The Girl Who Escaped by Mark Nolan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book sucked me in from the first sentence. I loved the multiple point of views to understand how the events effect everyone involved. It also brings to light the difference between good and bad from cops to high ranking officials. I am excited to read more from this author.
Hungry Business by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was a great and enjoyable read for me! First off I enjoyed the author’s writing style. I loved how they pin pointed details of such things in the world of how it was now, that often as readers we may have looked over or passed up.
I loved how the author made the dating world as it was, troublesome and agonizing at times. In this tale, the whole zombie thing had happened. I loved how companionship is till a must have, but to survive is also super valuable. I was pulled in deep as I read. I felt a lot, and reflected on things. The tale was full of intrigue and haunting in its own way. Loved it!
Great and interesting read Not one I would want to pass up for any reason. I really enjoyed it, as it was a short read, it was quick, but that doesn’t mean my enjoyment was short lived. As it was not! Highly recommend this must read book, as well as this author! Both are a must read for sure!
Grave Digger Academy by C.A. King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Short, but packed full! I really enjoyed this book, I love reading about paranormal style school settings. It is sad to see Makayla so worried in the beginning because all her brothers got into very prestigious schools but she ends up at Grave Digger Academy, which to her family’s standards is the bottom of the barrel. The aspect of her being the 7th child in the family so she has a special ability the rest of her family doesn’t, is such a fun addition because now, necromancy is introduced and to the witching world she lives in that is a taboo subject. After her first year at school it seems like she is going to be in for a wild ride, with her new found powers, the enemies she has made and the danger she was thrust into immediately after arriving. I can’t wait to see what is in store for her next.
Sessrumnir by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I have been a loyal fan since the first book in this series, I knew the series coming to an end would make me feel things, but I did not expect to feel as much as I did! I was sad to depart from this wonderful journey with the characters I have watched grow and learn through each book, but it was a happy ending as well. loose ends were tied. The ending was heartfelt and full of emotion. It was beautiful!
To me, this was my favorite in the series. Not that it was the final book I would get to read for the first time…it was how my beloved characters were so developed mentally and emotionally. Whom they started as and who they became. They went through a lot…and I mean a lot! But that only made them stronger. This one was not short of action either when peace is disrupted with the ones you hold dear, I am sure any of us would have reacted the same as what happened in the book. Family is number one to me. I love how that is played through each of the book. This book had a lot of emotions as I have said, and part of that is letting go which was beautiful in its own way. The author wrote such an amazing series. That I loved so much. I cannot thank them enough for this journey I was put on because of them! I cannot wait till they start a new series which I am sure I will love as much as this one! Thank you to this wonderful and talented author!
This may be farewell Antipodes, but it is not good bye, more less, I ll re-visit you again later!
Wonderful conclusion to a very perfect and amazing series. I could not have asked for more, maybe a few more books as I didn’t want to let go! Highly recommend this book/series/author! A must read all around!
Destiny’s Daughter: It was the best of times. by Lynda Filler
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Great read, inspirational, and thought provoking. I really enjoyed reading this memoir more than I thought I would. The adventures, excitement and everything this author has to go through and has been through in life really would make for an exciting movie, I could definitely see myself watching her life play out in theaters. Seeing the many pictures of the author’s travels throughout the book was wonderful, it allowed me to put a place and name together.
The repetition of some things was starting to get to me but when she makes mention that she apologizes for it all, she is just speaking from her heart, I felt that. I hope anyone who wants to read this story will see this review and be able to look past that aspect. I am torn on how I feel about the author leaving her kids to help her own life, I don’t know of any mother that could leave their kids, but I can’t really judge because I don’t know the situation they were left in. It seems they grew up safe, loved and healthy so that is all any mother could ask for her kids. But I also like that she mentions she has no regrets, and she can’t dwell and worry about the actions she has taken in the past because what will that help?
