Tuesday, May 30, 2017

Now in My Bookbag: Forged in Light, (The Forged Chronicles Book 4), by Alyssa Rose Ivy

This conclusion to the Forged Chronicles uses a very interesting plot to create a good, but unexpected, end to the series.
The story development is imaginative. The approach used by Ivy, to tie up the series’ loose ends, is clever.
The is not a lot of further character development in this book, as most of that is covered in the previous three books in the series.  4 1/2 stars
I would highly recommend re-reading the first three books prior to reading Forged in Light. Because of time constraints, I failed to do so, and I was a little lost from time to time as a result.
This book is recommended for New Adult, and older, readers.

Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Reader Share Giveaway!!



****GIVEAWAY!!!**** 
Win a Kindle Fire and $100 Amazon Gift Card!!!



Giveaway sponsored by the authors of Shattered Worlds

Monday, February 27, 2017

Now in My Bookbag: Goddess, (A Runes Novel), by Ednah Walters

I just finished my second read through of this book, thus my delay in reviewing.
This book is an enjoyable read. I feel as though it starts a bit slowly, and spends a lot of time rehashing a scene involving Dev. That scene was covered in depth at the end of Gods, the last book in Eirik’s story.
Once Cora goes to meet her birth parents, the book takes on an excellence in storytelling that I have come to expect from author Ednah Walters. However, the story feels unfinished. How will Cora and Echo’s adventure end if this is truly the final installment of their saga?
3.75 stars

Friday, December 30, 2016

HAPPY RELEASE DAY!

The highly anticipated sequel to Cameo Renae's phenomenal book, In My Dreams, is finally here!! If you haven't read In My Dreams yet, you have been missing out on a treasure of emotions it evokes. Grab it, read it, then dive into In My Reality. 


In My Reality (Sequel to In My Dreams) by Cameo Renae
Genre: NA Paranormal Romance
Cover Designer: Stephanie Hobbs of Steph's Cover Design

Amazon & KU Link


ABOUT THE BOOK

It’s been three years since Michael’s death, and life isn’t any easier. The gift bestowed upon me has only grown stronger. I see the dead, everywhere. Those who have remained earthbound are looking for answers, or have messages for their loved ones. That’s what I do. I help resolve those questions, then assist them in crossing over.

Lately, I’ve had a recurring nightmare—a guy, badly injured in a car crash. Each time I’ve called out to him, he never answers. I’ve never even seen his face.

My mentor, Lucy Crow, believes he’s still alive, and I’m supposed to help him. That my dreams are not just subconscious thoughts; they’re premonitions.

For the first time ever, I will leave my reclusive life in Alaska. My best friend Emily is taking me to California for spring break. She thinks it’s time for me to find someone—to start living again. But what I need to find is the answer to my nightmares.

Little do I know...my answer will find me.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR
 

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!





Here is Book 1
so you can catch up on the series.



Presented by


Tuesday, October 25, 2016

Now in My Bookbag: Warrior, (A Relentless Novel), by Karen Lynch

This is the perfect companion book for the Relentless Series. Told from Nikolas’ point of view, it is written as a seamless comparison to Sara’s point of view.
Author Karen Lynch adds so much depth and complexity to Nikolas’ character. It also adds extra layers to the world-building that is already imaginative and well-written.
Lynch’s creation of Warrior is a great decision that certainly enhances my reading experience. Well done. 5 stars

Saturday, September 24, 2016

Now in My Bookbag: In My Dreams, by Ciara Knight

Such a sweet romance, even though Charlotte and Brady are a bit more abrasive than Knight’s Riverbend characters, but inclusion of her previous characters offsets some of the grating feel. The world-building for this town takes place in earlier books. 31/4 stars

Monday, September 19, 2016

Now in My Bookbag: The Bones of Odin, (Matt Drake Book 1), by David Leadbeater

I think that I was looking for something of an Indiana Jones adventure. While Leadbeater delivers shades of Indy, there are way too many ideas in this book... many of them are underdeveloped.

