Now in My Bookbag: Aurora Sky Vampire Hunter, Northern Bites, by Nikki Jefford

There are interesting kinetics at work in this book. Unlike the first book in the series, this book is jam packed a lot of action, and a rather complex relationship dynamics involving several different characters.

Jeffords does a better job of story development in this book. The plot is deep, steady, and a study in contrasts. The dangers are greater, and there is a natural flow.

There are new characters who help with the centuries old backstory. Existing characters are further developed, though not as much as I would have liked. The complex character relationships are well-written, never crossing the line into confusion.

I like this book. I think it is better than book one. 4 stars

A Blast From the Past in My Bookbag

Author S.J. West never fails to deliver a well-constructed story. She has an uncanny gift for world-building, and The Redemption Series is no exception.

I find Anna to be a fascinating character, and I LOVE Gabe. West puts a lot of imagination into the developing relationship between Malcolm and Anna.

This book moves the series along nicely. 4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Aurora Sky Vampire Hunter, by Nikki Jefford

I find this story entertaining and enjoyable. I can see touches of Buffy the Vampire Slayer in Aurora, but there is a genuine imaginative creation here as well.

The book certainly starts with a bang, and takes a Twilight Zone type turn from there. The progression of the plot is, at times, a bit erratic. There are some elements that seem extraneous. The main story holds its own without them.

The main characters are well conceptualized, some mysterious and/or creepy. Aurora is smart, sassy, and funny. However, she is a little slow figuring out situations sometimes. Fane is a somewhat tragic hero. The feeling that I get from him is that he is good to the core. I can’t help but wonder whether or not the others within this orbit are who and/or what they seem.

I look forward to digging into book two. 3 1/2 stars

Top rated books in YA paranormal and fantasy

YAY!! Congrats to Ednah Walters and Karen Lynch
#EdnahWalters #KarenLynch #EirikTrilogy #RelentlessTrilogy

RELEASE DAY!! 1987: How Do I Get You Alone, (Love in the 80's: New Adult Mix), by Cameo Renae

Title: How Do I Get You Alone Author: Cameo Renae Publisher: WaWa Productions Genre: NA Contemporary Romance Cover Designer: Regina Wamba of Mae I Design

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Lyssa Taylor totally thinks she has her future planned out. Being eighteen with strict parents, a relationship is the last thing on her mind.  

But when she and her best friends arrive at the cabin for their last summer vacation, the handsome Travis Preston—her secret childhood crush, and best friend's (off-limits) older brother—is also there. Now, what was expected to be a simple, fun vacation, turns out to be one spark-igniting, complicated mess.

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1987: (HOW DO I GET YOU) ALONE is part of the Love in the 80s new adult romance series. It is a Stand-alone Novella which can be read on its own.

Check out the others!

1980: You Shook Me All Night Long By: Casey Bond

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1ZgCJYo

1981: Jessie's Girl by Lindy Zart

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1UPP9mW

1982: Maneater by Cambria Hebert

Amazon US: http://tinyurl.com/maneaterA

1983: Cruel Summer by Amber Lynn Natusch

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DMMWUVE

1984: Against All Odds by Rebecca Yarros

Amazon US: http://bit.ly/AZUS1984RY

1985: Careless Whisper by Misty Provencher

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/28PWfG9

1986: Why Can’t This Be Love by RK Ryals

Amazon US: http://bit.ly/AMZUSRKR

Buy Links for How Do I Get You Alone:

Amazon US: http://bit.ly/CR1987

Amazon UK: http://bit.ly/UK1987CR

Amazon CA: http://bit.ly/CA87CR

iBooks: http://bit.ly/ibooks87CR

Kobo: http://bit.ly/kobo87CR

Smashwords: http://bit.ly/smash1987CR

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/BN1987CR

About the Author:

Voted 2013 Break Out Author by Young Adult & Teen Readers, and 2013 Book of the Year (Hidden Wings).

Cameo Renae was born in San Francisco, raised in Maui, Hawaii, and now resides with her husband and children in Alaska. She's a daydreamer, caffeine and peppermint addict, who loves to laugh, and loves to read to escape reality.

One of her greatest joys is creating fantasy worlds filled with adventure and romance and sharing it with others. It is the love of her family and amazing support of her fans that keeps her going.

One day she hopes to find her own magic wardrobe and ride away on her magical unicorn. Until then...she'll keep writing!

