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

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: 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: 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: Relativity, by Antonia Hayes

This is a pretty good book. I really like Ethan. His character is the one that is truly likable. The plot is a little different, and there is way too much technical jargon, and I feel that the book would benefit from assessing and removing some of the scientific dialogue (or expressing it differently). I eventually started glazing over when trying to understand some of the scientific dialogue.

The story is character driven and told through multiple POVs. It is a view into the lives of Ethan and each of his parents. It is told using both flashbacks and current character events. The primary plot event that tying the whole story together deals with the consequences of one terrible act.

I like this book, but I would rate it higher if it contained less scientific wording occasionally.

*3 3/4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: A Measured Risk, by Natasha Blackthorne

This book is an erotic, steamy, historical romance. It contains graphic bondage, dominance, and submission.

This story revolves around two enjoyable characters, Anne and Jon. The prologue describes a terrible carriage wreck during which one of the horses tragically kills her husband. After that, she suffers from PTSD. The love she had for horses turns into terror. She already has low self esteem, and comes across as cold and aloof when around others. Jon sees that she has the potential for more. He feels a need to hold others at arms length. He is a player, and has a reputation as a love them and leave them sort of man. He doesn’t want to become responsible for any sort of attachment to another, but eventually decides that he can use dominance to break down her walls and teach her to trust. Can he make this work even when his own heart is locked away?

I really like this book. The characters feel real, and the plot is enjoyable. Author Natasha Blackthorne does a great job of world-building and character development. 4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Torn (Book #2 of the Wicked Trilogy), by Jennifer L. Armentrout

This is an excellent follow up to Wicked. The story is more intense and exciting. However, it is a seamless continuation.

The ongoing story of Ren and Ivy is fascinating. Tink becomes an even more entertaining character as he reveals his extraordinary secret. I really love these characters. Author Jennifer Armentrout does a great job leading them through conflict toward an unexpected resolution as they run the race to stop the Prince of the Fae.

I am truly looking forward to the final book in the trilogy, (Brave), in the summer of 2017.
5 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Torn (Book #2 of the Wicked Trilogy), by Jennifer L. Armentrout

This is an excellent follow up to Wicked. The story is more intense and exciting. However, it is a seamless continuation.

The ongoing story of Ren and Ivy is fascinating. Tink becomes an even more entertaining character as he reveals his extraordinary secret. I really love these characters. Author Jennifer Armentrout does a great job leading them through conflict toward an unexpected resolution as they run the race to stop the Prince of the Fae.

I am truly looking forward to the final book in the trilogy, (Brave), in the summer of 2017.
5 stars

Now in My Bookbag: 1980 - You Shook Me All Night Long (a Love in the 80's Novella), by Casey L. Bond

I wasn’t sure what to expect from this series of novellas.
If the rest of the 80s are as good as 1980, I will be totally impressed.

I thought that the plot of this book was very imaginative, and I thought the characters were well thought out. I found this story to be true to the spirit of the song title, and true to the year in which it was set.

Tina represented all of the girls who had to experience life to discover themselves. Luke was a very appealing character. His dedication to his younger brother, and his strong work ethics, and his looks, made him swoon-worthy.

I really liked this book a lot. 4 1/2 stars

Now in My Bookbag: The Beach Bag Boxed Set

This is an entertaining collection of seven books, by seven different authors. These are complete books, not novellas. The books vary in style, but are similar in content. I enjoyed some books more than others. As a whole, this is a cohesive collection of stories that are great for beach reading.
Here are the links to my reviews for each, individual book:

Wet – by Stacy Kestwick
Eversea – by Natasha Boyd
Drops of Rain – by Kathryn Andrews
Diving In – by Gretchen Galway
Undertow – by Elizabeth O’Roark
The Hazards of Skinny Dipping – by Alyssa Rose Ivy
A Stone in the Sea – by A.L. Jackson

My process in determining the rating for the complete boxed set is this: I add the ratings of each book together, divide by 7, and use the average to express my overall enjoyment of the collection. The numerical value of the end result is 3.86 – therefore, the rating is rounded up to 4 stars. I recommend getting a set of your own.

Now in My Bookbag: My Star, My Love (A Butler Cove Novella), by Natasha Boyd

This book is a rather light hearted, holiday extension to the story of Jack and Keri Ann. It touches on issues effecting each one of them. It is also steamy and sweet. I like this story, but wish that it had been condensed slightly. Then, the Epilogue from Forever, Jack could be added to the end of this novella. I feel that, together, the elements of each would create a more natural, topical flow. 3.5 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Forever, Jack (Book Two in the Butler Cover Series), by Natasha Boyd

I love the cover of this book, however I am a little disappointed with Forever, Jack. There are shortcuts and flashbacks that undermine the flow of the story.

