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Every Last Psycho: A Collection of Two Novellas by Zarina Macha – Review by Carrie Reed

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Every Last Psycho: A Collection of Two NovellasEvery Last Psycho: A Collection of Two Novellas by Zarina Macha
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4 stars!
Very interesting read. Not really my scene, but I was easily pulled into both stories. Both stories are very rough in that they include some sensitive topics such as mental illness, rape, drugs and murder.
My heart was completely broken for Tess. The first time it broke was when she lost her brother and because of it turned into a schizophrenic. The second time my heart broke was when she confessed her feelings to Ed and was regretfully denied. The third time my heart broke was when she turned to hard drugs to cope with all her pain and the voices she hears. I can’t help but wonder how many people out there are dealing with schizophrenia and aren’t getting the help they need, and could end up in a similar situation to Tess.
The second story was a bit different for me than the first. Evelyn, I could not stand her. The fact that she goes completely insane because she doesn’t get into her dream school but her rival and the girl she is trying to sabotage not to get in, does, sends her into a mental breakdown. She turns into the true version of herself which is very ugly.
Overall a great set of 2 stories that touch on mental illness and both stories were very well written. I will definitely have to check out more by this author.

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Sex-O-S;The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time (Italian Teens, Novel 2, The Italian Saga) by Gaia B Amman – Review by Cindy Mayberry

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Sex-O-S: The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time (The Italian Saga, #4)Sex-O-S: The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time by Gaia B. Amman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sex-O-S
The Tragicomic Adventure
of an Italian Surviving the First Time
By Gaia B Amman
☆☆☆☆
This could probably be the best YA story for teens and their raging hormones.
Leda and Nico are the best of the best friends. She is the Tomboy and he is the bad boy. But is he really a bad boy? Is she really a tomboy? These teens are about to find out! This is the best true story about growing through the teen years. You will laugh on one page and cry on the next. At least I did. This story has an Italian twist to it as well. But all things are not the expected fairytale. Getting through those teen years has unanswered questions, unexpected trials and hurt feelings.

Gaia B Amman has researched and wrote this story for the YA teens out in the world. She answers questions that nobody wants. As well as following these young teens as they grow into adults. I love the characters in this story. They just fit! Gaia B Amman has done a great job with this story. Thank you!

Review@Cinful

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Sex-O-S; The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time (Italian Teens, novel 2, The Italian Saga) by Gaia B Amman – Review by Kayla Interdonato

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Sex-O-S: The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time (The Italian Saga, #4)Sex-O-S: The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time by Gaia B. Amman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sex-O-S: The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time (Italian Teens, novel 2, The Italian Saga) by Gaia B. Amman was a beautifully written novel about a crucial moment in Leda’s teenage life. Based in Italy during the 1990’s, the story starts when Leda was 15. She is in a relationship with her best friend Nico. Nico doesn’t have the best track record and everyone sees him as a bad boy, but not Leda. She is crazy about him and claims he has changed for her. Obviously he’s eager to be with her intimately but Leda isn’t sure if she’s ready for her first time. Questions and worry start filling her head.

I truly felt for Leda through this novel, going through teenage years is never easy, especially as a woman. So many questions and uncertainty and then you throw boys into the mix. I loved Leda for her fierce, head strong personality. Even though this novel deals with very real and emotional topics, teenage sex, insecurities, and eating disorders, the author did it in a very tasteful way. I’m sure many teenage girls could see aspects of this novel in their own lives, and they might even learn a thing or two about themselves along the way.

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Sex-O-S; The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time (Italian Teens, novel 2, The Italian Saga) by Gaia B Amman – Review by Rachel Moss

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Sex-O-S: The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time (The Italian Saga, #4)Sex-O-S: The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time by Gaia B. Amman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sex-O-S by Gaia B Amman was a great story! I always enjoy reading a Leda story, and this did not disappoint. Full of drama, and boy problems, self introspection, this novel starring Leda focused more on sex. I always chuckle to myself reading these novels, because Leda always overthinks her situations and problems. Great writing, great introspection, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel and can’t wait to read more of Leda’s adventures in Italy!