Author Links:

Website: www.cameorenae.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CameoRenae

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cameorenae/

Subscribe to Cameo’s newsletter: http://bit.ly/23HGKIy

Join Cameo's Crew on FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CameoRenaeFanClub/

Now in My Bookbag: 1987 How Do I Get You Alone, (Love in the 80's New Adult Mix), by Cameo Renae

For a novella, this book truly has it all!

It has a great back-story, without dwelling excessively in the past. There is a great variety of characters. The love story is sweet, (and based on a song I love). The book captures the form and fashion from 1987 with detail-oriented accuracy. Author Cameo Renae invokes a wide variety of emotions during this pivotal summer between high school and college.

I find this work impressive. 5 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Intrigue, (Infinitus Billionaire Book #3), by E.B. Walters

This book is completely engrossing. Walters has written yet another steamy romance with heart.

Even the most solitary,  independent people need love. Players with a huge heart, like Rod, deserve to find their other half, the one who completes them like no other. As for Terri, no one can run from the past forever. At some point, the right one will sneak in, steal their heart, and accept their secrets. Walters is masterful in crafting the backstory that connects Terri to Rod. The plot is developed in a very well thought out manner.

I remain amazed at the skill with which Walters can weave all of the elements of a story into such a cohesive, compelling read. She never disappoints. She certainly brings the heat, passion, and all consuming love to her books, and I can’t wait to get the next one in my hands. 5 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Maude, by Donna Mabry

Maude is an biographical novel about the author’s grandmother. Though it is a long book, it is worth every moment spent reading it. From those whom Maude very first loved and lost, through her very last, I am drawn to her story. It is so very like my own grandmother’s life story.

It is based on the stories told to author Donna Mabry by her beloved grandmother. It is honest, recounts the good as well as the bad, and inspires a wide range of emotions. It is a story of love, loss, elation, and regrets.

Though this is Maude’s story, the rest of the characters truly come to life in Mabry’s recounting. I see each of the family members, and friends, through Maude’s point of view.

The circumstances and catalysts make for a compelling read. I spent every available moment immersed in this book. If possible, I would give this book 10 stars. Since that is not an option, I rate this emotional story 5 stars.

Amazon Purchase Link

Now in My Bookbag: The Forgotten Mountain, (The Collectors' Society Book #3), by Heather Lyons

Grief… hope… elation… devastation… forgotten…

These are just five of the words that are descriptive of The Forgotten Mountain. Author Heather Lyons delivers an intricate continuation of The Collectors’ Society tale. While I feel that the book is a bit longer than necessary, I still find it very enjoyable.

Most of this book takes place within an unexplored timeline. Although interesting, I miss the connections to the Society as a whole. I do enjoy the level of action, at times, within this adventure. I am bothered by a certain a plot device. While it moves the story toward a certain goal, it makes no sense for a team that is usually technologically prepared.

The characters, as always, are fascinating. I am particularly enamored with the Twelfth Wise Woman. The usual characters remain complex and entertaining. Among them, I am most impressed with Jack Dawkins, the Artful Dodger. Lyons does an amazing job developing this character, and she truly brings a three-dimensional quality to him.

It is safe to say that the cliffhanger at the end of this book is mind-numbing. It will not soon leave my mind. 4 1/4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: The Hidden Library, (The Collectors' Society Book #2), by Heather Lyons

I am still enamored with this story, that began in The Collectors’ Society. There are a few things in The Hidden Library that impede the absolute love I feel for book one.

Book two is a lot to take in. There are so many different elements included, it is difficult to hang on from one switch to another. However, I can truly say that there isn’t a dull moment.

There are very few further developments in the characters, but they are already pretty complex. I think that they were very well written from the start, (Book #1).

I do really like this book. It is a page-turning read. I recommend continuing this series with The Hidden Library. 4 1/4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: The Collectors' Society, by Heather Lyons

I love this book. It is original, imaginative, and well thought out.
The concept is amazing, and the plot is so appealing. I am beyond enchanted with this world created by author Heather Lyons. I can’t wait to start book #2, The Hidden Library!

These characters are ‘frabjous!’ I am completely taken with Alice. She is brave, fierce, and incredible! I am in love with Finn. He is completely swoonworthy. He is also brave, as well as kind, considerate, and loveable. In fact, all of the characters are detailed, complex, and interesting.

I have found a new series to feed my reading addiction, and it is The Collectors’ Society.

5 stars

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

I really love all of the chronicles by author Alyssa Rose Ivy. Though the Forged Chronicles are not my favorite, I do like the way they tie in to The Afterglow Trilogy… also by Ivy. She provides a great dose of fantasy to go along with the paranormal elements found in all her chronicles.