I wish that author Natasha Boyd had chosen to develop the story a little differently. Having provided an opportunity for Jack to confide his dilemma to his friend Devon, I wish that Boyd had allowed him to do so. Through Devon, Keri Ann could have known what was going on. Then, exploration of Keri Ann’s hurt and heartache could be so much more developed and imaginative. Forever, Jack could have focused solely on the inner struggles faced by Keri Ann and Jack in their attempt to have a relationship, despite all of the hurdles. I think this could have provided the book with more depth.

One thing that I really do like about this story is Keri Ann’s newfound drive to chase her own dreams. The carpe diem attitude is a natural and welcome progression for her character. I wish that Boyd had pushed this aspect even further. 2.75 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Eversea (The Beach Bag Boxed Set, Book 2), by Natasha Boyd

I like this book. While the format and basic play of the story is similar to many other books of this type, I still find it to be an enjoyable read.

Author Natasha Boyd does a pretty good job of world building, beginning on the very first page. I feel she does a good job with character development, and that her introduction of those personality layers is well thought out. However, I find that, in the end, the actions of a major character are incongruous to that character’s carefully developed persona, making said actions unrealistic.

Overall, this work is written well enough to propel me to one-click the sequel. 3.75 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Soaked (The Water's Edge, Book 2), by Stacy Kestwick

This book continues the story of West and Sadie. It digs deeper into their relationship and the hurdles that must be overcome, if they remain together.

Sadie has trust issues, (the reasons are obvious if you read book one… Wet). West is a romantic, but completely oblivious when it comes to understanding Sadie’s issues. These things are the heart of the matter.

Author Stacy Kestwick examines the idea of self versus “us,” while delivering love, lust, and steam. This is a very good partner book for Wet. Well done. 4 1/2 stars

*adult content, adult language*

Now in My Bookbag: Wet (Title #1 in The Beach Bag Collection), by Stacy Kestwick

Author Stacy Kestwick delivers. This is an enjoyable read, with a cliffhanger at the end that forced me to buy and read Soaked, the follow-up book in The Water’s Edge series, before I can move on to the rest of the books in the Beach Bag.

There are a few recurring themes in this story, the most prevelant being independence. Independence from family, for self, for love, from fear… this story reverberates with the desire for some form of freedom.

There is also the search for self, an identity apart from one’s past, and apart from someone else’s expectations. This is especially true for West and Sadie. She also needs to feel powerful in her own life, something that she feels was stolen from her prior to her life on the Carolina coast.

Finally, there is the deep-seated need by many to make their own way, be their own boss, and to love what they do. The passion with which they pursue these goals adds to the enjoyment of the story itself.

Amongst all of these things, Kestwick has written a fun, delightfully decadent, steamy book. There is a lot of incredibly detailed material to provide hot flashes while reading. However, the romance rollercoaster is a bit long.

This is a great start for my Beach Bag! 4 1/4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: The Dark Elements Series, by Jennifer L. Armentrout, on Audible

I have been captured by the world of audiobooks. Listening to the personification of each character is like receiving a whole new perspective. Of course, my enjoyment of the audiobooks depends greatly on the narrator and their ability to bring each character to life. The narrative should keep each character's voice separate from the other characters, not allowing one voice, or accent, to bleed into another.

In the case of The Dark Elements, narrator Saskia Maarleveld has a bit of trouble keeping  the character voices defined. She also changes some character voices throughout the series.
For example, Roth has a mostly normal voice, but the essence of the voice changes unexpectedly. Whether growling, or whispering, the voice should be recognizable as his. The same problem exists with the voice of Zane. While I realize that an individual's voice sometimes changes in modulation, the tone of the voice used should still sound like the same character.

This is a problem throughout the three books, and it effects all the male voices, except Grim. Maarleveld does a wonderful job with his voice, and it makes all the difference in conceptualization.
For the most part, she does an excellent job with the female voices, and I have to say that all of the male voices do sound decidedly male. If she works a bit more, focusing on consistency for each characters voice, she has the potential to become very good.

About the story... listening to the story again, I noticed a couple of inconsistencies, and a couple of things that required a huge stretch of the imagination. Though I didn't notice these while reading the series, they became obvious to me once I listened to the story.

Overall, I give the narrator 3 stars, and the Dark Elements series 4 stars

The Dark Elements Series is written by Jennifer L. Armentrout, Narrated by Saskia Maarleveld, Available at Audible.com