Now in My Bookbag: Rogue (Book #3 of the Relentless Series), by Karen Lynch

What a fascinating story idea! The girl from the coast of Maine is transformed into an excellent leader, an amazing fighter, and a woman in her own right. Author Karen Lynch does an amazing job developing Sara’s character, and her powers, throughout this book.
To a much lesser extent, Nikolas’ character also grows during this book, more so than either of the previous two books. His love for Sara is so apparent… even when he has to learn what loving someone entails.

Of the new characters introduced in this book, my absolute favorite has to be Eldeorin. He is outrageous, caring, unapologetic, loyal, and so much more. Sara needs his help, much more than she realizes at first.

The most genius thing about this story? The awesomely unexpected twist at the end. There is no way that I could have seen that coming. It caps off an extraordinary book. I wholeheartedly recommend this series. 5 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Refuge (Book #2 of the Relentless Series), by Karen Lynch

This next step in Sara’s journey begins with her feeling like she doesn’t belong… like she will never measure up. She eventually makes friends, meets long-lost relatives and makes progress in training. Still, there is so much that sets her apart.

I really love this book. There is a vast amount of emotion evoked, both happiness and sadness. Experiencing Sara’s pleasure as she spends time with her animals brings a smile to my face. Feeling the warmth of first love makes my heart remember. There are parts of this book that make me ugly-cry. Lynch delivers moments of tear-jerking, heartbreaking anguish.

This book has so much pulse-pounding action and excitement. Sara learns a lot about harnessing all of her powers, giving her the tools to hold her on in a fight. Every so often there is a flash of laugh out loud funny. This book provides a lot of great new characters, and surprising betrayal.

Author Karen Lynch provides a well-told story that provides everything a great book should. 5 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Relentless, by Karen Lynch

This book is interesting, captivating, and well-written. With a decidedly different take on the traditional vampire hunter books, it commands your attention, making it impossible to put down.

Sara is not your typical heroine, nor is she a typical Mohiri. She is so much more than anyone realizes. She faces down dangers, and does everything she can to protect her family and friends. Nikolas is a legendary Mohiri warrior who has made it his mission to protect Sara, and bring her home to the Mohiri stronghold. Of course, these stubborn personalities clash.

What do I find so interesting about this book? Author Karen Lynch provides action and excitement while still delving deep into the psyche of Sara. There are so many layers to this story, mostly because Sara is a complex character.

The ending is fabulous, and worthy of the caliber of this story. I highly recommend this book to readers who love paranormal, supernatural, and/or vampire hunter readers.

5 stars

I Missed a Special Surprise Release!

 

While on my extended vacation, I missed a surprise release by author Alyssa Rose Ivy… a new addition to her Chronicles! HUNT is the first book in The Grizzly Chronicles. You should check it out, all of the other Chronicles too. (Start with The Crescent Chronicles).

Amazon

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There's a new Alpha in town and he just found his mate, she just doesn't know it yet.

 

Welcome to Crestview, Montana. Population ~1000 and not all of those are human. After his brother is murdered, Ian must step up to become Alpha of his bear shifter pack. At the same time law student Mara shows up in town, and Ian knows she’s destined to be his mate. When a rival pack lays claim to Mara, Ian and his brothers will stop at nothing to protect her.  

About Alyssa Rose Ivy

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Alyssa Rose Ivy is the bestselling author of more than twenty-five novels with over half a million books sold worldwide. She loves to weave stories with romance and humor, and she is best known for writing about college boys with wings and skinny dipping. After surviving law school and earning her masters in library science, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and two young children, and she can usually be found with a cup of coffee in her hand.

Now in My Bookbag: Mika Between the Veil, by Anne Violet

Although still part of the Enchant Me Series, Book #3 bears little resemblance to books one and two. The only things shared with the previous books are Druidism, and poor punctuation and sentence structure.

The protagonist in this book, Mika, is a fringe character from Enthrall Me. This book is much more imaginative, in my opinion. Unexpected love, vengeful ghosts, loss, and acceptance combine to weave an emotional story. It is responsible for a few tears shed by me. This story gives me more of the feels than the other two combined.