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Lucifer’s Emblem: A Paranormal Academy Novel (Celestial Academy Book 1) by Sarah Biglow & Molly Zenk – Review by Liz Vrchota

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Lucifer's Emblem (Celestial Academy, #1)Lucifer’s Emblem by Sarah Biglow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoy when Sarah Biglow and Molly Zenk get together to write just about anything but Lucifer’s Emblem has to be one of my favorites. Yes it does start out a touch slow but once things start to take off you feel as if you need to legit hang on for dear life until you reach that final chapter. I really look forward to seeing what will come next in this series from these two. This one has just about everything you could want in a sci-fi feel read. We get angels both good and bad, many adventurous situations and action to keep you enthralled. I love how at times I felt as if I had taken a step into the novel and was right there for the fun and action. This book will definitely take you away so I would give yourself some uninterrupted time to devour it like I did. I am sure you will enjoy the ride! Can’t wait for book two!

Review by @lizaileen
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Sex-O-S; The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time (Italian Teens, novel 2, The Italian Saga) by Gaia B Amman – Review by Liz Vrchota

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Sex-O-S: The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time (The Italian Saga, #4)Sex-O-S: The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time by Gaia B. Amman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sex-O-S is the lateset installment in the coming of age story of Leda. I would recommend that you read these books in order for the maximum enjoyment as it shows us with each one a new stage in her life and all the obstacles that come with said age group. I think for me this one was a bit harder to relate to or just to get into in general but I did overall enjoy the story. Maybe for me it was just the age group of her late teens that we get in this one. It is a confusing age and often we traverse some of the most difficult topics at the same time that our bodies go through a major change as well. I like how real and raw things are in these novels and I will be back to see what will come next for Leda as she continues to find her own way in this world and what that may look like for her.

Review by @lizaileen
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Sex-O-S; The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time (Italian Teens, novel 2, The Italian Saga) by Gaia B Amman – Review by Sheri Schrader

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Sex-O-S: The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time (The Italian Saga, #4)Sex-O-S: The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time by Gaia B. Amman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sex-O-S: The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time by Gaia B Amman is the second book in her Italian Teens series which is part of her The Italian Saga series. Leda has grown up to be an inquisitive and thoughtful later teen in this book. She is now facing questions most female teens go through and with her normal aplomb. Amman hits on some major subjects for ladies this age: sex, abuse, weight, and more with a careful and considerate hand to her writing. Leda is such a relatable character and with her lifelong friend Nico (I think many girls have someone like this) things get incredibly complicated. Will Leda learn to be her own beautiful friend? Read this to find out. This is not necessarily for a young girl to read but I think girls at the age of Leda will be able to relate and realize they are not alone in what they are experiencing and questioning.

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Every Last Psycho: A Collection of Two Novellas by Zarina Macha – Review by Meg Tyrrell

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Every Last Psycho: A Collection of Two NovellasEvery Last Psycho: A Collection of Two Novellas by Zarina Macha
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

** Contains graphic depictions of violence, sexual assault and drug abuse. Some material may be unsuitable for minors and thus should proceed with caution**
This is a first time author for me. This book has two separate novella’s. The first has Tess as our lead female character- she’s been diagnosed with schizophrenia triggered by the death of her twin brother Stanley. This is her story about dealing with her diagnoses and how she copes with things, which really isn’t a healthy way to cope, but I’m not schizophrenic so I don’t know how horrible day to day life would be. The second story has Evelyn as our main lead female character. She’s everything every girl wants to be- confident, beautiful, popular and rich. However, on the inside, she’s empty without any feeling and cruelty hiding under the surface. Will her friends and family notice before it’s too late? Both of these stories were decently told, with originality in the way the book unfolded.

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Lucifer’s Emblem: A Paranormal Academy Novel (Celestial Academy Book 1) by Sarah Biglow & Molly Zenk – Review by Katie Matthews

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Lucifer's Emblem (Celestial Academy, #1)Lucifer’s Emblem by Sarah Biglow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

I have read books by these two authors previously so I was really looking forward to reading this one and again I really enjoyed it. I will say it was a much slower pace than I was expecting but I liked that about it – it was slow but didn’t drag. The story was easy to read and follow and I liked that again it wasn’t obvious it was written by dual authors. The one thing I really liked about the story was how original it felt – Lucifer is a well-known character and story so there was a huge risk the story could become cliché but absolutely not! It was a very refreshing read form that point of view. Lucifer’s daughter was a really interesting character and I really enjoyed following her through the story.
Overall a really good read and one I would recommend!

