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: 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: 1985 - Careless Whisper, by Misty Provencher

This book is a lot different from the previous books found in the Love in the 80’s series, so far. The story begins in 1992, and is moved along based on flashbacks to 1987. Those flashbacks focus on the perceptions of each member, as to what broke The Band.

I feel that the first half of the story moves rather slowly. It takes quite a while for the real plot to unfold. I actually wish that the book had started closer to halfway in, and then have extended beyond the finish.

I like the characters, very much. Their personal misgivings, as well as their personal revelations, make them far more loveable. Provencher does an excellent job creating them and bringing them to life. She does a good job creating the drama near the end, and do I find it amusing that the second half of the story seems to follow the layout of a who-done-it.

Though I figured out ahead of time what had happened, I still couldn’t figure out how it was accomplished until the end. The ending of the book happens way to fast for my taste. I wish there was, at least, an epilogue that provides some additional information about the characters in The Band. Having gotten to know them during the course of the book, I would like just a glimpse of what happens to them next.  3 1/4 stars

Now in My Bookbag: Luke's Dream (a Judgement of the Six Companion Novel), by Melissa Haag

What an exciting addition to the Judgement of the Six lexicon! This companion series is fascinating, and adds so much to the series.

Luke and Bethi are great characters, and an awesome couple. It is very interesting to dig a little deeper into Luke’s personality, motivations, and love. Author Melissa Haag does much to further develop the one dimensional Luke, from (Un)Wise, to the complex character, in Luke’s Dream.

Haag weaves a truly cohesive companion to Bethi’s story with the addition of Luke’s Dream. It is a page-turner, and I couldn’t put it down. 5 stars