Now in My Bookbag: A Matter of Heart by Heather Lyons (A Fate Novel)

I have to say that, although I like this book, it has a bit too much angst for me.

As the Council’s newest Creator, Chloe faces accusations, hatred, and bullying.  She becomes someone almost unrecognizable in her indulgences and lies. This story is not truly a happy one, though it has its moments. The wreckage that Fate has caused in all lives involved is tragic, and the ending is both heartbreaking and infuriating.

This is definitely a complex story, and Chloe is a complex character whom Fate has treated cruelly. Author Heather Lyons delivers a solid second book for the Fate Series. It just does not quite reach the bar she set with A Matter of Fate. 4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Possession of Souls by Lacey Weatherford (Of Witches and Warlocks #5)

This is a solid ending for this series. The story provides a lot of conflict, a lot of love, a lot of loss, and a very evil villain. Weatherford provides more close relationships in this book, something that was sorely missing from the last book.

Here, she writes a complex story that is emotionally exhausting because the range of feelings elicited span from smiles to sobs, and everything between. The ending is unexpected and leaves certain questions unanswered. This read is interesting and enjoyable. 4 stars

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Now in My Bookbag: Deceit (A Beastly Tale Part 2) by M.J. Haag

Deceit is a beautifully written, heartwarming, heart breaking read. Haag is a magnificent storyteller. The result of her skill is a magical tale and a thoroughly enjoyable read.

Benella’s choices are almost always based in logic. She realizes that to free herself, she must first free The Beast. The Beast’s decisions are purely tied to his emotions. He has, after all, been cursed to live in the body of an animal for fifty years. The beauty of the story lies in the complex relationship between the two.

Deceit is intelligent, enticing and a wonderful treat for the imagination. The cliffhanger is shocking, heartbreaking and well thought out.  It is a 5 star book and a must read.

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.