The Crown of Stones: Magic-Scars (The Crown of Stones Book 2) by C.L. Schneider – Review by Shannen Kern

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Magic-Scars (The Crown of Stones #2)Magic-Scars by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Crown of Stones: Magic-Scars is the second installment in The Crown of Stones trilogy and it is amazing! With the action, drama, and fantasy, there isn’t anything the author left out.

Ian Troy wakes up not only wondering where he is but WHO he is. As his memory slowly seeps in with bits and pieces of what has happened, he questions what kind of person he really is. His purpose is to fix the Crown of Stones, but what he uncovers may be more than he can handle. Will he be able to successfully repair this and heal what has transpired amongst his people or will he be rendered useless?

I think C.L. Schneider created an absolutely stunning realm in this series. I cannot wait to grab the last installment of this trilogy to see where we end up. This is one of the best fantasy books I have read this year!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Azreya, Aztec Priestess: An Illustrated Mythology Legend by Tricia Copeland, Illustrated by Matt Maes – Review by Mary Espinoza

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Azreya, Aztec PriestessAzreya, Aztec Priestess by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Azreya is a story about a young girl who is trying to find out who she is meant to be. She was marked from birth with different eyes and a mark on her hand. Her parents sought out the help of a shaman and the shaman ended up deceiving Azreya’s parents. She stays with the shaman for a few years until her eyes are opened to the deceitful ways of the shaman. Azreya leaves the shaman and is finally able to let Tecuani, her inner animal run free. Does Azreya/Tecuani fulfill their mission of letting the truth known? You’ll just have to read the book to find out! P.S. this novel has illustrations to help the imagination!

September, 2022

Mary Espinoza

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The Aloha Series Box Set (Books 1 – 3) by Jill Brashear – Review by Jo Frizzell

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Aloha Series Box Set Books 1-3Aloha Series Box Set Books 1-3 by Jill Brashear
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

These were all beautifully written romances. I was immediately drawn in by the beautiful descriptions, allowing me to feel like I was right there in Hawaii with the characters, seeing what they were seeing. I enjoyed the small sample of Hawaiian culture with the words that native Hawaiians use when talking to each other, like haole. I always love learning more about the characters as they get to know each other. Bones, Keoni, Declan, Lou, Penny, all of them, and every other character we get to know, are so interesting and complex. They don’t have that one dimensional, basic personality type that sometimes happens when romance is the focus. Although, I definitely adore the bits of their friendships that we get to see during their stories. If you’re looking for a beautiful view, strong friendships, fabulous characters, and romance in late 1960s Hawaii, this is your pick!

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Destiny’s Daughter (Intimate and Unfiltered Book 3) by Lynda Filler – Review by Lucy Machard

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Destiny's Daughter: It was the best of times.Destiny’s Daughter: It was the best of times. by Lynda Filler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

If you’ve followed my other reviews, you’ll see a pattern of fiction book, with a heavy taste in fantasy and historical fiction. It’s not that I don’t like non-fiction, it’s just I normally don’t pick it up.

However, this book pulled me in. Aside from a book written by a family friend of mine, and a book I read in high school, I haven’t really read any memoirs.

This author is someone bursting with stories that I could listen to forever. I highly recommend this book, and I’ll be delving into her other memoirs. If you do decide to read this book (which I HIGHLY suggest), it would work better formatting wise on a Kindle Fire or tablet/phone or in print, because there are some gorgeous pictures that don’t show up on my Paperwhite.

It’s clear that she poured love into this book. There were some things that took me by surprise, in a good way. I loved it. 100%, five stars.

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The Lonely Hearts of San Sity by Stacy-Deanne – Review by Tabitha Montero

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The Lonely Hearts of San SityThe Lonely Hearts of San Sity by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Jules ends up in small town San Sity talent scouting for a reality dating show that will be filmed in the town. Majority of the towns interesting characters think they have what it takes to be on the show but Jules sets her sites on hunky rancher Mitchel who wants absolutely nothing to do with the show. There is something between them that both try to deny and fight (and fight with each other) at every turn. Will they overcome their differences and fears to be together?
The character development on the main characters was really quick and not very good on the auxiliary characters in my opinion Like I would have liked some more on Jules assistant and Mitchel’s aunt. But it was a cute story and an easy fun read.