@katiem
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Every Last Psycho: A Collection of Two Novellas by Zarina Macha – Review by Sara Oxton

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Every Last Psycho: A Collection of Two NovellasEvery Last Psycho: A Collection of Two Novellas by Zarina Macha
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Every Last Psycho by Zarina Macha a differing pair of four-star reads. This was a good collection, but they could have done with being longer, but I always feel that with shorter stories. This consists of Every Last Thought and Psycho Girl and I think in my eyes Psycho Girl was the stronger story, it just seemed to flow more naturally. Every Last Thought covers some very dark topics and shines a light on some that we don’t often see, the light shining I liked, but the dark topics I didn’t enjoy the way they were dealt with. I am sure some will see it differently, but If that was done differently this could have been a good story. Psycho Girl was a good story when you got into it, but I nearly couldn’t as the main character is a horrible person, I never write that and I am so anti-violence, but if I met her in the street and she spoke like she does in the story I would struggle to hold my temper, but the author got a very strong emotional response from me and that makes this the better story for me.

Review by @saraoxo

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Sex-O-S; The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time (Italian Teens, novel 2, The Italian Saga) by Gaia B Amman – Review by Lucy Berson

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Sex-O-S: The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time (The Italian Saga, #4)Sex-O-S: The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time by Gaia B. Amman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

SEX-O-S: The Tragicomic Adventure is an Italian Surviving The First Time (The Italian Saga #4) by Gaia B. Amman. This is a YA story dealing with teens and the heavy issues that plague them. The main issue is the “first time” and whether they are ready or not to take that next step. This book was filled with drama, humor, emotion and sex. I enjoyed this book and I can not wait to read more by Ms. Amman.

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Sex-O-S; The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time (Italian Teens, novel 2, The Italian Saga) by Gaia B Amman – Review by Amanda Taylor

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Sex-O-S: The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time (The Italian Saga, #4)Sex-O-S: The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time by Gaia B. Amman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The story Sex-O-S: The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time (Italian Teens, novel 2, The Italian Saga) by Gaia B. Amman is a Young adult book that is very raw in its emotions. This is what drew me into this book, and I found myself unable to put it down even though I was on a emotional train. This story follows Leda and her first time, all the emotions she experiences with all the questions that are in her head and add to that the peer pressure she’s receiving. She is in love with Nico but can she really change the bad boy? If she says no, will he wait to be with her? Then her experiencing everything she did, my heart was broken for her. The author did an amazing job with this book, and I will have to go back and read each book to play catch up.

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Lucifer’s Emblem: A Paranormal Academy Novel (Celestial Academy Book 1) by Sarah Biglow & Molly Zenk – Review by Tausha Treadway

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Lucifer's Emblem (Celestial Academy, #1)Lucifer’s Emblem by Sarah Biglow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Lucifer’s Emblem: A Paranormal Academy Novel (Celestial Academy Book 1) by Sarah Biglow & Molly Zenk. This is the first book in the Celestial Academy Book. Its the story of Zuri who is Lucifer’s daughter. As she is looking at her father’s emblems someone comes in and steals it right in front of her. She decides she has to follow them to find it because one day she will be responsible for it. The thief leads her to Celestial Academy where she has never been allowed to attend because she is the daughter of the fallen. Making a fake identity she decides to room with Miryam who is the daughter of the Archangel except she is no angel. Miryam has daddy issues because he is never around so she looks for affection wherever she can find it so becoming close to Zuri who doesn’t fit in at the Academy is her first move. Lucifer’s emblem can unleash Armageddon and Zuri’s blood is the only thing that can break the seal. Zuri doesn’t have to choice but to trust Miryam to avoid death and apocalypse. But will their bond be strong enough to get past years of bad blood between the two families? Read Lucifer’s Emblem to find out.

