This was such a fun read! It was silly and so very funny! I laughed out loud so many times. I love Naomi’s writing and her stories. They are always such a joy to read. It doesn’t matter what her book is about, I am instantly pulled in and just want to consume the entire thing in one sitting. I really don’t know what to say exactly about this story in particular. The characters are unique, hilarious, and just wacky. I highly suggest just picking this book for a very entertaining quick read!
I am not a huge fan of the paranormal genre but this book intrigued me and it did not disappoint. It was quirky, fun and imaginative. I have read several of Naomi Valkyrie’s books now and they are all well written and will draw you in and make you feel as if you are part of the story. Watching as Lock discovers the changes in himself is both comical and horrifying and will keep you reading just to discover what is next for the poor guy. Quick read and so worth it.
This is one of my absolute favorite authors and have read countless books by them. Somehow they knock each and every one out of the park, and this is no exception. There is a magnificent blend of paranormal happenings, wonderful humor, and romance throughout. I definitely laughed loud enough to startle my family multiple times. You will be gripped from the very first chapter because we have to know about the gumball! I’ll never understand how the author writes such short stories without sacrificing quality every time, but you won’t hear me complaining. If you’re looking for a quick and unique read that will make you laugh and feel for each character while getting lost in a vivid world, pick this book up right now! I cannot wait to grab another book by this author because I can’t get enough.
How stinking cute of a book!! It was fast paced and a quick read. It was fun, crazy and chaotic and had me laughing throughout the whole book because of the ridiculousness of it. Pure fun! Oh and it has a cigar smoking octopus named Clyde….. This is a short novella of paranormal romance (m/m) with a bit of magic and pure chaos. I haven’t laughed at a book in a long time and I so enjoyed my time reading this book! I am giving this book 5+ stars just because of how it made me laugh and forget about everyday life. Good stuff!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rita Whitehttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRita White2024-06-29 08:00:262024-08-20 12:22:33The Ghastly Gumball by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Rita White
Yet another wonderful book by Naomi Valkyrie! I was so hooked, I read the entire book while waiting to get my tires changed! All of her books so far have literally grabbed me from page one and did not let go. I love that you never fully know what you’re going to get when you pick up the book but are never disappointed. Magic, shifters, romance and a little trouble makes for a perfect story! I can’t decide if Clyde is my favorite character or if it’s Brix. I would love to learn more about her. I’d also love to learn more about Jinx. Like usual with Naomi Valkyrie, I highly recommend you reading this book. You won’t regret it!
I really enjoy reading stories by Naomi Valkyrie, they are always a fun ride. This one was no different. This 100 page read was just as this author said, it was indeed a wacky story, but I loved it. I mean after reading the synopsis she had me at the cigar-smoking octopus named Clyde 😂 how does she always come up with the most unique stuff. And her vivid imagery is amazing, she really knows how to paint a scene. Also the characters were developed awesomely. I think my favorite was Lock lol. In this funny paranormal M/M romance has literally everything youd want in a story. I always look forward to reading more and more of her stories. I really hope we get to see more from this world.
This book is a quick and fun read. One impulsive purchase changes Lockwood’s life. He soon finds himself immersed in a different world that he never knew existed. Lockwood goes on an adventure that pulls you in and keeps you engaged to the end. This may be a short read but it is full of interesting characters and fun times.
I absolutely love this author and read nearly everything she puts out. This one had me laughing out loud many times and I easily read it in one sitting. Valkyrie is phenomenal when it comes to writing relatable characters even though her plot lines are usually out of this world. She amazes me every time because I get pulled in on the first page and she doesn’t let me go until the very end. The characters in this book are very unique; however, still extremely relatable. If you are looking for a good laugh and something quick then this is the read for you!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Megan Kimleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMegan Kimley2024-06-16 12:54:502024-08-15 15:09:04The Ghastly Gumball by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Megan Rea
This reminded me of some of Naomi’s other writings I have read. She has a very unique story telling that I really enjoy. She creates these characters and settings that are complex yet she is able to tell her stories in a novela type style. They are short stories but give so much information and character growth in the short amount of time. I really enjoy reading them.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rose McCaskeyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRose McCaskey2024-06-15 06:40:432024-08-15 14:20:55The Ghastly Gumball by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Rose McCaskey
Naomi Valkyrie, often called a Firebrand Provocateur, brings her unique Autistic perspectives and curiosities to life by weaving tales of deep connection, mystery, and romance. She is inspired by being able to spontaneously create a thought that takes on a life of its own, opening up new adventures for her readers.