I am inspired by all of the hard work she has done throughout her life to get to the point she is at now, to be able to travel the world at her leisure and go wherever her heart tells her. There are so many great things I can say about this book. Chapter 9, Big Love is where I really connected with this author and had the same feelings and thoughts. I look forward to going back and reading her first 2 memoirs! #WeAreAllOne
Euphoric Wonderland: An Eclectic Collection of Psychedelic Poetry to Stimulate the Senses and Open the Mind by Ryan M. Becker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
First off the book is beautiful, the art is stunning and drew my eye to each page. I am not very well versed at understanding what poetry is trying to say, but in this book of mixed poetry, I could FEEL the different messages the poems were trying to give off. Along with he background art, I could get a sense of whether the poem was more on the dark side or brighter. The Beatles will forever be a great source of genius in their music, and will continue to inspire young and old for years to come. I am excited to see this author embracing their music and the way it has changed his life, it really makes me want to sit down and listen to my Beatles records from beginning to end and really listen. Music really can move you and I love that it moved this author so much as to make so many wonderful poems to share. In the end, all I want to do is eat cinnamon toast crunch!
Hard Lover by Deborah Garland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
To put it simply this is a hot steamy read filled with great characters and a storyline that will keep you captivated from start to finish. The authors wonderful writing style creates very vivid images in your mind as you read, making you feel a little like the voyeurs she writes about. I found this author and this series in book 2 and having enjoyed it so much I will definitely go and find book one. It should be said that not having read the first book in no way affected my enjoyment of this book, it has simply made me want to read more by this very talented author. I am really looking forward to what is next in this series as well.
Fractured World: Courage in the Apocalypse Collection by Maira Dawn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love when authors come together to help out worthy causes and this collection is doing just that. I watched a doco on TV and the tributes from people he has helped, for the work that Gary Sinise does and you can’t beat a good cause like the Gary Sinise Foundation. To them he is their hero.
In this collection we get 19 apocalyptic and dystopian stories by some incredible authors. DJ Cooper, Boyd Craven, TL Payne, Mark Tufo, Millie Copper, L. Douglas Hogan, Maira Dawn, Derek Shupert, Javan Bonds, N.A. Broadley, Bruno Miller, Ray Wenck, David Simpson, Austin Chambers, Heather Carson, AJ Newman, Courtney Konstantin, DA Carey, Marcus Richardson, Kellee L. Green.
There are so many good stories and too many to name individually but a couple of standout ones for me are:
Courtney Konstantin’s vivid writing style draws the reader in. Now I am not going to share any spoilers but I am going to say that I have not read anything from this author that I have not liked and this one is no different. I only wish the story was longer.
Boyd Craven III was a new author to me but his story is well crafted and had me on the edge of my seat, all the way through. The unique storyline kept me intrigued and turning the pages to see what happened next.
Derek Shupert’s tale is compelling and you feel as though you are right there with the characters. It is a very interesting story line indeed. Go check out his other work at some stage.
If you love a thrilling and intensely gripping stories then this is one that should be on your reading list.
REMEMBER 100% OF PROCEEDS GO TO THE GARY SINISE FOUNDATION FOR VETERANS AND FIRST RESPONDERS.
Reviewed by @jennadb
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Loved this book. It is the first one in the series. It is a retelling of a classic with a twist. I cannot wait to read the next ones. Ashley your normal high school girl doesn’t have time for drama or anybody, she just wants to finish senior year. Her home life isn’t the greatest. Her stepmom bought a mortuary and spend the money that should be Ashley’s, her stepsisters are the worst.
Pop sensation Harry James has been ordered to go to high school or go to jail. He lands at Ashley’s school. He runs into her at her house when he ducks into the mortuary to hide from fans. Her stepsisters only want Harry for the fame. Along the way the two fall for each other. Can a bit of magic help them get the ending they both deserve?
Hungry Business by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A quick read that gets the gears turning in your noggin. Only fifteen pages long but the way in which the writer shares the tale it feels like you have read a much longer story. We don’t want to be alone as humans and we don’t want to be with any random person in the dating pool. Especially so when it is dating in the zombie apocalypse. At first you pick it up asking yourself what in the world are you reading about to find that very quickly you feel connected to the main character in an emotional way and that you fully understand the story. Then once it is over the concept sinks in while you digest it and most likely start to compare your experiences to it.
