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.

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: 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: Soulless, by Sarah J Pepper

I was given an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Much is made during the book about Piper being the mirror image of Declan. So too, this story is the mirror image of a traditional fairy tale. Though the title is Soulless, each of the aforementioned characters are written to have a softer side… the remainders of a soul. This element gives each of these characters a polarity of their own

Making reference to other fairy tales, author Sarah J Pepper twists them into the mix, some more successfully than others. I believe the book might be more cohesive with fewer of these fairy tale twists, so the flow of the story gets lost in a couple of places.

Without revealing too much of the story, I will say that much of the book is well thought out and imaginatively written. 4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: In All My Wishes, by Ciara Knight

I truly enjoyed this sweet romance, set in Riverbend, Tennessee. Anna and Liam’s story was both moving and mysterious. There were familiar characters from Knight’s Sweetwater County Series, and more of the story of Cynthia and Mitch, (from the Riverbend Novella).

The flow was good, and the characters very likable. Author Ciara Knight was very successful in creating the history, struggles, and future for Anna and Liam. I definitely felt a part of their story.

I wished that the resolution had been a little more drawn out, and that there was more development of the plot line concerning Anna’s father.

Otherwise, I found this book very enjoyable. I found it to be a quintessential, sentimental and sweet romance. 4 stars

In My Bookbag Again: Clockwork Angel, by Cassandra Clare

It has been a very long time since I first read this book. I have read it several times since then, but I have never written a review.

This book is captivating from the very start. Author Cassandra Clare does a fantastic job of world-building, not just the Shadow World, but also the world of London during this time period. I easily find myself transported there.

I love the characters. Tessa is lovable, interesting, and a complete mystery. She loves to read, and often displays her knowledge of great literature. Will is the handsome, brooding warrior… his heart inside a self-built fortress. He, also, is a voracious reader with a nearly photographic memory. He is often quoting lines from literature that fits the situation in which he finds himself. Jem is the Prince Charming who is flawed. He is kind, loving, and caring. He is also the most tragic of the three because of what he endures. These characters are complex, and I find myself easily attached to them. Even the ancillary characters are developing toward a complexity.

The story is full of action, friendship, and a different sort of family. It is also a testament to the politics at work in any organization, even one with a mandate. All of the elements, large and small, make this a story worth reading over and over. The little details draw me in, and make me want to stay with the Shadowhunters in their Institute. This book would make an excellent movie… if the movie follows the feel, facts, and circumstances of the book.

Excellent work. 5 stars

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Now in My Bookbag: The Hazards of Sex on the Beach, by Alyssa Rose Ivy

The Hazards Series is written for readers 18 years of age and up. *New Adult* genre. This is Book 3 of 5. As with the rest of the series, this book is written about friends/sorority sisters at Harrison College in Charleston, SC.

“One broken heart, one drink too many, one steamy night in the sand…” Cara is devastated and humiliated by the end of her relationship with Aaron. After one completely reckless night, she feels more empowered, and a little less devastated. Chase is slightly obsessed with finding Cara. He felt a spark between them that night on the beach. Would finding her mend both broken hearts, or would being together mean facing one too many obstacles?

One of the things I really like about this book is the thought and detail put into the character, and personality, of Aaron the Betrayer (this is the name I have given him). Author Alyssa Rose Ivy does a pretty good job characterizing narcissism and obsessive behavior. I wish she had gone a bit further though, thus recognizing the way that those types of people tend to escalate the actions surrounding the obsession and the steps necessary to ensure the safety of that obsession.

So far, this is my favorite Hazards book.I like Cara and Chase. I love the writing style and plot devices. I enjoy learning more about the sisters of Delta Mu. This is a great read. 4.75 stars