The Paranormal Romance and Urban Fantasy realms are particular areas of interest for Naomi as they allow for the vast exploration of magic, adventure, and the impossible while creating diverse characters that her readers connect with on an emotional level.
When she isn’t attending to familial connections, Naomi loves a dark, comfy reading space surrounded by the symbolism of her spiritual archetypes and her daemon/familiars, while she sips her tea and immerses herself in imagination.
This was the first book I have read by this author and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it. Well written, good world building and characters you can connect to. Very fast paced and really unique. Very funny and crazy, I loved it. Will be keeping an eye on this author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Amanda Williamshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAmanda Williams2022-03-14 08:12:142022-03-14 08:12:14The Ghastly Gumball by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Amanda Williams
A gumball, that’s right a gumball is all it took for Lockwood’s world to be set on its side. The book has love, humor, good guys, bad guys, shifters, fae, a sea witch, an oracle and a bit of suspense mixed with a whole lot of humor. As Lockwood and Rex’s relationship is explored there were a few places in the book where it took me a minute to realize there had been a small jump in time, but it in no way distracts from the story. With each facing their own set of challenges will they be able to overcome them and get their happily ever after? This was the first book by Naomi Valkyrie that I have read but I will definitely be reading more and hoping to see more of this world. I absolutely recommend.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Sarah Kinghttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngSarah King2022-03-14 08:08:482022-03-14 08:42:11The Ghastly Gumball by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Sarah King
Lockwood King is just a young man trying to find his place in the world, he has a steady job as a barista with his best friend, but he still lives with his parents. One day he has been working late and is tired, so when he stops for gas, he decides to grab something to keep him awake, but this plan backfires in the most spectacular way.
All he knows is that the next day strange things start to happen to him with no reasonable explanation, things which appear magical even, but as he is trying to figure out what is going on, something equally magical happens, he meets someone who turns his head. As Lockwood is trying to get a handle on things, he finds out more and more about a magical world he never even knew existed, but it is a world which he might have to get used to.
As things progress there are shifters, there is humour, there are mishaps and mayhem, even a cigar smoking octopus called Clyde who turns up out of the blue. Will Lockwood be able to Kew his sanity as his world changed around him, or will outside forces meddle in his life to such an extent that it isn’t even his anymore? This is a hilariously magical paranormal romance, which will keep you laughing throughout as the chaos reigns and mayhem ensues with curses, maybe fated mates and inconvenient tentacles?
Lockwood, AKA Lock, was a normal barista living a 21 year old life still living with his parents. After one ghastly gumball, his life has turned into a different direction. Some of it is good, while some of it is just weird, but turns out interesting. He’s got a boy he is interested in and a best friend who is helping him with all the weird things like Clyde the Octopus! I just love the cigar moments with Clyde lol! It was such a great funny read for a break!
This is perfect for when you want a unique, quirky, quick story. I kinda wish it was longer because I would love to have gotten to know the characters more and to see the romance develop, but that is always how I feel with shorter stories. Lockwood just wants to get home to go to bed and weird things start happening. He is introduced to a whole new world that he didn’t know existed. I am curious to know more about Brix, and Clyde is amazing! This story is M/M, just so people are aware.
This is the first book I have read by this author, but I am adding her to my favorites list. The last two weeks have been an absolute roller coaster for me, and this book gave me the laughter I needed. I have always wanted a penguin, but a cigar smoking octopus wouldn’t be so bad either. Lockwood’s whole life changes with one nasty tasty gumball. His best friend Brix helps him to navigate the magic within him. This is a MM romance, and I LOVE LGBTQ positive stories.