I like the characters that Ivy creates for the Forged Chronicles. These characters, perhaps more so than the other chronicles, are studies of light and dark… especially James. Motives are murky, as yet, for most of them.

The more of the story that is revealed, the less obvious the eventual outcomes. This book ends with a major cliffhanger, and I have no clue where the next book may lead. The writing is imaginative and intriguing.

That is what makes these Forged Chronicles so compelling. There is no telling what may happen next, for the story or it’s characters.  4 stars

This book makes me think of this song, by Linkin Park:

Now in My Bookbag: 1986 - Why Can't This Be Love, (a Love in the 80's New Adult Mix), by RK Ryals

I didn’t get title significance at first, probably because my memory of these songs is shrouded in the cloak of time. So, I looked up lyrics and listened to the title song, by Van Halen. I realize now that the title is damn near perfect. (see video below)


Ryals does a phenomenal job delivering that feeling of finding first love. The characters are relatable, and developed well within the space of an 83 page novella. Tori’s new experiences help her find her own voice. Dylan Black is an interesting character. No one sees him for who he really is… until Tori finds him.

I  have always known that there are perfect songs for emotions, feelings, and experiences. I have made a mix tape, or two, in my life. I have never thought of the concept that these songs are soundtracks, background music, within the script that is life. The song references are spot on and nostalgic, for me… things forgotten in the 30 years since high school. I absolutely love the a-ha reference, (view video below).

I find this book an enjoyable read. It is lighthearted, but there is no fluff. There are many, many song references, which I love. This is another great addition to the Love in the 80’s series. 4 stars

Why Can't This Be Love - Van Halen

a-ha - Take On Me

Now in My Bookbag: 1985 - Careless Whisper, by Misty Provencher

This book is a lot different from the previous books found in the Love in the 80’s series, so far. The story begins in 1992, and is moved along based on flashbacks to 1987. Those flashbacks focus on the perceptions of each member, as to what broke The Band.

I feel that the first half of the story moves rather slowly. It takes quite a while for the real plot to unfold. I actually wish that the book had started closer to halfway in, and then have extended beyond the finish.

I like the characters, very much. Their personal misgivings, as well as their personal revelations, make them far more loveable. Provencher does an excellent job creating them and bringing them to life. She does a good job creating the drama near the end, and do I find it amusing that the second half of the story seems to follow the layout of a who-done-it.

Though I figured out ahead of time what had happened, I still couldn’t figure out how it was accomplished until the end. The ending of the book happens way to fast for my taste. I wish there was, at least, an epilogue that provides some additional information about the characters in The Band. Having gotten to know them during the course of the book, I would like just a glimpse of what happens to them next.  3 1/4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Luke's Dream (a Judgement of the Six Companion Novel), by Melissa Haag

What an exciting addition to the Judgement of the Six lexicon! This companion series is fascinating, and adds so much to the series.

Luke and Bethi are great characters, and an awesome couple. It is very interesting to dig a little deeper into Luke’s personality, motivations, and love. Author Melissa Haag does much to further develop the one dimensional Luke, from (Un)Wise, to the complex character, in Luke’s Dream.

Haag weaves a truly cohesive companion to Bethi’s story with the addition of Luke’s Dream. It is a page-turner, and I couldn’t put it down. 5 stars

Now in My Bookbag: 1984 - Against All Odds

I am disappointed in this and it is amazingly similar, and extremely frustrating.The beginning of Against All Odds is different, but soon catches up with the plot of others like it. The woman, who is a former country/pop singer with their own reasons to step away from the spotlight. The rock star life style is hard on relationships.

The end of the stories are pleasing, as I am a big fan of HEA. books. I just wish that this book wasn’t eerily similar to the books I already read. However, as a stand alone, Against All Odds is an okay read.

It is fast paced, and incorporates all of the elements of the basic new adult format.   2 1/4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: 1983 Cruel Summer, (Love in the 80's), by Amber Lynn Natusch

This is a good novella. While some of the plot follows a somewhat standard design, (i.e. woman scorned, stuck in town she hates, forced to get a job, runs into first love), there are facts added throughout the story to make it belong solely to Natusch.

I like these characters. Braxton and Izzy, were cruelly manipulated apart many years ago. The circumstances surrounding that manipulation are creative, imaginative, and maniacal. The truth, once revealed, fractures everything Izzy thinks she knows about her past.

Braxton is a broken man without access to the one girl he will always love. He has a secret that, once told, he hopes will draw her to him once again. Izzy (also broken) has a terrible secret, one that she hopes will never come out. She should know better in a town this size. You know what they say about people in glass houses.