It is unfortunate that Violet’s punctuation, grammar, and sentence structure remain unrefined. All these mistakes take away from my reading enjoyment. With a good proofing, this could be a really good book. 3 1/2 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Enthrall Me, by Anne Violet

This is an interesting story about magic, facing the ghosts of the past, saving love, and fighting darkness within and without.

Where Enchant Me is told from Alexis’ point of view, this book is told from three different points of view. Christian is more the protagonist in Enthrall Me. Author Anne Violet also includes Nicolas’ point of view for part of the story, enabling me the opportunity to see the growth of his character. Very little of this story encompasses Alexis’ point of view. I think there is missed opportunity there.

As in Enchant Me, the many punctuation and sentence structure problems in this book make it a difficult read for me. I do wish that Violet would submit the books for further proofing.

Otherwise, I like the story, and I like the characters. Violet shows some imagination here. It is a good young adult book. 3 stars

Book Series for Sweetwater County Series, by Ciara Knight

This is a great, nostalgic series set in Tennessee. It has a lot of heart and a little edge. I highly recommend these down-home, second chance stories.

http://www.amazon.com/Sweetwater-County-Boxed-Set-Books-ebook/dp/B0115C9R7I

Now in My Bookbag: Enchant Me, by Anne Violet

This is an interesting story about family secrets, magic, a scary stalker, and falling in love. The basic premise is a little familiar. Alexis, the protagonist comes of age only to find that there is a family secret that affects her. Her soulmate, Christian, has secrets of his own. There are also unique elements that set this story apart from similar ones. Author Anne Violet infuses a lot of imagination into this book.

The many punctuation and sentence structure problems in this book make it a difficult read for me. I am always particularly bothered by grammar and punctuation mistakes.

Otherwise, I like the story, and I like the characters. It is a good young adult book. 3 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Perfekt Balance, by S. T. Bende

What would happen to all of the realms if the Unifier-in-training couldn’t figure out how to keep everything in perfekt balance?

Elsa has no one to guide her, and she can’t seem to get the hang of it on her own. She can’t even get the matters of her love life sorted out. Forsee seems devoted to her, so why does he keep her at arms length?

Author S.T. Bende weaves yet another fascinating and exciting story that gets to the heart of these issues. She has a real talent for world-building that I truly appreciate, because she chooses her descriptive words wisely.

I like the way that Elsa is written. She craves Forsee’s love, yet she is not full of angst. She is smart, strong, and determined. Her loyalty never falters, even when her freedom is at stake.

The story is definitely full of surprises, and the action is exhilarating. The book is well-written, and I highly recommend this series. 5 stars

Now in My Bookbag: The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper, by Phaedra Patrick

I received an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for providing honest feedback to the publisher.

This book elicits a wide range of emotions. It is moving, enlightening, and life affirming. The story tastefully handles matters of grief and loss. The premise of the story creates a lot of interest throughout, and it is a refreshing concept. It is quirky and imaginative, and I could not put this book down.

Arthur is lovable, eccentric, and lonely. The mystery about the early life of his Miriam finally opens him up to living again.The characters are an eclectic mix, and they relate to each other fascinating ways. It is a privilege to tag along with Arthur on his adventures.

I shed a few tears, laughed out loud, and felt the need to add a bit of adventure to my own life. There are a few phrases that become lost in translation for me, as I am an American reader/reviewer. However, it is not necessarily detrimental to the enjoyment of the book, which I highly recommend.

4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Franny and Toby, by Tetman Callis

I received an advanced copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for honest feedback for the author and publisher, and an honest review.

This is a truly delightful book, perfect for children from 3rd to 6th grade. Told mostly through the voice of Franny, a cat who can read, this story it very appealing. Author Tetman Callis promotes topics like friendship, family, adventure, and the value of reading. It has great characters that are fun and entertaining. There is just enough light suspense that will appeal to the targeted age range.

