All Laura Fitzpatrick wanted to do was tell her lab partner, Maddie, how she really feels about her, but when a perfect opportunity falls into her lap, Laura does what she does best – chickens out.
Then, Laura is dared to check out the abandoned carnival grounds outside of town, and she seizes the opportunity to prove to herself and others that she can be brave after all. To her surprise, Maddie isn’t about to let her go alone.
As they explore the eerie property, they’re thrust into an endless night of terror, where danger lurks around every corner. With a century-old mystery waiting to be uncovered, Laura must learn what true bravery means if she hopes to get herself – and Maddie – out of the Plum Creek Carnival alive.
Whatever you do, don’t let the Carnival Man see you…
What started as a date turned into a nightmare for Laura and Maddie. I loved see Laura find her strength and realize she was braver than she’d thought. Her courage was inspirational.
I dislike spoilers so I won’t go into detail. However… Carousel kept me spellbound from start to finish. I can’t exactly call the storytelling of a gruesome horror beautifully written but… it was. The imagery of each brutal killing and the emotions of the characters brought this story to life.
Truly exceptional! This is a must-read for horror fans,
**DISLCAIMER: I am voluntarily leaving a review after receiving an ARC. The review above is only my opinion.**
Title: The Devil Within Author: T.R. Slauf Genre: Horror Release Date: February 1, 2024
In 1886, widowed psychiatrist Dr. Wilhelm Grey, Questions his sanity as mysterious events plague his hospital. A new patient tempts his mortal soul, while a maniac mocks his pain. When his eldest daughter is mutilated, he searches for answers, allowing his vengeance to feed his wrath.
He reaches his breaking point when a patient dies in a freak accident, and a maniac set loose on the grounds.
Has he gone mad as his patients, or is something more sinister afoot?
This was my first time reading a book by T.R. Slauf. I’ve always enjoyed horror stories about demons and ghosts, particularly haunted houses and asylums, so this book was right up my alley.
I had to admit, it took me a good chapter or two before I reached the “I can’t put this down” stage of the book, but I did finish the same day I started reading it. I took off half a star because of the head hopping issues that presented a few spots, but otherwise, I really enjoyed the story.
Humans are interesting creatures, and this book definitely puts a big spotlight on that fact. The “good” doctor was worse than his patients, particularly because all the pain and harm he caused was meant to help his patients. The demonic being was the most honest of them all — well, and Mary. I really loved her character. Despite all she suffered, she remained strong to the very end.
Dr. Grey might have been a bad guy but he wasn’t the bad guy in this story. The fact he couldn’t see his own flaws and dark desires made me want to reach into the pages and punch him, but his lack of self-awareness is partly what drives the story. He’s a distasteful character, and got what he deserved.
The Devil Within is a twisted horror tale that will stay with you… Don’t think you’re finished once the book ends. No, you’ll only be left wondering what happens next because this one doesn’t stop with a hard “the end”. It’s left to your imagination what becomes of the characters once the story is over.
If you’re a fan of House on Haunted Hill, then you’re going to love The Devil Within.
DISCLAIMER: I received a free copy from a book tour company and am voluntarily leaving a review. The review above is only my opinion.
The Mature-rated Boys’ Love horror webtoon from Lezhin that became a global manhwa hit! Get this chilling and thrilling tale in a deluxe, full-color paperback in English for the very first time.
Yoon Bum, a scrawny and quiet man, has a crush on one of the most popular and handsome guys in his college: Sangwoo. After the two cross paths again during their military training, Yoon Bum’s feelings grow in intensity until they become an obsession–and he breaks into Sangwoo’s home. But what he sees inside is not the Sangwoo of his fantasies; his dreams of this alluring man abruptly turn into a nightmare.
This wildly popular BL horror manhwa webtoon is the grand prize winner of the 2nd Lezhin Comics World Comic Contest, and has been published in numerous languages since its 2016 debut, winning critical praise across the globe. Now readers can own this full-color, deluxe paperback edition in English for the first time, with a special fold-out insert included in every volume!
TAGS: Manhwa, BL, Dark, Horror, Comics/Manga
MY REVIEW – 5 STARS!
I actually binge-read this series as a web comic the had to have the physical copies –and yes, I read the entire series.
First, if really dark content bothers you, then you probably aren’t going to enjoy this. But if you enjoy deeply disturbed characters with some serious psychological trauma that results in a twisted tale, this is a must read.
I couldn’t help but feel sorry for both characters to some degree. Bum truly did get the short end of the stick. Bullied in school, traumatized at home, and he falls for a killer… Kid had the worst luck ever. I won’t go into all the details, but I did mark this as a spoiler alert for those who prefer to go in completely blind. Once you learn all the things Bum suffered, you’ll understand why he turned out the way he did. All he really wanted was love and acceptance, and it didn’t seem to matter where it came from.