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Sex-O-S; The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time (Italian Teens, novel 2, The Italian Saga) by Gaia B Amman – Review by Candida Hopper

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Sex-O-S: The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time (The Italian Saga, #4)Sex-O-S: The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time by Gaia B. Amman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sex-O-S: The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time (Italian Teens, novel 2, The Italian Saga)
by Gaia B Amman

In this book Leda and Nico are a little bit older and with that comes more peer pressure. Leda gets more of an understanding as to why Nico is the way he is. Leda finds herself questioning when is a good time to decide to have sex, it seems everyone has a different opinion on this subject. The author did a wonderful job touching on some difficult issues that I thought were handled very well. The things some of these characters go through are a very realistic depiction of what a lot of teens go through. The detail written of different places in Italy they traveled to made me feel like I was there. This book is well written, and I couldn’t help but get invested in these characters. I recommend this book.

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Sex-O-S; The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time (Italian Teens, novel 2, The Italian Saga) by Gaia B Amman – Review by Madison Degraffenreid

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Sex-O-S: The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time (The Italian Saga, #4)Sex-O-S: The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time by Gaia B. Amman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sex-O-S; The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time (Italian Teens, novel 2, The Italian Saga) by Gaia B Amman

5-Stars

Sex-O-S; The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time (Italian Teens, novel 2, The Italian Saga) by Gaia B Amman was amazing. Leda is in her teens and she thinks she is in love with Nico but something happens which causes betrayal and pain. This leaves her with trust issues. She later meets Ange and the two explore new things and a relationship together. Reading how their relationship builds was sweet, frustrating, and at time hilarious. Nico is still on of my ever present on again off again favorites but Ange grew on me. Lena’s teenage experience took me back to my own teenage years. I loved her various reactions and how her friend dynamic changed. She is such an amazing main character. If you haven’t read any of the books in this series I highly recommend it. This is one of my favorite out of the series. Easy 5-Stars.

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Lucifer’s Emblem: A Paranormal Academy Novel (Celestial Academy Book 1) by Sarah Biglow & Molly Zenk – Review by Mirela Ruiz

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Lucifer's Emblem (Celestial Academy, #1)Lucifer’s Emblem by Sarah Biglow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lucifer’s Emblem: A Paranormal Academy Novel (Celestial Academy Book 1) by Sarah Biglow & Molly Zenk was a fun read. I really liked the plot and all of the twists. Zuri and Miry were polar opposite characters. I loved Zuri’s spunk and ability to call things out as she saw them. Miry was everything Zuri accused her of being. There were so many questions I still have and really hope to get more answers in the next book.

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Torch (Lovelock Book 2) by Tricia Copeland – Review by Krystal Gregory

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TorchTorch by Tricia Copeland
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Torch (Lovelock Book 2) by Tricia Copeland
4 out of 5 stars
Torch is the second book in the Lovelocked Series. This is a great series. I have a hard time with some young adult series, but this series is amazing. This book gives us the story of Jema and Troy. Jema’s government is after her, for something that is way over her head. There is a disease spreading through the community there is only one cure, and it runs in Jema’s veins. Branded a loyalist to her uncle and a traitor to her country, Jema, and her friends are on the run.
Fighting for their lives in a desolate desert, Jema and her friends find a group of sympathizers who will help her. And help her get the cure to the people.
This YA dystopian science fiction book has a little bit for all genre lovers. Copeland is an amazing storyteller and she never ceases to amaze me with each new book. Highly recommended for all genre lovers.

Reviewed by @kgregory

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Sex-O-S; The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time (Italian Teens, novel 2, The Italian Saga) by Gaia B Amman – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

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Sex-O-S: The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time (The Italian Saga, #4)Sex-O-S: The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time by Gaia B. Amman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Star
Sex-O-S; The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time (Italian Teens, novel 2, The Italian Saga) by Gaia B Amman

Wow What a story, I highly recommend if you haven’t already read the previous books in this series to read them as they follow Leda. First off teenage years can honestly suck and you have to make the best of any situation. There’s peer pressure and raging hormones and it’s hard enough adjusting to all the changes a teenager goes through. With that being said I found myself a bit emotional at times with everything Leda was dealing with. She’s in love with Nico who is considered a bad boy. Leda isn’t read to go to all the way, will he wait ? Will she change for him? Find out what happens next in this series absolute must read. I can’t wait to read more from this Author.