This is not only a hilarious read but a truly unique story as well. This author has a wild imagination. The story follows Lockwood King who’s life changes irreversibly after eating a gumball. What follows next is a zany adventure filled with humour, magic, sea witches and tentacles. The characters are delightful and quirky especially the cigar smoking octopus. I would love to read more about these characters. There are so many possibilities to turn this into a series. Hint, hint!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Anna Hirschhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAnna Hirsch2022-03-14 07:45:472022-03-14 07:45:47The Ghastly Gumball by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Anna Hirsch
This was such a fun, unique book! I haven’t enjoyed a book this much in a long, long time. It was so unique, I have never read anything like this before. The characters were each individual and had their own personality. They were well-rounded and entertaining. I so want them as friends. The creatures in this book are not ones I have read about before. I really want to see more of the characters — especially Clyde. He is my favorite in this book.
The story itself, is again something I have not seen before. It all revolves around a gumball. Who would think of that? And who in their right mind would think this is perfect! Such a brilliant mind is behind this wonderfully fun, unique, and interesting book. I highly recommend it and need to read more books set in this world.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Erin Wolfhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngErin Wolf2022-03-14 07:40:392022-03-14 07:40:39The Ghastly Gumball by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Erin Wolf
I have read many books by this author and will always snatch up a book written by her.
In this book, we meet Lockwood, aka Lock, who is leaving work after a long day. On his way home, Lock stops at a gas station to pump gas and then decides to buy a gumball out of a candy machine. The gumball that comes out is black and odd things start to happen to Lock that he can’t explain.
The characters are well written and I connected to them through humor and their interactions. The descriptions of where the book takes place and what’s happening added to not only the story but also to my enjoyment. The author’s creativity is one of my favorite things about reading her books.
I have read quite a few books by this author and I have enjoyed every book I have read by her. This author has a dramatic flair that make her stories realistic even though this story has Magic, Romance, and Shifters and chaos. The characters and plot where wonderfully written. This book had me laughing so much I was in tears.
First of all, I have to say the cover of this book is outstanding and draws in the reader before you even read the title or the snappy synopsis, but once you do you want to know what the story is inside as well. I am personally a fan of the author and have followed and read her work before so I was anxious to get my hands on this sucker but I would have scooped this up as a new reader instantly based solely on the cover. Secondly, this book is short and fun. It packs a lot of really cool elements like magic and gumballs and octopus and romance and all the things into one neat, fun and relatable package that is fun to disappear into for a short time. I literally feel like I am lost into a whole new world when I read her work and that is the coolest thing ever and I love that. It is vivid and realistic in a way that is tangible. I can’t wait to see what we will get to disappear into next!
What an amazingly entertaining story this is. I always love anything this author writes however I think this book is currently my favourite. I loved the whole feel of the book, how it was written and the characters. The story is pretty faced past and it really keeps the momentum going. The characters were everything in this book. I lived how different they all were and how they each added a new layer to the story. I really enjoyed every second of this book and I wish it had gone on for longer.
The Ghastly Gumball is a quick book, but jam packed with content. It is pretty lighthearted, that will make you chuckle. I was a little bummed when I realized the book wasn’t part of the Life is Hell series (I just assumed due to similar cover art). But despite having a whole new set of characters, I loved the book. I honestly don’t know how the author comes up with these things! I am not typically a fan of the paranormal, so maybe these things are known creatures, but I haven’t heard of most of them. But that doesn’t matter, because the imagery is so great, that I am able to clearly “see” the characters. This book ended much shorter than I excepted, but it had a good ending, things being wrapped up nicely. I would love to see this become a series, as I think Brixley has a story hidden in there- I want to know more about her powers and her on again off again girlfriend.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elizabeth Sanchezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElizabeth Sanchez2022-03-10 07:36:042022-03-10 07:36:04The Ghastly Gumball by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez
Wow this author has managed to amaze me once again! I have never read anything by this author that I didn’t absolutely love. She’s one of my few one click authors, one where I don’t even need to read the synopsis I can just dive on in.