Drake is a very interesting character. It is unfortunate that his character is not further developed. Frey is a great foil for Drake, but Frey is underdeveloped. Regrettably, there are far too many other characters. It is difficult to remember who is who sometimes.

I had really hoped to like this book as a slight change of pace for me, but I just don't find it to be very enjoyable. 2 stars

Now in My Bookbag: True North, (Aurora Sky Vampire Hunter), by Nikki Jefford

I like this series by author Nikki Jefford. There are a lot of good ideas, characters that are interesting, and an engaging story. Overall, this series is good. I wish that the overall story arc was condensed into five books rather than the six.

Unfortunately, this book suffers from the “end of the line” syndrome that plagues some books. I feel that the last fourth of this book should have been included in book five, Whiteout. In fact, it would be great if Hunting Season, Whiteout, and True North could be edited down to two books, rather than three. Despite some very interesting plot points, there are parts of each of the three books that feel like filler.

There is not much character development in True North, other than that of Noel.

Aurora Sky Vampire Hunter is a good series, but I am not that impressed with this final book, (other than the aforementioned final fourth). 2 1/4 stars

Friday, September 16, 2016

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

I am conflicted about this book. I really like the plot progression, and feel that most of the book is filled with excitement and adventure. There is a lot of action, which I like. However, Aurora is still written as a character who is less physically able to hold her own, despite boot camp training and almost a year of vampire hunting. There is not a lot of character development, yet most of this book is character driven.

Having already finished this series, I wish that the final three books of the series, (Hunting Season, Whiteout, & North Star) were combined into two. I think that would produce two content-filled books with very little fluff. 3 1/4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Hunting Season, (Aurora Sky Vampire Hunter), by Nikki Jefford

I am not as impressed with Hunting Season. There is too much fluff. There is too much made of planning to save Dante, when the simplest, most efficient plan is mentioned halfway through the book. Aurora already has all of the help she needs and a solid plan to pull off the rescue. Instead, this book’s plot becomes more and more convoluted the further it goes.

For me, this book is okay. I like the further development of the Noel character. I appreciate the level of self discovery and maturation experienced by Aurora. One of my favorite examples of this:
“Suddenly I felt bereft at all the opportunities I’d missed to drive out and see the belugas. I’d never once pulled over the check out a Dall sheep. They were just another thing I took for granted.” (Aurora Sky, Into The Wild: Location 3604 of 4536)

Having already finished this series, I can say that I wish the final three books (Hunting Season, Whiteout, and True North) were combined into two books, with most of the fluff removed. 2 3/4 stars

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Now in My Bookbag: Love, (The Allure Chronicles), by Alyssa Rose Ivy

I like this book. The development of this story reminds me of Alice in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll. Glendale even reminds me of the Cheshire Cat. The nonsensical characters are interesting, but I am missing further development of the original characters.

The Daisy issue is handled… mostly. Since this is the last book in the Allure Chronicles, I hoped to see more completion of Owen and Daisy’s story. One of the main plot devices, one that is listed as the major goal to reach, is not dealt with at all in the end. Taylor’s heart’s desire is ignored completely in the end. There is no effort at all to help Troy.

Other issues that need involvement of the Society are brought to light. This is a perfect way to progress the upcoming events… upcoming chronicles.

The unique feel of Love, by Alyssa Rose Ivy, has such a fairy tale feel to it. 4 stars

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

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

Author Nikki Jefford puts a lot of focus on metamorphosis in this book. So many changes. Everything diversifies with every decision made. It is so hard to keep up with what is going on, and who you have become. This is Aurora’s reality. As she tries to figure out who she is, everyone around her is changing, as well.

There is no wonder that Aurora spends this book in a perpetual state of confusion. Throughout the book, her character develops, matures, and moves toward the person she must become. She is not there yet.

I must say that I cried when Melcher made his decision about Tommy. Of all the cruel decrees from Melcher’s mouth, the one about Tommy is the heartbreaker. I hope that my heart doesn’t remain broken. 4 stars

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

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

Tuesday, August 30, 2016

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

Sunday, August 28, 2016

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




Friday, August 26, 2016

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

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



Thursday, August 25, 2016

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

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

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