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: Waking Olivia, by Elizabeth O'Roark

This exceptional, contemporary novel has elements of romance, mystery, and suspense.

The main characters are complex and relatable. Olivia is both damsel in distress and a strong, fierce female. Will is both prince charming and a cynic to whom life has dealt a raw deal. They are perfectly poised to rescue each other.

The story is well thought out, and the prose is perfect for the plot. The inclusion of Olivia’s mysterious past, and the suspense that it brings, adds just the right amount of excitement to this great read. This is now one of my favorite contemporary books. It hugs the line, between college romance and adult romance, very well. 5 stars

Now in My Bookbag: The Hunter Bride, by Cynthia Woolf (Hope's Crossing - Book One)

I liked this book so much! I really liked the characters, plot, and setting. This book was very engaging, and a joy to read. I was drawn in immediately. It was such an interesting story line. The relationship between Sam and Jo was communicated wonderfully, and the flow of the book was decidedly well done.

I appreciated Woolf’s attention to the story’s details. Western Romances hadn’t been my genre of choice for a long time. However, I decided that it was going back on my list… especially if it was written by author Cynthia Woolf.

I was very disappointed to find so many grammatical errors throughout the book. I marked more than 30, so this book definitely needed another proofing.

If not for the many grammatical errors in the book, I would have rated this book 5 stars. As it was though, I could only award 4 1/4 stars… which translates to a 4 star rating via amazon and Netgalley.

I was provided a copy of this book, by its publisher, in exchange for an honest review.

Now in My Bookbag: Viral Justice, by Julie Rowe

For the most part, I enjoyed this read. It had an interesting concept and a lot of action. I enjoyed most of the back and forth between Max and Ali. I liked the fact that Ali was such a strong female character, and I loved the way she didn’t take any crap from anybody.

I thought that the book could use some more editing and proofing. There was a lot of repetition in ideas, scenarios, and dialogue. In addition,  there were quite a few grammatical errors.

Overall, I liked the book. Readers who like less romance, and a lot more action and violence, would probably enjoy this book. I would enjoy  it more with some extra editing and proofing.

3.5 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Royal Marriage Market

I am absolutely in LOVE with this book!

It has dynamic main characters that are easy to like. Elsa is witty, smart and unabashedly outspoken. She also loves her country, its people, and her service to both. Chris is accomplished, giving and a good man… despite having a mother who resembles Maleficent.

Author Heather Lyons weaves a story that has the feel of a classic, historical romance which takes place in the modern era. It is a great love story. There are moments that are laugh-out-loud funny.

The dialogue and inner monologues are so well done. The Royal Marriage Market is an engaging, enchanting read that I could not put down. Lyons has truly outdone herself. 5 stars