had been condensed slightly. Then, the Epilogue from Forever, Jack could be added to the end of this novella. I feel that, together, the elements of each would create a more natural, topical flow. 3.5 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Forever, Jack (Book Two in the Butler Cover Series), by Natasha Boyd

I love the cover of this book, however I am a little disappointed with Forever, Jack. There are shortcuts and flashbacks that undermine the flow of the story.

I wish that author Natasha Boyd had chosen to develop the story a little differently. Having provided an opportunity for Jack to confide his dilemma to his friend Devon, I wish that Boyd had allowed him to do so. Through Devon, Keri Ann could have known what was going on. Then, exploration of Keri Ann’s hurt and heartache could be so much more developed and imaginative. Forever, Jack could have focused solely on the inner struggles faced by Keri Ann and Jack in their attempt to have a relationship, despite all of the hurdles. I think this could have provided the book with more depth.

One thing that I really do like about this story is Keri Ann’s newfound drive to chase her own dreams. The carpe diem attitude is a natural and welcome progression for her character. I wish that Boyd had pushed this aspect even further. 2.75 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Eversea (The Beach Bag Boxed Set, Book 2), by Natasha Boyd

I like this book. While the format and basic play of the story is similar to many other books of this type, I still find it to be an enjoyable read.

Author Natasha Boyd does a pretty good job of world building, beginning on the very first page. I feel she does a good job with character development, and that her introduction of those personality layers is well thought out. However, I find that, in the end, the actions of a major character are incongruous to that character’s carefully developed persona, making said actions unrealistic.

Overall, this work is written well enough to propel me to one-click the sequel. 3.75 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Soaked (The Water's Edge, Book 2), by Stacy Kestwick

This book continues the story of West and Sadie. It digs deeper into their relationship and the hurdles that must be overcome, if they remain together.

Sadie has trust issues, (the reasons are obvious if you read book one… Wet). West is a romantic, but completely oblivious when it comes to understanding Sadie’s issues. These things are the heart of the matter.

Author Stacy Kestwick examines the idea of self versus “us,” while delivering love, lust, and steam. This is a very good partner book for Wet. Well done. 4 1/2 stars

*adult content, adult language*

Now in My Bookbag: Wet (Title #1 in The Beach Bag Collection), by Stacy Kestwick

Author Stacy Kestwick delivers. This is an enjoyable read, with a cliffhanger at the end that forced me to buy and read Soaked, the follow-up book in The Water’s Edge series, before I can move on to the rest of the books in the Beach Bag.

There are a few recurring themes in this story, the most prevelant being independence. Independence from family, for self, for love, from fear… this story reverberates with the desire for some form of freedom.

There is also the search for self, an identity apart from one’s past, and apart from someone else’s expectations. This is especially true for West and Sadie. She also needs to feel powerful in her own life, something that she feels was stolen from her prior to her life on the Carolina coast.

Finally, there is the deep-seated need by many to make their own way, be their own boss, and to love what they do. The passion with which they pursue these goals adds to the enjoyment of the story itself.

Amongst all of these things, Kestwick has written a fun, delightfully decadent, steamy book. There is a lot of incredibly detailed material to provide hot flashes while reading. However, the romance rollercoaster is a bit long.

This is a great start for my Beach Bag! 4 1/4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: The Dark Elements Series, by Jennifer L. Armentrout, on Audible

I have been captured by the world of audiobooks. Listening to the personification of each character is like receiving a whole new perspective. Of course, my enjoyment of the audiobooks depends greatly on the narrator and their ability to bring each character to life. The narrative should keep each character's voice separate from the other characters, not allowing one voice, or accent, to bleed into another.

In the case of The Dark Elements, narrator Saskia Maarleveld has a bit of trouble keeping  the character voices defined. She also changes some character voices throughout the series.
For example, Roth has a mostly normal voice, but the essence of the voice changes unexpectedly. Whether growling, or whispering, the voice should be recognizable as his. The same problem exists with the voice of Zane. While I realize that an individual's voice sometimes changes in modulation, the tone of the voice used should still sound like the same character.

This is a problem throughout the three books, and it effects all the male voices, except Grim. Maarleveld does a wonderful job with his voice, and it makes all the difference in conceptualization.
For the most part, she does an excellent job with the female voices, and I have to say that all of the male voices do sound decidedly male. If she works a bit more, focusing on consistency for each characters voice, she has the potential to become very good.

About the story... listening to the story again, I noticed a couple of inconsistencies, and a couple of things that required a huge stretch of the imagination. Though I didn't notice these while reading the series, they became obvious to me once I listened to the story.

Overall, I give the narrator 3 stars, and the Dark Elements series 4 stars

The Dark Elements Series is written by Jennifer L. Armentrout, Narrated by Saskia Maarleveld, Available at Audible.com