The story could be condensed a bit, but reads well as is. I believe this book will be an enchanting tale for children, and a great addition to libraries everywhere. 4 3/4 stars

Reviews Are So Important

Currently Reading - Franny and Toby: The Mystery of the Kidnapped Cat, by Tetman Callis

I recently decided to read and review a children’s book, probably because I miss my childhood sometimes. I chose Franny and Toby. Since I love cats, the cover appealed to me. More importantly, the book blurb sounded fascinating.

This is the book BLURB, in its entirety, from amazon.com:

A Watership Down for the 21st Century – with cats! 

Inventive, magical and exciting, Franny & Toby is that rare story that gently teaches us that friendship and tolerance make our world a better place – and that a little education goes a long way when life becomes an adventure.

Meet Franny – she is one of the rarest of cats, for she is a cat who can read. She and her high-voiced brother, Toby, are the new cats on the block. When their human “owner” finally lets them outside they start making friends with other animals from the neighborhood: the cats next door, Highlanders Rainbow, Bay, and their TV-addicted brother Moo-Cow (who never comes outside); the cats across the street, Elbee and her three “kits”, Larry, Curly, and Moe (who are from the Southlands and arrived the year before as refugees from the Southie Wars); Bunny the Free Range Rabbit; MacAdam the roadrunner; and an amazing crowd of sky swimmers – the garrulous crow Squawky Shortbill, some enterprising pigeons, and one very serious falcon – The Colonel.

Beautifully crafted by a master storyteller, it’s exactly the sort of book every child should read – and one that kids of every age will love.

http://www.amazon.com/Franny-Toby-Mystery-Kidnapped-Cat-ebook/dp/B015XBEVK0/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1458943722&sr=8-1

Currently Reading: Catalyst, by Author Casey L. Bond

Blurb

The city of Confidence is surrounded by a thick, concrete wall. These walls are built to protect those within and to keep dangers outside. What happens when the only danger to the citizens within is its leadership?

When a young man on a suicide mission meets a young woman with a terminal illness, both of them use one another as a means to their own ends. They never expect to become friends. They never expect to become so much more to each other. Their backgrounds and the secrets they uncover are more dangerous than any plans they could make together or separately.

Revolution begins with a spark

http://www.amazon.com/Catalyst-Casey-L-Bond-ebook/dp/B00ZFX3HNE

Available March 15th... Heroes, by Ednah Walters!! Pre-Order NOW!

PreOrder Links:

Amazon http://bit.ly/HeroesPre-OrderKindle

Amazon  UK http://bit.ly/HeroesPre-OrderKindle-UK

iBooks http://bit.ly/HeroesPre-OrderiBooks

B&N http://bit.ly/HeroesPreOrder-BN

GooglePlayhttp://bit.ly/HeroesPreOrder-GooglePlay

Smashwords http://bit.ly/HeroesPre-OrderSmashwords

Kobo http://bit.ly/HeroesPreOrder-Kobo

Heroes are not born. They rise out of love and duty.

But what if you have to choose?

Eirik wants nothing more than to show Celestia—the Witch who pulled him out of the darkness—that his feelings for her are real, but his parents expect him to avenge a wrong done to his family. To make matters worse, Celestia is moving on and is already dating another guy. Then Eirik discovers she is the key to accomplishing his goals. Caught between love and duty, Eirik will do whatever it takes, including getting up close and personal with Celestia, to get his way.

Celestia is convinced she is drawn to Eirik because of the bond created by the dragon’s kiss, so she pushes him away. But when he comes to her for help, she is once again thrust into his world, where things are never what they seem.

From Earth to the realms of the gods, betrayal follows them and help comes from unexpected sources. But when the time comes for Eirik to choose, will he fulfill his duty or follow his heart? Everything rests on his shoulders as the wrong choice may lead to Celestia’s worst fear—the rise of the Harbinger of Death

Now in My Bookbag: Ties That Bind, by Debbie White

The publisher of this work provided, through NetGalley, a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Author Debbie White has written a story that has an interesting plot. The events depicted are fairly easy to follow, and the details understandable. The main character, Patsy, takes us on an incredible journey through her life story.