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Tropical Date (Postscript Island Book 3) by R.S. Jonesee – Review by Kayla Kearney

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Tropical Date (Postscript Island, #2)Tropical Date by R.S. Jonesee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The moment that Weston arrived back to Postscript Island, I was sucked into the book and transported there myself! This is the first book I have read by this author but was instantly a huge fan, she has a major talent for writing quality romcom books! She has such a unique way of putting humor into the story, and the connection between the characters made them easy to fall in love with. She has you guessing until the very end about what will happen between the two of them, another thing that I loved about the book! I’m definitely going to be reading more of her stories in the future!

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Jake by Toni Denise – Review by Michele Del Rey

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Jake (Billionaire Blind Dates Book 1)Jake by Toni Denise
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is Lauren and Kake’s story and it was so good. These two meet and hit it off but he is keeping a big secret from her and it just might make their relationship over before it even begins.  This book was so good, both of these characters have serious relationship issues but cannot stay away and they grow closer together and their hearts become involved before they even realize. I enjoyed this book so much, everything about it was done beautifully.

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Hard Lover by Deborah Garland – Review by Michele Del Rey

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Hard Lover (Houston After Dark #2)Hard Lover by Deborah Garland
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow Noah and Cali’a story was hot, suspenseful and oh so good. Noah has to protect Cali but he wants her as well, pretty soon both of their hearts are involved. But, they have some serious suspense going on for these two. Will they get their hea?

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Ashes by MK Harkins – Review by Michele Del Rey

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Ashes (Modern-Day Fairy Tale, #1)Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book about Harry and Ashley was so good. I love a little bit of magic and this one had so much more then magic. I could not put this book down, the story flowed great and the chemistry was amazing, the book had everything and then some.

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Necrosis by C.L. Schneider – Review by Mercedes Jones

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NecrosisNecrosis by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Amy just wants her daughter to survive, no matter what. During a zombie apocalypse, they venture into town and get met with all kinds of challenges. Amy is all about protecting Lila, who is only nine years old. On the hunt for food, water, and shelter, they end up surrounded by a zombie horde. Luck is on their side, and they find refuge. But once again, things go downhill and fast. Will a mother’s love for her child be enough to save her or will her daughter not see what all she has given up for her?
This was a quick but excellent read. I absolutely loved the story. It truly proves how far a mother is willing to go to protect the ones she loves.

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In Plain Sight (Logan McKenna Mystery Series Book 8) by Valerie Davisson – Review by Christina Gran

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In Plain Sight: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 8In Plain Sight: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 8 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thrilling mystery that leaves the audience completely captivated and unable to turn the pages fast enough. While I was able to read this book as a standalone (this is book 8 in the series), I can not wait to go back to book one and read the rest of them! My first book from Valerie Davisson, but certainly won’t be my last!
Newlywed Logan McKenna is newly married to Ben, the love of her life, and together they have settled down on the Oregon coast. Logan is over the moon to be volunteering at their local wildlife refuge, and she is enjoying her time with all the beautiful creatures that’s she working with. One day, Logan discovers a coworker dead and it’s soon after that she realizes the sanctuary isn’t what it seems. It isn’t long before Logan rounds up some local friends and they dig deep to try and uncover the real killer of her dead coworker. Twists and turns galore, will leave the audience guessing until the very end! Highly recommend!

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The Crown of Stones: Magic-Scars (The Crown of Stones Book 2) by C.L. Schneider – Review by Ashley Hasting

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Magic-Scars (The Crown of Stones, #2)Magic-Scars by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ian Troy has gone through so much already with book one! Now he has to go even further to help out his friends! There is trial and error with his magic as his scars increase with learning more truth. This one is still fully packed with great adventures and drama. How far will he go? Take a shot, but make sure to read the first book to follow this one!

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Fractured Worlds: Courage in the Apocalypse by Courtney Konstantin – Review by Mercedes Jones

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Fractured World: Courage in the Apocalypse CollectionFractured World: Courage in the Apocalypse Collection by Maira Dawn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was such a neat read! So many authors in one place. These are all stories about survival and it is interesting to see how each author tells stories in their own way. If you are into post-apocalyptic tales, this is the book for you. Story collection books are a new reading type for me but after this, I will definitely be reading more!