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Every Last Psycho : A Collection of Two Novellas by Zarina Macha – Review by Heather Bass

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Every Last Psycho: A Collection of Two NovellasEvery Last Psycho: A Collection of Two Novellas by Zarina Macha
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have read from this author and she got my full attention. I absolutely love a good psycho thriller but this author exceeded all my expectations. This book contains two novellas of two very different teenage girls. You will have a love and hate relationship with these girls but it will definitely open your eyes. I was so addicted to these stories I read them both in one day. I can’t wait to see what this author will write next.

The first novella was about a teen girl named Tess. She is dealing with Schizophrenia brought by her brother’s death. Tess has a hard time making friends because she is a weird girl. She has two best friends Ed and Monique. Tess loves her friends and one day she tells Ed that she really loves him. Will Tess get what she is looking for or will something else come along?

The second novella is about a college girl named Evelyn. She is very confident and always gets her way. Evelyn is in complete shock when she finds out that she doesn’t get her way in something that really matters. She ends up doing some horrible things to herself and others. Will someone stop her before it’s too late?

Review by @heatherbass
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Lucifer’s Emblem: A Paranormal Academy Novel (Celestial Academy Book 1) by Sarah Biglow & Molly Zenk – Review by Candida Hopper

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Lucifer's Emblem (Celestial Academy, #1)Lucifer’s Emblem by Sarah Biglow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Lucifer’s Emblem: A Paranormal Academy Romance (Celestial Academy Book 1)
by Sarah Biglow and Molly Zenk

This book drew me in from the beginning and I had a hard time putting it down. Zuri, daughter of Lucifer, has a very strong personality and she’s a little rough around the edges. She is determined to find the stolen relic no matter what, especially since she knows it will be her responsibility one day. Myriam, who is archangel Michael’s daughter, is a very needy girl who doesn’t get a lot of attention from her father. These two unlikely allies are trying to work together to catch the thief and retrieve the relic. There are always two sides to a story and it seems that Zuri has no problem telling the side of the story that the kids at the academy haven’t been told. This book took me on an adventure full of detail, great world building, wonderful characters, danger and more. I found this story to be original and very entertaining, I cannot wait to read the next book in this series. I highly recommend this book.

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Every Last Psycho: A Collection of Two Novellas by Zarina Macha – Review by Liz Vrchota

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Every Last Psycho: A Collection of Two NovellasEvery Last Psycho: A Collection of Two Novellas by Zarina Macha
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a set of two novellas from Zarina Macha whom I had read before and was certain I needed to read these as well as soon as I saw them. I have to start off with the major trigger warning I think just needs to be said. These books are not for the faint of heart when it comes to topics such as, substance abuse, rape, severe mental illness, and many more heavy topics that come with those together as well. The concepts and other literary and also other media forms that were pulled in and used were unique and I enjoyed the aspect. I will say overall these two novellas lacked a bit for me. Not in content because that is for sure there but in the way that I wanted to connect with these two women and really feel the emotion and the turbulence that the author wanted to achieve. I struggled to hear their voice and have sympathy for them when these books would have done significantly better to me to have had some sympathetic and approachability to them. I overall could get behind Tess more so in ‘Every Last Thought’. I feel as if she had the most potential for me to relate to. These stories do provoke thought and feelings so I have to give them that. I look forward to seeing what other dark topics Zarina Macha will take on in the future and how they will come out.

Review by @lizaileen
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Lucifer’s Emblem: A Paranormal Academy Novel (Celestial Academy Book 1) by Sarah Biglow & Molly Zenk – Review by Heather Lovelace

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Lucifer's Emblem (Celestial Academy, #1)Lucifer’s Emblem by Sarah Biglow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love this writing duo and this book didn’t disappoint. I loved the storyline and characters and found the premise intriguing and completely captivating. Rich detail and imagery kept me glued to the pages. I simply couldn’t read it fast enough. Loved it!

Reviewed by @heatherlovelace
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Sex-O-S; The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time (Italian Teens, novel 2, The Italian Saga) by Gaia B Amman – Review by Michelle Austin

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Sex-O-S: The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time (The Italian Saga, #4)Sex-O-S: The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time by Gaia B. Amman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sex-O-S: The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time
(The Italian Saga #4) by Gaia B. Amman was a great 5 star read.

