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

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

Hungry Business is a short story of the dating scene in a zombie apocalypse where zombies and humans coexist. How hard can it be to find love?

Although short, it was such a fun read!
The different take on the zombie apocalypse was the highlight for me.
Definitely recommend for a little horror to get your heart pumping!

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Hungry Business by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Erin Vosters

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

This is a short story about a woman whom is still alive and looking for love amongst the Hungries (zombies). The Hungries try to mimic being alive but the main character knows better.

Very well written and you can definitely read between the lines and get a deeper sense to the story.

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

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

Definitely giving off prologue vibes, but not in a bad way. I’m not usually one for short reads, but this was done in such a witty and fun way, I truly enjoyed it. I mean, I certainly wouldn’t be disappointed if there were some longer sequels in the books, but I didn’t feel like there was a cliffhanger that I couldn’t recover from after finishing the final page. If anything, I was excited to find a new author to add to my list of favorites. I really got the sense that the whole book was one big parallel metaphor for dating in the real world today. The struggle is real! Maintaining appearances, avoiding predators, worrying about your safety, dodging creeps wanting more than what you had in mind… Don’t hesitate and just read this short story. You won’t be disappointed.

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Hungry Business: A Gothic Story About the Horrors of Dating. Review by Jennifer Ramos

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

I am not the type to typically read a horror type story but in the spirit of Halloween and trying something different, I gave this story a try. This quick read was a great way of getting used to the detailing of the horrors of the living to becoming part of the nonliving. Also thrown into the mix the joys of dating in this living/nonliving type world. The anticipating feelings of loneliness, lack of trust, and boredom are things that many of us have experienced throughout our lifetime. What do you think you would do with those feelings in this kind of scenario?
Glad I was able to connect to a story such as this and be able to connect to it. Of course, I have not lived in this type of world but with the author’s detailed verbal illustrations, one can only imagine. DeBlassie does a great job of feeling as though the reader can gain understanding of the main character’s situation. Great Halloween/Horror read for those genre lovers and not!

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

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

How hard is it to find a date with a beating heart? That is just one of the many things our herione questions in this short story. Hungry Business is a very fast read as it’s less than 20 pages.
I really enjoyed how despite the dark world around her the main character still held onto her hopeless romantic beliefs and continued to go out on dates trying to make a connection. The funny quips that can be translated to any dating world like, (he only wants me for my body) we’re also very entertaining. I’d love it if this was the start of a series, because I think dating in a world filled with hungries (Zombies) is a very intriguing idea. I hope Maria DeBlassie continues to write about this world and all its possibilities as she definitely has a unique storyline started here in this well written short story.

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Hungry Business: A Gothic Story about the Horrors of Dating by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Ashley Cooper Hammontree

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

This is one of the best short stories I’ve ever read. In the short amount of time you spend in this world, it’s a vivid nightmare of living and fighting the hungry as well as the isolation it brings. It’s dark, twisted, full of gore, and still left you wanting more. I wish we knew what happened after the ending with the man across the way! This author does a phenomenal job; I look forward to reading her other materials soon.

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

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

If you are looking for a short spooky story to get your Halloween mood started look no further. This is a short story. It does start slightly confusing but brings you up to speed quite quickly. It seems we are in a slightly post-apocalyptic world where “Hungries” and humans live slightly together even though then “Hungries” would just have you for dinner rather than over for dinner. Our main character who remains nameless is now truly feeling alone during this, but she makes you understand this is for the best. Don’t debate with this one, it is a good quick read.
Review by @michellerenee6590

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

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

Short but riveting story
There is so much within these pages that it didn’t feel like a short story. With a quirkiness that one comes to expect from this author the story delves into the pitfalls of dating in a post apocalyptic world. The imagery and storyline are very well done and had me totally hooked. It’s written in an amusing and unique way. Recommend.

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

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

Very interesting story. This is not the first book I have ready by Maria DeBlassie, but it is the first short story. It flowed rather smoothly. It was easy to understand how the main character felt. I got to the end and flipped back and forth looking for more! It honestly was great! Go ahead and give this quick read a chance.

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

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

Great short story, perfect to read in October for spooky season. Very easy to read, very short, great ending. It has a lovely character arc with a hopeful turn by the ending. It was a very relatable book, commenting on the woes of dating and putting your heart out there. If you like the walking dead, you will probably like this book. This is the first book/story I have read by this author, but it will not be the last.