This storyline is so original and so beautifully detailed that I could easily picture everything playing out in my mind. Many moments I found myself fully laughing out loud at the gravity of the situation Lockwood has found himself in.
Seriously I cannot recommend this author and book enough. If you are looking for a one of a kind paranormal read look no further this is the book for you, you do not want to miss this!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kaitlynn Taylorhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKaitlynn Taylor2022-03-10 07:29:222022-03-10 07:29:22The Ghastly Gumball by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Kaitlynn Taylor
Meet Lockwood…. desperately looking for a pick me up and for whatever reason chooses a gumball…. and it changes his life forever.
He starts being able to do crazy things and then slowly learns of an entire world full of creatures he was completely unaware of… and someone close has been keeping secrets.
This author never fails to disappoint this was a shorter story in comparison to others but it was rich with creativity, descriptions, character development (I mean… who thinks up a smoking octopus named clyde…haha!)
This is a fun read full of humor sarcasm drama a little bit of heat and can be read in one sitting. This author never fails to disappoint. check it out!
This is a fun, quirky, paranormal romance that is a delightful little read. After a sugar craving gone wrong, 21 year old Lockwood finds himself caught up in a magical curse that starts changing his body in unexpected ways. Fortunately, he’s got his “Best B” Brixley (and handsome new man Rex) to help him acclimatize to the crazy world of magic that he never knew existed. In a series of endearing and unbelievable plot twists, Lockwood may actually get the hang of this thing after all. Please read if you don’t mind a sprinkle of colourful language and a laugh-out-loud plot that zips along at a great pace. The authour’s voice is very real and down-to-earth, and it puts you right at ease in the story with her characters.
I absolutely loved reading this fast paced short story that once you start reading there’s no stopping until you finish. My only thing is I wish it was longer. I had many “laugh out loud moments throughout the book. The story flowed and the characters are fun and fully developed and I just loved them . I’ve read every book this author has written and this one just may be my favorite yet. This is a Paranormal story with a bit of Romance and its got a great mix of magic, drama , humor and romance. How will one Gumball change ones life? I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next . I can’t wait to read more from this Author.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dawn Daughenbaughhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDawn Daughenbaugh2022-03-07 07:46:212022-03-07 07:46:21The Ghastly Gumball by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh
A late night, a disgusting piece of gum, and mysterious magical universe is all it takes to change Lockwood’s life. As he works to navigate this magical and wacky world around him he finds new friends and experiences new love. My imagination went crazy with this book! Being a novella there was soo many things encompassed in the story to bring it to life. The author did a great job in making this story hilarious, quirky, romantic, dramatic, and everything needed to take a story outside the box. The characters fit perfectly together and in the story giving it a larger than life effect.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Laurenhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLauren2022-03-07 07:44:392022-03-07 07:44:39The Ghastly Gumball by Naomi Valkyrie- Review by Lauren West
The Ghastly Gumball is a fun, eccentric read. I had enjoyed this author’s books before, which did not disappoint. It is a short, exciting read delving into an imaginative mind. I don’t want to give away anything from the plot, but you have to meet Clyde, the octopus. The characters are entertaining, and the story is fast-paced. I enjoyed this bit of laughter, magic, and romance. I can’t wait to read this author’s next book.
This was such a great read! I’ve never read anything from this author, so I wasn’t really sure what to expect, but had high hopes because of the synopsis. I was not disappointed! Lock is hilarious, from his perspective and mental voice to how he deals with his new reality, I loved him. The magic in the book is so wonderfully introduced and fantastical that, for a little while, I was utterly speechless. This story took me on an unexpected kind of adventure that kept me transfixed and allowed my imagination to run wild. I loved the pace of everything, though the book was short, it felt just right.
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