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

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

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

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

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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.

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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:

Amazon US: http://bit.ly/CR1987

Amazon UK: http://bit.ly/UK1987CR

Amazon CA: http://bit.ly/CA87CR

iBooks: http://bit.ly/ibooks87CR

Kobo: http://bit.ly/kobo87CR

Smashwords: http://bit.ly/smash1987CR

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:

Website: www.cameorenae.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CameoRenaeFanPage

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CameoRenae

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cameorenae/

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

Join Cameo's Crew on FB: https://www.facebook.com/groups/CameoRenaeFanClub/

Now in My Bookbag: Forged in Fire, by Alyssa Rose Ivy

I really love all of the chronicles by author Alyssa Rose Ivy. Though the Forged Chronicles are not my favorite, I do like the way they tie in to The Afterglow Trilogy… also by Ivy. She provides a great dose of fantasy to go along with the paranormal elements found in all her chronicles.

I like the characters that Ivy creates for the Forged Chronicles. These characters, perhaps more so than the other chronicles, are studies of light and dark… especially James. Motives are murky, as yet, for most of them.

The more of the story that is revealed, the less obvious the eventual outcomes. This book ends with a major cliffhanger, and I have no clue where the next book may lead. The writing is imaginative and intriguing.

That is what makes these Forged Chronicles so compelling. There is no telling what may happen next, for the story or it’s characters.  4 stars

This book makes me think of this song, by Linkin Park:

Now in My Bookbag: 1986 - Why Can't This Be Love, (a Love in the 80's New Adult Mix), by RK Ryals

I didn’t get title significance at first, probably because my memory of these songs is shrouded in the cloak of time. So, I looked up lyrics and listened to the title song, by Van Halen. I realize now that the title is damn near perfect. (see video below)


Ryals does a phenomenal job delivering that feeling of finding first love. The characters are relatable, and developed well within the space of an 83 page novella. Tori’s new experiences help her find her own voice. Dylan Black is an interesting character. No one sees him for who he really is… until Tori finds him.

I  have always known that there are perfect songs for emotions, feelings, and experiences. I have made a mix tape, or two, in my life. I have never thought of the concept that these songs are soundtracks, background music, within the script that is life. The song references are spot on and nostalgic, for me… things forgotten in the 30 years since high school. I absolutely love the a-ha reference, (view video below).

I find this book an enjoyable read. It is lighthearted, but there is no fluff. There are many, many song references, which I love. This is another great addition to the Love in the 80’s series. 4 stars

Why Can't This Be Love - Van Halen

a-ha - Take On Me

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: 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: 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: 1981 - Jessie's Girl (a Love in the 80's Novella), by Lindy Zart

This second book in the New Adult Mix is a very good read. I love the author’s take on the Jessie’s Girl writing prompt. It is well imagined.

The foundation of the story is built on a post high school road trip. The rest of the story is character driven. Four unlikely, life-long friends (plus one) discover things about themselves, and each other, as they travel together. Although all of the characters drive aspects of the story, it is told through only one point of view. It is impressive that author Lindy Zart achieves this seamlessly.

I am looking forward to 1982. 5 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: Undertow (Book #5 in The Beach Bag Boxed Set), by Elizabeth O'Roark

I am thoroughly enamored with this story. It is well thought out and well written. Despite being written using flashbacks through the first part of the book, it flows well. The story brings a wide range of emotions and deals with love separated by time because of misunderstanding and others’ machinations.

Should the expectations of your family’s class (inner-circle), dictate behavior? Maura thinks so, especially after she believes her childhood ‘everything’ broke her heart. The truth is, she is afraid of turning her back on the familiar to have no one left. Author Elizabeth O’Roark deftly underscores the fact that the exceptionally wealthy can sometimes play by their own rules and pay their way to anything they want, including an extended sense of entitlement.

As O’Roark delivers Maura’s last summer at the beach, the book is as page-turning as it is frustrating, in a good way. I am compelled to see whether Maura leaves her world of privilege to work things out with Nate, or if she follows the future laid out for her by her family. You don’t want to miss the revelations as truths are uncovered and Maura’s decisions are finally unveiled. 5 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Drops of Rain (The Beach Bag Boxed Set, Book #4), by Kathryn Andrews

I really like this book. It is a great choice for older YA (or NA) readers. In addition to being in the Beach Bag Boxed Set, Drops of Rain is also Book #1 in the Hale Brothers Series.

This book contains a lot of symbolism. Also, it tastefully explores serious topics such as grief, loneliness, self esteem issues, bullying, and domestic violence. I find this story well thought out, yet there are several grammatical errors that hurt the flow of it.

I like the characters very much. They are well developed and relatable. The “bad guys” are truly vile. The “good guys” are loveable. In Drew, Ali, and Beau, author Kathryn Andrews gives me characters that I can figuratively wrap my arms around.

This story gives me a rollercoaster of emotions, and I freely admit that I was brought to tears at times. I recommend this book for readers who are sixteen years old and older. 4 1/4 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

In My Bookbag: Hidden Wings, by Cameo Renae

I just noticed that I have no BlogSpot written review of Hidden Wings, by Cameo Renae. I am incorporating my existing Goodreads review, from 2014, to remedy this oversight.

This is the fantastic book that starts the phenomenal Hidden Wings Series. Drama and romance go hand in hand to make this an excellent read. The writing is imaginative and very well done.

Author Cameo Renae brings the wonderful characters, and exceptional story, to life. This is an awesome YA read that I highly recommend. 5 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Reckoning (Book #2 in The Dominion Saga), by S.J. West

Continuing in her exploration of the Watcher world, author S.J. West adds Reckoning to the second trilogy of Malcom and Anna’s story.

I like the way that West uses consistent themes that tie all of the Watcher sagas and series together. The first is destiny, which ties all of the Watcher books together, across time and dimensions. Each character and plot device plays a part in the overall grand design. The potential for redemption is another theme that spans the entirety of the Watcher universe. This book also draws heavily on Helena’s need for love and acceptance, especially by her father, and the consequences due to a the lack thereof. Jealousy, a problem with which Lucifer dealt for several millennia, is Helena’s driving force.

I do not particularly care for the way that West tries to develop so many different characters. I think that the main characters’ developments are hindered by the attempt to deepen so many. I am also not a fan of books written in multiple POVs. I don’t mind two, but a multitude of voices becomes a bit too divisive in a book that is under 300 pages.

I like the way that West ends the book. It is not necessarily a cliffhanger. Instead, it is a situation that requires me to imagine the many potential implications. It makes me think. I can appreciate a story that can do that. I am looking forward to the release of Enduring, the final book in this saga. Reckoning gets 4 stars from me.