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

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

Hungry Business is a short story that takes place in a dystopian future, where humans are slowly becoming endangered due to the “hungries”. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about a young woman who is still hopeful to find love despite the circumstances around her. It was easy to put myself in her shoes, as I’m a hopeless romantic who constantly seeks the good in the world even when it seems to be a distant thing of the past. Just as I was getting into the story it was over, but the ending was satisfying and I’m hoping to read more by Maria DeBlassie soon.

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

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

This book was so creative and smart! A story of single life and dating. How hard is it to find love? Exceptionally hard in a city of heartless souls. It makes you feel like “all he wanted you for was your body.” De Blassie is a genius, and I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next.

Hungry Business, A Gothic Story about the Horrors of Dating, Maria DeBlassie, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, Gothic, Horror

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

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

This short story is a quick and engaging read. A fun story about trying to date after a virus has hit the world. The main character is searching for a connection and hopefully with someone who is more alive than dead. We get to see the struggles they face and the hope that they have. As quick as this story is it gives readers a well-rounded story. You are pulled into the world that the author has created and I for one would love to see more.

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

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

Interesting short story!
Zombies and dating. This story depicts the difficulty of dating and companionship even during a zombie apocalypse. A girl who has hopes for the best but seems to receive mediocre.

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

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

Hungry Business is a novel of short stories relating to a rambunctious, honest, and gory hunt for love. The author truly portrayed a vivid, short, and descriptive Zombie Outbreak. The active pursuit of companionship is apparent throughout the whole piece. The details in this short piece will enthrall you and encourage you to not put it down!

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

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

I like how it’s not written how you’d think it should be but worth the read. I don’t usually take to short stories but this one was worth the read. I like how it was different another time. Also, zombies aren’t usually my thing but I tolerated them for this short read, LOL. The way the author wrote this was cute and intriguing so kudos, I liked!

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

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

I was between books and decided to find something to fill my time before I decided which book to read next. Little did I know I’d end up reading it in one sitting instead of a couple days like I planned. I’m glad I’m no longer in the dating game now, as I feel like even without the illness, dating can be hard and even harder when you are trying to find someone who won’t try to eat you. Fun little read!

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

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

Read this if you:
*Enjoy a quick read over your lunch break
*Like tales involving humans and hungries
*Believe love can exists in a dark world

Meet the Author: Maria DeBlassie is a native New Mexican blogger, award winning writer, and aware winning educator. When she is not practicing her own brand of brujeria, she’s reading, teaching, and writing about bodice rippers and things that go bump in the night. She is forever looking for magic in her life and somehow always finding more than she thought was there.

Reader’s Thoughts: “What does it take to find another beating heart in this city? All you want is one. But hearts are a hot commodity these days, and you have to be careful who you share them with.” This action-packed short story had so many meaningful concepts expressed in less than 20 pages. The fingernail scene made me cringe with its extensive detail. Just a tad bit of gore, just the way I like it! And the odd relationship with the tabby cat had me hooked. This would make an awesome prologue to the beginning of something much more. I would love to see this turned into a full novel. I look forward to seeing what else DeBlassie has up her sleeve.

Favorite Quote: “That’s the way of this world: be a hungry or be food.”

Available Now in eBook
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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

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

This was an intriguing quick shirt story and the difficulties of dating during a time when not everyone is human. This was an entertaining tale of the challenges of internet dating, something that isn’t easy under normal circumstances. For 15 pages it gave quite a bit of character development and the ending made me wanting more. Not usually a fan of short stories, but this was deep and I really enjoyed it.

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

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

First word that comes to mind?
Odd.
This book was very unusual. It took me a couple minutes to really catch on. But once I somewhat figured it out, I really liked it.
If I could ask one thing of Maria, it would be to give a tad more detail in the beginning so that we can be on the same wave length as her from the start.
Overall, it was good. Short little story. Even with the small amount of detail we are provided. I felt I could still understand the main character’s emotions.

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

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

Hungry Business: A Gothic Story about the Horrors of Dating by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Dessalynn Acosta
Maria has done it again! In this morbid, macabre tale of the undead and dating in these times, our heroine goes on adventures of blind dates, reconnects, and running for her life! This short story keeps you entertained and wondering if the narrator will find love in the worst of times or will she just be friends with the neighbors cat?