There are many ups and downs throughout. The potential to connect with the segment of readers who are adopted, or know only one birth parent, presents during Patsy and Charles’ expedition to investigate Patsy’s true lineage. The last fourth of the book, or so, elicits several emotions, and offers plenty of opportunity for tears. This is the part of the book that provides the strongest connection to most readers.

However, there is much work to be done on the punctuation… especially commas. There are a very many places that are missing appropriate commas, plagued with too many commas, or a comma is simply inserted at the wrong place. The book needs another proofread. Also, a few of the sentences need restructuring, and the flow needs a bit of work. I am sure that another edit can rectify these concerns.

I like the concept of the book. I love the focus on family. There is an honesty concerning topics like depression, child neglect, and the search for biological connections to the past, and it is very refreshing. I can also appreciate White’s attention to detail on the realities of aging, care taking, and death of a loved one.

With some tweaking, this can be a great book, rather than a good read.  3 1/2 Stars

Now in My Bookbag: The Mason List, by S.D. Hendrickson

This a completely engrossing, all consuming read. I LOVED every minute of it!!

I was hooked from the very start, and I could not stop until I revealed the entire picture. Each chapter provided an extra piece of the puzzle… of the unusual story of Alex Tanner.

Though the story was told from the present, the backstory (spanning 20 years) was revealed through flashbacks. It chronicled family, love, loss, hate and lasting friendship. It introduced the Masons, including nearly life-long, best friend Jess. Even though the story fluctuated between the present and the chronological past, the flow was very good. It kept me guessing through the very end.

The epilogue was a nice touch. It sort of wrapped the story up in a nice bow. This book was phenomenal, and I recommend it with 5 out of 5 stars!

Now in My Bookbag: The Hazards of Skinny Dipping by Alyssa Rose Ivy

The Hazards of Skinny Dipping is a New Adult book, and I recommend it for readers 18 and up.

I like this book a lot, and for several different reasons. Foremost. it is well written. The story is relatable, and author Alyssa Rose Ivy really brings Juliette to life. Her character comes into her own as the book progresses… a journey that begins with skinny dipping for the first time in her life.

She learns that people are not always who you think they are, and sometimes there can be consequences of living in denial. She learns to distinguish between being in a healthy relationship versus being in a relationship because she likes the idea of the relationship.

She makes great friends and sorority sisters. Juliette develops the independence, strength, and sense of self that she was lacking in the beginning. She becomes empowered.

There are a couple of plot points that feel under developed, and the very end feels a little contrived. I appreciate the effort by Ivy to bring Juliette’s story full circle, but I don’t find it as relevant. She has come too far beyond where she started.

This book is an enjoyable read. It is well thought out and flows effortlessly. 4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: The Hazards of Mistletoe by Alyssa Rose Ivy

The Hazards of Mistletoe is a contemporary book suitable for new adults, and therefore I suggest for readers 18 and up. It is a nice holiday read that I really enjoyed.

Savannah gets the kiss she has wanted for a while, then gets humiliated. Glen has been friends with Savannah since they were kids, even though they only see each other once a year. He also has a secret, one that changes their friendship forever.

I really like this book. The story is simple and sweet. It provides a little drama, a lot of romance, and ends the way that it should. It is not often that I get a chance to read a story uncomplicated by a lot of plot twists and red herrings. This is a straight-forward romance that follows a certain path. It is a pleasure to read and puts a smile on my face. I highly recommend as a light read for the holidays. 4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Holding On by Rachael Brownell

Holding On is a contemporary fiction suitable for Young Adult readers; I recommend high school age and up.

Becca is smart, funny, and an amazing tennis player. She is also being uprooted and moved 2000 miles away from her best friend, and secret crush, Brad. He loves Becca, but doesn’t tell her until she is leaving. Ethan is a nice guy at Becca’s new school who brings her whole being to life whenever he is around her. What is a girl to do?

This is a book that I like very much. It has an easy flow even though it transitions along a rocky and unexpected path. It is emotional but without all that dramatic angst that is hard for me to stomach. It is a love triangle, but not in the traditional sense. Author Rachael Brownell has written an excellent work that is smart and entertaining. There is the tiniest hint of a cliffhanger within the last lines. What happens next? You will have to read Unglued.