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Battling Beckett by T. Christensen – Review by Mercedes Jones

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Battling Beckett: A Contemporary Step Brother RomanceBattling Beckett: A Contemporary Step Brother Romance by T. Christensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Greer’s life is dramatically changed when her mother gets engaged to the father of the football god of Oak High, an exclusive private school for the richest of the rich. Greer wants her mom to be happy, so she transfers to the school and does everything she can to make sure her mom doesn’t know what she’s going through. Beckett Dawson, her new stepbrother has not made her new life easy. He is constantly putting her down or ignoring her at school. Instead of making Greer have a pleasant experience at Oak High, he does whatever he can to make her want to pack her bags and move out of her fancy house. Greer has a crush on Beckett, even with him treating her badly. She is beaten up at school and that changes things. Beckett begins to help Greer whenever he can. Can Greer survive her senior year and put this all behind her or will the drama of the elite be too much for her?
This was such a good read, I was addicted! I hope there will be a sequel of Greer and Beckett in college. This book is filled with friendship, drama, action, twists, and even love.

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Fractured Worlds: Courage in the Apocalypse by Courtney Konstantin – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Fractured World: Courage in the Apocalypse CollectionFractured World: Courage in the Apocalypse Collection by Maira Dawn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I ‘binge read’ this anthology of apocalyptic and dystopian stories, each one very different, but all set in an apocalyptic world. Each story in the collection highlights the traits of courage and perseverance against adversity. In each story there is a hero or heroine who overcomes their fears and suffering to bring hope and salvation to others. This was definitely the case in, Courtney Konstantin, story ‘Babysitter of the Apocalypse’, in which an alcoholic bar owner and loner is left being responsible for two young children. Their mother leaves them with him to ‘babysit’, and never returns, as the zombies take over the city. This short story was a real page turner and had me gripped from start to finish. The whole anthology had me hooked, and I definitely recommend this collection, but maybe don’t read it at night!

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Jake (Billionaire Blind Dates Book 1) by Toni Denise – Review by Stephanie Chapman

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Jake (Billionaire Blind Dates Book 1)Jake by Toni Denise
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Jake is having issues finding a woman interested in him instead of his money and social status. He accepts his friends setting him up on four blind dates through a new restaurant his friend, Evan, was investing in. The new place was made for blind dates, where the room was dark, and the patrons were unable to see each other.
Meanwhile, Lauren is looking for a new place to live since she was living with a toxic roommate. Her best friend, Catherine, keeps offering her a place to stay. The only problem Lauren has is Catherine is the sister of her boss, Cade. Cade dismisses the idea and even pays for her move.
Jake has gone on his first blind date. He couldn’t get away from the woman fast enough. He decides he will text the next blind date throughout the week to learn more about her.
Catherine begs Lauren to go on a blind date, stating she knows the perfect person. Lauren finally relents. At the blind date restaurant, Lauren finds herself at ease with the stranger on the other side of the screen. He asks her if they could continue the date outside the restaurant, but Lauren declines. However, she agrees to continue messaging him to get to know him better. Could Lauren let her walls down and meet her mystery date? Can Jake find someone who didn’t care about his money?

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Unearthly Magik (Black Cauldron Detective Agency Book 1) by Matilda Reyes – Review by Amanda Gonzalez

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Unearthly Magik (Black Cauldron Detective Agency Book 1)Unearthly Magik by Matilda Reyes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

One of my favorite things about this book is the unique aspect of the world of magik. It’s one thing to create a mystery and adventure around the magical genre, but another to bring it to life in the way I’ve seen in this book! The characters feel well-rounded and I adore the banter from each one. Learning about Ava’s agency and life was so unique to me, and I really like how the author allowed for a build-up into the world we see throughout the story. I can already tell this is going to be an awesome series and I’ll be looking forward to reading more in the second book!

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Hungry Business: A Gothic Story about the Horrors of Dating by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Santana Hicks

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Hungry BusinessHungry Business by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a short story told in first person by a woman who is one of very few humans left alive after a zombie apocalypse. She is lonely and tries to find someone to spend her time with. Date after date it seems there are no good men left. Zombies pretending to be human just to try to get a taste of her, literally, going through the motions of what they remember from being human. The woman states that she is done with dating but loneliness gets the best of her and she once again tries the dating world. Her only joy is the cat who lives across the road as he symbolizes hope of fellow humans.