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

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

Did anyone ever read “fanfiction” on quizilla? Exclusively the y/n (your name) stories? This reminded me of those- in kind of a vague way- but it was still entirely nostalgic. I really loved this bite sized read. I finished it entirely too quickly and wish I could read more! I adored the ending- and I hope one day we get another one- or something similar in style! I’m not going to spoil this quick read by giving anything away- it’s so short that even if you don’t have an appreciation for this type of genre- you should read it anyway! Give this memorable story a chance- you won’t regret it!

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

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

Short and sweet… but also a little deadly! I loved this short story. It definitely made me think about what dating during a zombie apocalypse would be like… while also making me realize the dating world right now isn’t much better!
I loved how descriptive the writing was, and the unique storyline left me thinking about it long after I was finished reading. The ending left me with some hope for humanity… while also leaving any number of outcomes as a possibility.

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

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

If this is what dating is like, I am glad I don’t have to do it!!! This grim tale of dating brings to life all the pitfalls of dating in the modern world. Looking at the lifeless zombies that are only after you for what you can provide to them, your beating heart, your warm body.

I haven’t been in the dating world in awhile, but I love the description of the one date that mimicked her actions to appear alive. I completely imagine that it could feel as the author described. I hope that the cat and its person are everything she hopes them to be.

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

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

This story is told from a second person point of view which makes the story different. I liked the unique dating during a pandemic plot and how this storyline could metaphorically be compared to how one work l would feel dating in the real world. The dating life of the main character is dark but humorous at the same time! I enjoyed the dating game adventure and recommend this short story!
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Reviewed by @bilberrysweet

Brandy Vaughn, September 2022

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

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

Though very short, I feel like we were able to see a wide variety of things in this gothic horror tale. The way the author crafted this story makes dating shine in a more sinister, yet oddly relatable, light. At times, the dating game can seem like you’re risking more than just your self-esteem, as was shown in this book, and it’s easy to make the comparisons of sickness and rot – especially when it seems all the ‘dead’ are disguised as the ‘living’. And yet, you get pulled back into the mix of finding love for some compelling reason you can’t really fathom. I love how seamlessly this story weaves reality and metaphor and horror together with raw emotion and truth I feel really shines through to the reader. This wasn’t my first time reading this author’s works, and it certainly won’t be the last, but if you’re looking for a quick and slightly chilling read, you’ve found your book!

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Hungry Business: A Gothic Story about the Horrors of Dating by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Angela Renee Diaz

Hungry BusinessHungry Business by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It would be hard to trust anyone. Considering there is some tales you need to watch out for you would have to always be on guard. It would be lonely like only having a cat for company who lives across the street. Then any cut you have to be careful it’s not going to turn you. Short and to the point story.

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

This was the first book that I have read by M. DeBlassie. While the title seemed to intrigue me, I realized it wasn’t really my cup of tea. I realized that I chose to read about dating in a world full of zombies. It’s not something that I could relate to but I really couldn’t put the book down. It’s so weird because as I read it I didn’t think I was connecting with it, however when I finished with the book I felt like I connected to some of it because I basically live like a zombie (I only leave my home to go to work and then come home).

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

This was the first book that I have read by M. DeBlassie. While the title seemed to intrigue me, I realized it wasn’t really my cup of tea. I realized that I chose to read about dating in a world full of zombies. It’s not something that I could relate to but I really couldn’t put the book down. It’s so weird because as I read it I didn’t think I was connecting with it, however when I finished with the book I felt like I connected to some of it because I basically live like a zombie (I only leave my home to go to work and then come home).

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

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

What’s worse than dating? Dating during the zombie apocalypse! You’re trying to avoid the undead but it’s not always as easy as it sounds. She is looking for love not to be someone’s meal. Her only solstice in this forsaken love game is a fat cat across the street that she watches every night.
This was such a fun read! A quick story, but it was well written. And such an interesting spin on the dating game. I will be reading more from this author!

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

Hungry BusinessHungry Business by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I am not usually one for zombie stories but the cover of the book drew me in. I really thought it was a good story. The plot kept me invested which was good for the shortness of the story! Very clever and well written in such a short amount of pages!

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