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

Now in My Bookbag: Renegade (Heven and Hell #4) by Cambria Hebert

Renegade is full of emotion without all the angst (which I truly appreciate). For me though, there is a little bit too much lag in places, a little too much ‘filler’ while waiting for the ‘real’ action to start. There are quite a few twists in the telling of this story. It just feels as though the story would be told just as well without the extraneous happenings, ie… green fog..

I must admit that I didn’t really see Riley’s nor Ana’s paths ending where they did. I can say that for most of the ancillary characters. What I did expect, and am so happy to see, is the strength Heven develops throughout the series. Hebert tells the story of Heven brilliantly. Hebert lovingly weaves Heven from a broken shell into the warrior with a heart that she was always meant to be.

I am torn on my rating for Renegade. There is a lot of action (necessary and unnecessary). There is a little too much filler, but the parts of the story necessary for the journey are really good. Because the rating actually falls between 31/2 and 4, I am giving this book 4 stars. I do recommend to those who have already read the rest of the series.

Now in My Bookbag: Tirade (Heven and Hell #3) by Cambria Hebert

Tirade is written with a lot of action and a bit of emotional loss. There are a couple of sections that seem repetitive and drag by just a bit, but the story is well told and engaging. The character development of Heven is great. The growth into her destiny is well written.

There is still a story to be told about Ana and the island in her care. Also, the addition of Riley as one of the ancillary characters in the story creates the expectation that his character will also be further developed.

The story ends on a minor cliffhanger. It is just enough, however, to create the desire to know more. This book is a solid 4 of 5 stars.

Now in My Bookbag: Charade (Heven and Hell Series Book #2) by Cambria Hebert

This followup to the fabulous Masquerade is a solid second book for the series. It is an enjoyable read that highlights Heven’s beginning growth into her destiny. She and Sam have each other. What could go wrong?

Charade is the perfect name for this book. Everyone wears a mask or two in order to hide something from someone. There are lies of omission and lies of commission. Is the goal of the charade to protect or to commit treachery? There is a lot of guessing about people’s motives. Then there are a couple of characters that make you scream at the book because you can’t believe that the characters can’t see what is so obvious to you.

Hebert works all of these things together to create an intriguing book and a definite cliffhanger to pull you into Book #3 in the series. 

This is a 5 star book for me.

Now in My Bookbag: Masquerade (Heven and Hell Series) by Cambria Hebert

This book is very interesting. There is an unusual dynamic between the characters that makes the story more complex and each development somewhat unexpected.

Heven and Sam certainly make an interesting couple. She is a character whose self esteem is shattered, and he is the knight in not-so-shining armor who reminds her that she is lovable. The ancillary characters are complex in their own ways, and their motivations sometimes unclear. The alternating POVs become a bit confusing when the story includes the voices of “The Hate” and “The Hope.” In the end though, the story sorts out and is more interesting thanks to those POVs.

Masquerade is very engaging and well-written. It is an excellent start to the series.