This short story was not what I was expecting at all but I still liked it. It was a very quick read but was still very detailed.

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Necrosis by C.L. Schneider – Review by Kerry Baker

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NecrosisNecrosis by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What another incredible book by one of my favourite authors. Everything this author writes is just amazing and this book is right up there with some of the best. I was engrossed in this book immediately and had to read it all in one sitting. I wanted to see how things would turn out, what would happen to the characters.
The book is exciting and gripping, I was pulled into it from page one. This author never fails to write a book that hits the mark perfectly. I love her writing style and how each book is always different from the last. This book is fantastic and an absolute must read

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From Brick & Darkness by J.L. Sullivan – Review by Kerry Baker

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From Brick & DarknessFrom Brick & Darkness by J.L. Sullivan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was exciting from the moment I started reading. It is a fast paced, YA fantasy story that really caught my attention. I loved how easy it was to engage with the story developing, and the characters it brought to life. I found myself pulled into the story and could not put the book down.
The Djinn lore is always something that has fascinated me and I loved seeing it brought to life on these pages. The author has created such and interesting and captivating story that is suitable for a range of audiences. I would highly recommend you read this book!

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River Witch by Cheryl Burman – Review by Kerry Baker

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River WitchRiver Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book truly took me by surprised with how good it simply is. I was intrigued by the description, and even more so when I realised it was set in the UK, so wanted to see what the book had to offer. It is a well written fantasy book that takes you on an imaginative journey. The characters, mainly Hester, carry you with them as they navigate their lives and their dreams.
The author has created a vivid story that really makes you feel like you are there. I could so easily picture what she was describing and become invested in what was going on. This is a brilliant book that I would recommend to everyone.

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Necrosis by C.L. Schneider – Review by Michelle Marlow

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NecrosisNecrosis by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a wonderful and emotional horror novella to start out the spooky season. This is a very quick paced read. If zombies or skin things are a trigger for you be warned! Lila and her mother Amy are some of the last left alive after an outbreak hits. This is descriptive in all the right ways and I cannot wait to see what other horror ideas come from this author.

Reviews by @michellerenee6590
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Master Romano ( Masters of the Consulate Book 4 ) by Sylvia Black – Review by Caralee Loonat

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Master RomanoMaster Romano by Sylvia Black
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love vampire romances and this was just the ticket. The author has done a wonderful job of creating a world and brining the characters to life. I really liked how the book was well balanced and had drama with romance. The chemistry between the characters is explosive. I was just not wanting or able to put this book down.

The romance was of the forbidden so was really really drawing for me. I was so eager to see how it would pan out. I like how there is a flowing plot that I am sure will carry out throughout the series and therefore I cannot wait to read more from it.

Reviewed by @caraleeloonat
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River Witch by Cheryl Burman – Review by Toni Sellers

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River WitchRiver Witch by Cheryl Burman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book definitely took me by surprise because it sucked me right in. It is so wonderfully written. The characters were so relatable. Such great detail was taken in this book. I actually stayed up way past my bedtime to finish it.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Emma (Notebook Mysteries Book 1) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Julie Johnson

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Emma (Notebook Mysteries, #1)Emma by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a great series!! I have read these books out of order but have thoroughly enjoyed reading about Emma and her family.

Emma is a pretty determined 16-year-old young lady. After the death of her mother, she takes over working at the bakery. She is the only other person who knows her mother’s secret recipes. She feels like she is being followed or watched everyday as she goes to work and this intrigues her. Emma keeps a notebook full of observations that she makes so she adds this one to her list.

Working at the bakery isn’t fulfilling Emma’s needs for adventure so she starts moonlighting as a delivery boy with Tim. It’s very frowned upon during that day and time! She sees so many things that she spends quite a bit of time each evening writing down observations in her notebook. It’s then that she realizes that she may have just solved a crime and gets her foot in the door at Pinkerton’s.

This is a very enjoyable book! It’s full of mystery and intrigue, along with a small amount of romance. I recommend this entire series!!

