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

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: 1987 How Do I Get You Alone, (Love in the 80's New Adult Mix), by Cameo Renae

For a novella, this book truly has it all!

It has a great back-story, without dwelling excessively in the past. There is a great variety of characters. The love story is sweet, (and based on a song I love). The book captures the form and fashion from 1987 with detail-oriented accuracy. Author Cameo Renae invokes a wide variety of emotions during this pivotal summer between high school and college.

I find this work impressive. 5 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 Forgotten Mountain, (The Collectors' Society Book #3), by Heather Lyons

Grief… hope… elation… devastation… forgotten…

These are just five of the words that are descriptive of The Forgotten Mountain. Author Heather Lyons delivers an intricate continuation of The Collectors’ Society tale. While I feel that the book is a bit longer than necessary, I still find it very enjoyable.

Most of this book takes place within an unexplored timeline. Although interesting, I miss the connections to the Society as a whole. I do enjoy the level of action, at times, within this adventure. I am bothered by a certain a plot device. While it moves the story toward a certain goal, it makes no sense for a team that is usually technologically prepared.

The characters, as always, are fascinating. I am particularly enamored with the Twelfth Wise Woman. The usual characters remain complex and entertaining. Among them, I am most impressed with Jack Dawkins, the Artful Dodger. Lyons does an amazing job developing this character, and she truly brings a three-dimensional quality to him.

It is safe to say that the cliffhanger at the end of this book is mind-numbing. It will not soon leave my mind. 4 1/4 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: The Collectors' Society, by Heather Lyons

I love this book. It is original, imaginative, and well thought out.
The concept is amazing, and the plot is so appealing. I am beyond enchanted with this world created by author Heather Lyons. I can’t wait to start book #2, The Hidden Library!

These characters are ‘frabjous!’ I am completely taken with Alice. She is brave, fierce, and incredible! I am in love with Finn. He is completely swoonworthy. He is also brave, as well as kind, considerate, and loveable. In fact, all of the characters are detailed, complex, and interesting.

I have found a new series to feed my reading addiction, and it is The Collectors’ Society.

5 stars

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Diving In (Book #4 in The Beach Bag Boxed Set), by Gretchen Galway

This is a nice story with likeable characters. It touches on issues like phobias and family divisiveness. Nikki is driven by the need to heal herself, and Ansel is driven by the need for his father’s acceptance and love. I do have an appreciation for the author’s use of a size 14 heroine, rather than a size 6. It is not often that writers use the type of body types from the real world.

The story follows a standard romance diagram, though the writing doesn’t dig as deep into the romantic elements. I can appreciate Nikki’s drive and Ansel’s insecurities. Overall, I find this book an enjoyable read, though I wish it was more in-depth. 3 stars

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: 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*

In My Bookbag: Kindred, (The Watchers Chronicles, Book 2), by S.J. West

I will admit that I used to be one of those star-only reviewers. The first, (and second and third), time I read this series, I didn’t give any of my books the review that I should.

Kindred is a great book, eliciting a wide range of emotions. The first of which is a renewed emotional connection to the only one who can ease her broken heart (see book #1). This book delivers revelation,  comfort, and grief from loss… all in the first chapter. I have to say that I shed some tears.

I find the search for other vessels to be very interesting. I love that Jess feels so close to Chandler, because he adds the light into her life that has been missing since she lost her mother and father. I think that his seemingly charmed life actually gives her hope.

The Jess/Mason relationship follows the pattern of most romantic relationships found in literature. There is love, break-ups, crying, misunderstanding, and enlightenment. There is no surprise, but it is a satisfying element of the story as a whole.

This book has heartache, happiness, loss, love, and a crazy twist at the end. It is a really good read, and I recommend it. 4 1/2 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