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ashley Adams has shut herself off to people and the world around her. Harry James is a misunderstood popstar. Ashes is a cute Cinderella style story with its own cute little fairies twist. Will the fairies be able to do their jobs correctly? Will Ashley open up or keep her heart hidden and locked down? How will her stepmom and stepsisters affect her life? So many questions, that will all be answered in this story. This book was very fun to listen to and follow. Can’t wait to pick up the next story in this series.
Hungry Business by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Such a good short story! It’s my first time reading one and I enjoyed every page. I loved the gore and the mild violence! Keeps me on my toes and keeps it interesting! A good time to read this book too, because it’s close to spooky season! If you love a good zombie apocalypse and a quick read. Read this! Has a great concept!
Hungry Business by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I found this short story to be a very interesting take on dating. It almost feels like you are the one going out on dates with the hungry undead. I do have to agree with her. I have been out on some dates that have felt like that. My favorite part of the story were the descriptions of the times watching the tabby cat and the apartment across the street. Yay, for seeing the living guy. There’s always 1 good guy out there. You just have to keep looking. I would love to see more develop from that angle. Maybe a book? I couldn’t really understand why she felt the chill or how she got the ick in her pinky? This author does have a way of leaving you with chills with her writing. The description of the date at her doorstep decaying and her chopping part of her little finger off gave me a case of the “ews.” Overall, a story to really give you the goosebumps. It will definitely make you rethink that perspective on dating. Hmmmm…. Go ahead, you know you want to read. I enjoyed it and you will too.
Euphoric Wonderland: An Eclectic Collection of Psychedelic Poetry to Stimulate the Senses and Open the Mind by Ryan M. Becker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Stars
Euphoric Wonderland by Ryan M. Becker
Euphoric Wonderland is an eclectic collection of poetry that will grab your attention and keep you reading. I’m normally not a huge fan of poetry but this really struck home with me. I truly enjoyed reading each one and letting my emotions guide me through the book. Each one a different journey of healing and discovery to just dealing with what life throws at you. I definitely have a way different perspective on many things than I did before reading this book. Rather you’re a fan of peorty or not id highly recommend reading this book and I honestly can’t wait to read more from this Author.
The Mermaid and the Water Magnifying Glass by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Once again Lois Wickstrom has delivered a wonderful book that all ages can read. I love the fact that I can read these books with my friend’s children, and it not only keeps them entertained but is something that I enjoy reading as well. The illustrations in this book are bright, colorful and engaging, which will in turn keep your child’s focus on the story. I enjoyed the fact that the children in these books are active and always have meaningful conversations and have a moral of the story. I cannot wait to go buy these books for my friend’s kids so that they may have these books to love and learn great things with!
The Girl Who Escaped by Mark Nolan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was one that was so hard to put down. The chapters were well written and flowed. Every time I got to the end of one of the chapters, I had to remind myself I had things I needed to do and had to stop reading. The writer wasted no time to get into the juicy crime that followed the whole book. It had me rooting for the heroine right off the bat and continued as she became stronger and more confident in herself until the very last page.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ashley and Harry are just two high school students trying to make it through the last 6 months of their senior year. Except Ashley works in a funeral home with her crazy step mother and evil step sisters, and Harry is a famous pop star sent there on punishment. This is not just another Cinderella story. There are intense plot twists that keep you hooked into this story up until the last word. Read this book, because I can’t wait to read the next one!
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love the mix of all the modern day Cinderella tales! Some are sweet and some are spicy! This is a teenage semi-sweet version with lots of chemistry and angst. Ashley and Harry are great together, and it’s a cute retell.
Every Cinderella has her day and this Ashley’s. It’s quite the wild ride, but lovable all the same!!
Sessrumnir by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4.5 Stars
This was a bit of a bitter-sweet read for me as I desperately wanted to know how the series would conclude, but I also wasn’t quite ready to say goodbye. Even though I have loved the other books in the series, I have to say that this is probably the best book to come out of the series… the author definitely left the best till last.