The interaction between the characters is enlightening. The ending is exciting and revealing. I think that the second half of the book is more interesting than the first, and it definitely helps the rating. 3 1/4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: In This Life, by Christine Brae

What a beautifully written, emotional rollercoaster! The story is wonderfully imagined. The feelings expressed, and drawn from me, are beyond compelling. It has been a very long time since a book has affected me to my core. The story is poignant, touching, and tear-jerking. I could not put this down.

The characters are perfectly imperfect. There is a lot of love, a lot of hurt, and a lot of grief. I never thought it possible to be happy for a character, while also being disgusted with them. Getting inside the heads of both Anna and Jude is very enlightening, though adding the point of view of Dante would add to the depth of the story.

I consider myself very lucky to have found this magnificent book. I am enamored of this story, and its author, Christine Brae. I look forward to finding more of her books, and I recommend this story to readers of contemporary books. 6 stars… (5 stars)

https://www.amazon.com/This-Life-Christine-Brae-ebook/dp/B019HXWKVC/https://www.amazon.com/This-Life-Christine-Brae-ebook/dp/B019HXWKVC/

Now in My Bookbag: Winter Shadows, by Casey L. Bond

This book is far different than Bond’s other books set in West Virginia. Where the other books fit within the New Adult/College Romance genre, Winter Shadows is a Christian/Dystopian novel.

I believe the story is okay. I find the multiple point-of-views a little confusing because there are no chapter headings to delineate one voice from the others. It is necessary to read through the beginning of each chapter in order to determine whether it is Claire, Ethan, or Colin speaking. If these headings were added, it would make a dramatic difference.  These characters are interesting and likeable. Their evolutions throughout the novel are surprising and unexpected. I feel that one evolution in particular is a bit of a stretch. It is a tangent that pops up near the end of the book, and it doesn’t seem to fit with the rest of the story.

The concept of the book is interesting. The pace of the plot seems to flow steadily, then suddenly hits a fast pace. Then it slows. Before long, it speeds up again. For me, this is a bit disconcerting. There are also several typos in this work, nothing that another proofreading wouldn’t fix. 3 1/4 stars

This will not, however, keep me from reading more from this author. I have been very pleased with her work.

Now in My Bookbag: Shady Bay, by Casey L. Bond

I really enjoyed this spinoff of the Devil Creek novel. The plot was great, sweet and emotional. I loved the characters, all of them.

I was thrilled to follow Jaxon from Devil Creek, West Virginia to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He was so much more than he originally showed. It turned out that he was kinder and gentler. When Mercy fell into his life, proud and emotionally battered, he couldn’t get her out of his head. Mercy needed to lean on others to save her from hunger and homelessness. She made great friends who offered her a way up.

Author Casey L. Bond did a fabulous job creating and developing all of the characters. She also built their world in such a way that I could picture it all in my head. I found a few typos, but nothing that truly detracted from the success of the story. 4 3/4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Devil Creek, by Casey L. Bond

I like this novel about love, heartbreak, and acceptance. Set in rural West Virginia, this story delivers a sense of community, old and new friendships, and the story of unconventional family. It also contains suspense and some violence.

It has lovable characters who face life, the highs and the lows. Aislin, the female protagonist, has experienced a lot of hard knocks. The history of her life includes abandonment, abuse, betrayal, loss, and heartbreak. She works continually to overcome and persevere. Her best friend, Gabe, suffers from a misplaced sense of duty, a tendency to overprotect, and a desperate need to suppress the survivor’s guilt he feels. The other characters are also well imagined and well written.

The plot of the story is very interesting. It contains a lot of different elements, yet remains cohesive throughout. I am unsure, however, about the end of the book. I can’t help wondering if the story resolution might have been better served at the end of chapter 16, then there could be a look a couple of years into the future. However, I am okay with the ending as it is. This is an enjoyable book that I really like. 4 1/5 stars

Now in My Bookbag: 1982- Maneater (Love in the 80's Novella), by Cambria Hebert

This is another great novella in the Love in the 80’s serial. This book is really enjoyable, and author Cambria Hebert puts an imaginative spin on this song by Hall and Oates.

The plot is creative and the characters feel very real. Kelly and Eric could be people with which I went to high school. I like the overall theme that “the more things change, the more they stay the same.” There is nothing that can affect you like someone who knew you well years ago. I also like the addition of 1980’s phrases together with their definitions.

This blast from the past is perfectly crafted for high school life in 1982. 5 stars