We start where we left off in the previous book. This is Leda’s story told in her POV about her first time and the emotions that she deals with, among other things. Nico is Leda’s best friend and the man she has feelings for. Problem is he’s not always nice to Leda. Can she get past the trust issues?

There is so much more to this great read. Leda grows up to be a beautiful young woman and we get a great final book in the series. We get all the teen issues, eating disorders and so much more. My emotions were all over the place, I was laughing and crying at times. We get lots of great characters that added a great element to the story. If you’re looking for a great coming of age series with wonderful characters this is the one for you. 1-click and get started today.

Reviewed by @mab54615
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Sex-O-S; The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time (Italian Teens, novel 2, The Italian Saga) by Gaia B Amman – Review by Heather Lovelace

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Sex-O-S: The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time (The Italian Saga, #4)Sex-O-S: The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time by Gaia B. Amman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Amman is a very gifted storyteller which is further evidenced in this installment in her Italian Saga. I anticipated a very interesting exploration of a poignant time for most and I was certainly not disappointed. I love the added layer of a foreign (to me) culture and upbringing. Very richly detailed and some great characters. Recommend reading this in series order for best understanding.

Reviewed by @heatherlovelace
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Sex-O-S; The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time (Italian Teens, novel 2, The Italian Saga) by Gaia B Amman – Review by Jenni Bishop

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Sex-O-S: The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time (The Italian Saga, #4)Sex-O-S: The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time by Gaia B. Amman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sex-O-S: The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time (Italian Teens, novel 2, The Italian Saga) by Gaia B. Amman is a YA story of a young woman who finds boys and first-time love and giving in to a sexual experience. As with the other books it is honest and raw and Gaia’s fictional tale of a younger self through her childhood/teens/womanhood, set in beautiful Italy. It deals with expectations and insecurities and exploring different things.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Lucifer’s Emblem: A Paranormal Academy Novel (Celestial Academy Book 1) by Sarah Biglow & Molly Zenk – Review by Carrie Reed

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Lucifer's Emblem (Celestial Academy, #1)Lucifer’s Emblem by Sarah Biglow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 stars!
Lucifer’s Emblem is a fun read. I really enjoyed the storyline and how Lucifer has a daughter, Zuri. The friendship between Zuri and Damian is beautiful, he would sacrifice not only his future but himself to save her. He also has her back when it comes to lying to her father, but it is funny that he really can’t keep any secrets from the king of hell. Zuri and Miryam’s relationship is weird for me. I can understand why Miryam is so sheltered and annoying and I also understand why Zuri would be frustrated with her. It was nice that they both formed a sort of bond and friendship and by the end, Miryam was willing to sacrifice herself to save her new friend. By the end the group of friends defeated Beelzebub and saved the world from the apocalypse, but there is some tension with Miryam and her boyfriend Chris and Zuri. It seems Zuri may have developed feelings for Miryam and I am hoping in the second book we get to see their relationship grow more romantic, because I agree with what Damian says, in that they have something special.
Definitely a great read, I would recommend to paranormal lovers and romantic lovers alike, and can’t wait for the next book.

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Sex-O-S; The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time (Italian Teens, novel 2, The Italian Saga) by Gaia B Amman – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

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Sex-O-S: The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time (The Italian Saga, #4)Sex-O-S: The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time by Gaia B. Amman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sex-O-S: The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time is the next book in the Italian Teens series by Gaia B Amman. It should be read following Forget Nico, in order to get the backstory. The whole series follows Leda, an Italian teenager in a coming of age story. Leda is a teenager now and has experienced her first heartbreak and big breakup. Now she is on to her first long term, serious relationship. She is torn between being a “good girl” and experiencing sex like her friends. She struggles with acceptance and love, and many aspects of her relationship. She is dating an older boy, and with that, comes it own struggles. I love that it is based on a true story, and is brutally honest, relevant to the age of the characters. It deals with real issues girls this age have. Including crushes, love, loosing virginity, pregnancy, and eating disorders. Despite the heavy topics, it is done in a tasteful way that keeps the reader interested but not upset. There are a lot of emotions felt throughout this book, from the characters to the reader. I highly recommend the series and have been thoroughly enjoying it.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Lucifer’s Emblem: A Paranormal Academy Novel (Celestial Academy Book 1) by Sarah Biglow & Molly Zenk – Review by Faith Jackson