Sessrúmnir is the fifth and final book in the Antipodes series by T.S. Simons. It is a post-apocalyptic, dystopian story with sci-fi elements, romance, adventure, discovery, action, danger, drama, friendship, challenges, Norse Mythology, environmental/sustainability/community messages, love, loss, surprising developments, tension, mystery, and emotion.
So much has happened since we embarked on this adventure back in book one- but we still have to face these final hurdles. It has been six years since the events of the previous book, Caim, and the peaceful existence that they have enjoyed is under threat by an unknown force. Their children are attacked… peaceful existence no more…. so they will need to pull together in order to protect everything they hold dear. Buckle up as the tension levels are ramped up and we are thrust into dangers unknown. Now this, right here, is how you wrap up a series! Such a bitter-sweet moment!
Looking forward to seeing what Ms. Simon’s has in store for us next!
Happy Reading!
Thank you, T.S. Simons!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
•*•❥☆ COMING SOON ☆❥•*• •*•❥☆
We knew the bloodbath was possible, just not when or how our enemies would strike. In a heart-wrenching minute of blazing guns, the responsibility of getting retribution for the savage Italian Crime Family falls to me, Salvatore Larussio.
The fair-skinned beauty should focus on doing as she’s told and been trained to do. Suture and bandage quickly to stem the flow of Larussio blood. Instead, Natasha boldly defies me, trying to appeal to decency that after today no longer exists.
A man surrounded by fear and deception can sense it, feel it, and smell it in the air. There’s far more to Natasha underneath that icy exterior than she wants me or anyone to know. Despite that, she calls to my tainted soul as though she were put on earth just for me.
When I force the hot-tempered beauty to reveal her secrets, it can be our undoing, or a means to an end for a newly appointed Larussio King.
Or a revelation that will kill even the deepest of love.
Boss’s Vendetta is the explosive first book in the Sicilian Gods series by Via Mari. It is a deliciously dark, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, mafia romance. You will love these novels where the passion is fiery, the loyalty is fierce, and the stakes are high. Each book is a standalone that focuses on different couples in each book. They all have a guaranteed happily ever after, at the conclusion.
~ ~ ~ ~ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
From the award-winning author and bruja Maria DeBlassie comes a cozy Gothic short story about searching for connection in a world that’s forgotten the power of everyday magic.
Looking for love can be deadly…
You know how it goes. You go out, hoping to meet someone. You wade through your fair share of brainless automatons, lifeless bodies, and ravenous undead good at passing as human.
The more you go out, the less hope you feel and the colder your body gets. But you keep at it. All you need is one beating heart to match your own before yours stops pumping altogether. How hard can it be to find one living, breathing human in a city full of bodies?
Dating.
It’s hungry business.
Dr. Maria DeBlassie is a native New Mexican mestiza and award-winning writer and educator living in the Land of Enchantment. She writes about everyday magic, ordinary gothic, and all things witchy. When she is not practicing Brujeria, she’s teaching classes about bodice rippers, modern mystics, 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. Find out more about Maria and conjuring everyday magic at www.mariadeblassie.com.
Scepter Of Fire by L.M. Preston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
4 Stars
Scepter of Fire is the second book in the Vigilant series by L.M Preston. This book is again from Dex’s point of view- so I highly recommend reading the previous books, especially Unbreakable Darkness (Book #1.5), as it/they contain important information that will help you better appreciate this story (and the series, as a whole). This book builds on what we learned previously, giving us a bigger picture of events, so far.
It is an action-packed YA fantasy with the plenty of the paranormal, supernatural, sci-fi elements, adventure, mystery, drama, danger, emotion, discovery, betrayal, agendas, tension, choices, challenges, intensity, and magic.
Dex’s life was turned upside down when his father uprooted their family and moved to this small town, which has changed everything he thought he knew. But fate hasn’t finished testing him yet, and this book sees him face more life threatening challenges…. And make a few new discoveries along the way.
This series is getting better and better the further we go…. next please!
Happy Reading!
Thank you, L.M. Preston.