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The Crown of Stones: Magic-Scars (The Crown of Stones Book 2) by C.L. Schneider – Review by Jana Lewis

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Magic-Scars (The Crown of Stones, #2)Magic-Scars by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a great follow-up to Crown of Stones: Magic Price, for sure! Beginning a few years after the first book ends starts with Ian in prison with no memories. The twists and turns going throughout the story as Ian tries to finish work from the first book and regain his memory are paced really well. They make the book unpredictable but still enjoyable. Little bits of history, compassion, friendship, battles, and sneaking around keep the story moving forward. And, for those interested, some pretty intense sex scenes, as well. I look forward to reading the next one!

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Sessrúmnir (Antipodes Series Book 5) by T.S. Simons – Review by Desiree Ottinger

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Sessrumnir (Antipodes #5)Sessrumnir by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The book begins with Freya and Cam being at odds with each other. About the time that Freya decides to move on, tragedy strikes Freya’s children in their community and two others. Their friends take matters into their own hands and help a reconciliation happen because they need both of them to figure out how to protect what is theirs. As the team gathers up Freya’s scattered children, they meet up with unexpected friends, revisit the past, and find out how far they will go to protect each other.

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this series. I am sad to see it end, but I loved how everything was tied up in the end! Freya, Cam, Sorcha, and Illy are wonderful examples of friend/family relationships. They aren’t easy, they are messy, but in the end, they have each other’s backs. It was interesting to read about Freya- a normally strong character- show some cracks and have PTSD and anxiety issues that she had to learn how to cope with during their travels. T.S. Simons has done a phenomenal job with this series!

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The Lonely Hearts of San Sity by Stacy-Deanne – Review by Karyn Taylor

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The Lonely Hearts of San SityThe Lonely Hearts of San Sity by Stacy-Deanne
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a short BWWM, enemies to lovers romance novel. Like most novels I’ve read by this author it is short in length at only 138 pages. I felt that there was so much scope to make this a much longer book. In parts it felt rushed and I think the author has missed a great chance to have added much more ‘meat to the bones’ of the story.
I did enjoy Mitchel and Jules’ story. I really liked Mitchel’s character but have to admit that I found Jules very selfish and self centred at times and would have liked o give her a slap on the head to make her see how she was acting.
I feel that so much more could have been written about the TV show that Jules and her friend were in town to scout for. I would have liked to read more about that.
The story that is there is enjoyable to read. I just wish we had got more of it.

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Hungry Business: A Gothic Story about the Horrors of Dating by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Hungry BusinessHungry Business by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A short, but detailed story that tells the horrors of dating after a zombie apocalypse. Our protagonist is searching for love in a world that is full of the lifeless, cold, and undead. Although the undead try their very best to cover up their imperfections through their clothing and by covering them up with makeup she sees right through them. Pushing her fears and paranoia aside, she goes on date after date in the hopes that Mr. Right is out there somewhere but that she just has yet to find him. The only real bright spot in her dreary world is the cat in the window across the street that she has formed a bond with.

The author does a great job of world building and drawing the reader into the story from the first page. She so accurately describes the very real horrors of dating while using zombies as a metaphor. Time and time again throughout this short story I found myself relating to the protagonist as I recall back to my own dating experience. How many times did I go on a date with a lifeless “zombie” who tried so hard to hide his imperfections behind his sweet talk and the clothes he wore? This short story was interesting, unique, creepy, and fun to read. Another great and unique story by this author!

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Grave Digger Academy (Grave Digger Academy Book 1) by C.A. King – Review by Erin DeRoma

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Grave Digger AcademyGrave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Starting this book, I was having a hard time following along, I re-read the first couple pages at least 3 times, so I decided to just push through and hope that it was not going to be important for further reading. I should have just kept reading from the start and not went back at all because everything would start making sense soon enough.
I appreciate the magical world that C.A King created. Instead of one magical school C.A.King created several so students can hone in and focus on their individual talents.
Grave Digger Academy was a fun easy read, could easily read in one sitting. I really appreciated that it was a paranormal read that didn’t focus on a love triangle, there were no distractions with romantic relationships at all for this book.
4 out of 5 stars and the only reason I am giving it a 4 and not a 5, I wanted more! I would have gladly read 500 pages in book one. I am excited to see how the story continues with the books that follow.

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