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Lucifer's Emblem (Celestial Academy, #1)Lucifer’s Emblem by Sarah Biglow
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When Lucifer’s token seal — his only protection against the fallen angels who ejected him from, is stolen, his very own daughter, Zuri locates it at the Celestial Academy. As a degenerate, she’d never been allowed to enter the school for the heirs of angels and saints. Under a false persona, it leads her straight to Miryam bat-Michael.
Daughter of fallen angel, Michael, Miryam is a far cry from the angel her dad is. Seeking approval and devotion from her father who’s barely around, she’s looking for love in all the wrong places even if that means befriending Zuri who no one else seems to favor.
A speculative bond unfolds as the two unravel the mystery of the thief’s true intentions. As doomsday is about to unfold the world, only Zuri’s blood can break the seal. Zuri’s only hope is to put all her trust in Miryam but is their bond enough to prevent the worst from ending the world as they know it?
This has most definitely been an entertaining, page-turner of a read and was unpredictable from start to finish. Action-packed and worth the read. Check out this beautiful story!

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Sex-O-S; The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time (Italian Teens, novel 2, The Italian Saga) by Gaia B Amman – Review by Jennifer Gordon

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Sex-O-S: The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time (The Italian Saga, #4)Sex-O-S: The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time by Gaia B. Amman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second novel in Gaia B Amman’s, ‘Italian Teens’ series, although a fictionalised series it is based on the authors life and she has written the series so it, “empowers girls and women to be their brave true selves”. The series of books are humorous and insightful novels for young adults which take place in Northern Italy. I felt fully immersed in the beautiful setting thanks to the authors wonderfully detailed descriptions. I also like how she has kept some Italian words in the narrative so as not to loose their meaning, mostly swear words, it does add to the immersive feeling.
It is Italy, in the 1990s, and we catch up with fierce, nerdy, independent Leda who is in high school, and hormones are raging. Leda’s biggest decision is, let lust take over or hold off till marriage. The object of her affections is best friend Nico. However Nico has become a bit of a bully and a player, can Leda trust him as she also battles her own emotions, confidence, guilt, parents, but mainly her desire.
This is an emotional read which is told with humour and honesty. The storyline deals with some sensitive issues, teen sex, eating disorders and teenage insecurities all of which are dealt with honestly and with sensitivity. The main issues for Leda in the story are around having sex for the first time and all the emotions that come with this, again the author writes about this openly and honestly but is also never vulgar. I fell in love with Leda again reading this story and think she is a great main character, thanks to the wonderful narrative I went on a emotional rollercoaster along with Leda as she entered into womanhood. An enjoyable book and also an original and empowering read.

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Sex-O-S; The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time (Italian Teens, novel 2, The Italian Saga) by Gaia B Amman – Review by Karyn Taylor

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Sex-O-S: The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time (The Italian Saga, #4)Sex-O-S: The Tragicomic Adventure of an Italian Surviving the First Time by Gaia B. Amman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sex-O-S is the follow up novel to Forget Nico by Gaia B. Amman. It is a great young adult novel of self-discovery set in Italy in the mid to late 1990’s. I had really enjoyed Forget Nico and was really looking forward to see what was in store next for Nico and Leda.
At 15 Leda has finally got Nico as her boyfriend. After being besotted with him for years she’s now finally his girlfriend so everything should be perfect. But it’s not; Nico wants to take their relationship to the next level and Leda’s not ready for that yet and doesn’t think she will be for a long time.
This is a great story of self-discovery as 15 year old Leda wars with herself in her own head. She loves her boyfriend but doesn’t feel ready to have sex yet. This book takes us through Leda’s journey from age 15 to age 18. It’s not just her sexual discovery that this book focusses on but also Leda’s self-image. We are told that Leda is carrying a bit of extra weight (she regards herself as being fat) and she embarks on a mission to shed some of the extra pounds.
I love that this author has taken these two issues: that of sexual awakening and self-image and tackled them in a fantastic way. I absolutely adore Leda’s character and look forward to reading more of her journey as she moves on to college.

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