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Ashes by M.K. Harkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4/5 Stars
This book is a retelling of the Cinderella and it’s pretty interesting. As an adult reading it, I had to remind myself that this book is meant for YA to not be too critical of it. This retelling of the classic story was one I haven’t seen before. It features a famous high school student and a student who works at a funeral home. I do think that it’ll be interesting to see how book two can continue on the story with the way this book ended. I’m not sure how the ending can be concluded in book two when the focus is on different characters. But I am interested in seeing!
Magic-Scars by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I highly highly suggest reading the first book first, as this does pick up where book one left off. Just when I thought this series couldn’t get any better, the second book blows it out of the water. Ian is literally left with nothing. No memories, no money, no weapons, nothing. He has to go through his light trying to figure out how to with his magic all over again, how he is linked to the crown of stones, and how to be a leader all over again. High expectations are set on Ian when the rebellion needs him and his magic and his connection to the crown of stones. In this thrilling second installment of Crown of Stones, be prepared to have an adventure because this second book sure takes you for a wild ride!
Sessrumnir by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Sessrúmnir is the fifth book in the Antipodes series. This is an exciting sci-fi series set in a dystopian future where most of humanity has been wiped out and the survivors have many new challenges to face. It’s worth reading the series in order, so begin with book one, Antipodes, if you haven’t already read it.
This is an exciting page-turner, bringing the series to a great conclusion. Everyone’s been living with the new normal for a while, and starting to try and settle into a routine and look to the future. But things can so easily be disrupted, with Freyja finding it impossible to commit to something as simple as a date without her world being turned upside down.
It was great to see more of the younger children in this book. I also liked that they addressed the psychological impact of events in the characters’ pasts – so often the characters need to be strong and focus on survival so it was powerful that there was space for this.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series, and watching the characters grow and develop across many years and books. I’d recommend it to all fans of dystopias and near-future speculative fiction. The worldbuilding satisfies a lot of “what-ifs” and the characters are fantastic!
Magic-Price by C.L. Schneider
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was absolutely fantastic! The story arc, the background story in the beginning, character development, so many good things I can’t decide where to start first. I usually read female protagonists because they are more relatable for me, but wow reading about Ian and his struggles made me think of my own. This author absolutely hit it out of the park. Ian struggles with who he is and what his power does to him if he uses it. He makes a decision in which he thought was right at the time, but now is paying for it dearly. Will he come to accept his magic and what it does? Or will he fall into the addiction it brings and never look back again?
Agent Red: Fatal Memory by Ava S. King
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this fast paced short book. The action kept my mind busy. In all it was a crazy book but that’s a good thing. Just when Teagan gets her life the way she wants it, her past uproots her till she has to continue working as her old job. I highly recommend this book.
In Plain Sight: A Logan McKenna Mystery Book 8 by Valerie Davisson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Logan and Evka become fast friends when Logan volunteers at the raptor center. Mia is jealous of Evka’s new friendship and Evka has a secret admirer. When Logan finds Evka dead at the raptor center, it’s clear something sinister has taken place, but the local police are without leads so the trail starts to go cold. Logan takes matters into her own hands to find Evkas killer. Logan is a great character, at the beginning she appears to be quiet and in her own new world, but quickly develops into a loyal friend who only wants to find out what happened to Evka. Trust your instincts, the answers may be right in front of you.
Scepter Of Fire by L.M. Preston
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book was great! This whole world the author wrote has me pulled in and I didn’t want to come out. It was a Paranormal story about Dexter and his search for his family book. I really liked Dexter and I definitely felt for him because his life was awful at some points. His story was action filled and I am excited to read more in the series!!
Happy Reading!
Azreya, Aztec Priestess by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
One of the things that I really enjoy about illustrated works is comparing the mental picture the words give me with the illustrations. While reading Azreya, Aztec Priestess I found myself looking for those depictions. The world building Ms. Copeland provides is top-tier, and the illustrations add to this reading experience. I think the passion the author has for legends behind the Aztec people is on display through this story. Azreya has a mark on her arm at birth that her people think signifies she is cursed. She goes to live with a respected spiritual leader, but will his intentions prove to be good? As Azreya learns more about the spirit inside of her, who she calls Tecuani, will her mission to save her people be successful? You have to read the story to find out!