Sangwoo at first just comes across as your typical serial killer. And maybe I’ve A) studied serial killers too much and B) read too much dark twisted stories to use the words “typical” and “serial killer” together. However, as the story progresses, you begin to pick up on the clues and realize that he also suffered trauma at home, just of a different type than Bum.
The downside to this series is that once you’re done, you’re going to have a hard time finding anything this spectacular in the same genre. I was truly blown away by the art and storyline, and the true depth of the characters. If I could rate it more than 5 stars, I would!
Disclaimer: The review above is only my opinion. I purchased/borrowed the book. Neither the author nor publisher requested a review.
We’re celebrating the release of Katie Richard’s latest romance, More than Our Fake Vows! Read on for more details and visit one of our Bookstagram hosts for a chance to win a book box!
More than Our Fake Vows
Publication Date: December 12, 2023
Genre: Contemporary Romance
🎵Marriage of Convenience
🎵Friends to Lovers
🎵Slow Burn
🎵Small Town
🎵Spicy
🎵Country Music Star
After catching her fiancé cheating, Natalie leaves the city she’s grown to love. Starting over in Hickory Valley, Georgia, a one-redlight town that makes for the perfect escape, or so she thought. Natalie makes quick friends with a local bartender and they both decide to make a pact- no men for a year. Natalie doubles down on her career until a handsome stranger strolls into the bar and threatens her resolve.
Teagan’s gold-digging ex is threatening to ruin him, his band and anything else she can get her greedy hands on. Hickory Valley looks like just the place to hide out while the press calms down. Nobody would think to look for him in this dust covered farm town.
With a cruel twist of fate, Natalie finds herself needing a husband, and fast! A fake marriage could fix both of their problems and what did they have to lose? Neither Teagan nor Natalie wants an actual relationship, it only has to look real to everyone else.
A string of events, tests their friendship and when emotions run high are they able to keep their feelings at bay? Or will they fall victim to the other’s charm and throw caution to the wind?
I have to admit this one didn’t hook me immediately. The book description caught my attention, and I knew I needed to read it. But it took me a few chapters to really invest in the story and the characters. There weren’t any issues with the writing itself. The slow start is merely my own personal experience. Doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give this one a try. It may grab you from the first word.
I enjoyed Natalie’s feistiness, and liked that Teagan seemed intrigued by her from the start. I also liked the fact he was a gentleman who wanted to give her a helping hand — not that she needed it. As far as fake relationships go, this one entertained me mostly because of the dynamic between the characters.
A solid read and good story. The ending did feel a little unfinished, which is a turn-off for me. I’m not a fan of cliffhangers.
*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this story and am voluntarily leaving an honest review. This review is only my opinion.
About the Author
Katie is an Indie Author who lives in Vermont with her husband and their children. When she’s not busy working, writing, or spending time with loved ones, she enjoys getting lost in a good book. Katie loves all types of gardening but especially enjoys flowers. When she’s not hard at work writing the next novel in the Destiny Of Graystone series or the standalone romantic suspense novels, she likes creating things in Canva or Procreate!
Just when I thought life couldn’t get any harder, I’m abducted by aliens and dropped on a hostile alien planet. Everything is trying to make me its next snack…even one of the natives that call the planet home. Tall, grey-skinned, with piercing amber eyes, Zarris watches me with a different kind of hunger.
I tell myself I don’t have time to notice the fearless, scarred man who makes my heart race. Finding a way back home has to be a priority. However, my determination to return to Earth sets into motion a chain of events that won’t only change my future but Zarris’ too.
Well written, creative, and entertaining. I’ve been hooked on MJ Haag’s books for over a year now, and I’m excited about this new series. Can’t wait to read more!
Strong female lead. Stubborn alpha male with a tender side. Lots of misconceptions. And drama … A thoroughly enjoyable alien romance. I’m eager to see how things play out between the aliens and Earth.
While there are a few unfinished story arcs by the end, it does have a happily for now ending that was just as satisfying. I hope we’ll see more of Adriana and Zarris in the next book, even if they aren’t the central couple.
*Disclaimer: I purchased/borrowed this title from Amazon. The author did not request a review. The review above is only my opinion.
The woman that’d been hounding my every step since the day she was born. From the moment we first comforted each other in the hospital, to the day that I left her to follow her dreams, I knew that she was my one.
Through marriage, divorce, and a prison sentence, I had low expectations when it came to her ever coming around to my way of life. What kind of woman wanted a man that’d been to prison, had a child that disliked him and everything he stood for, and had zero prospects in life?
But then she popped into my life again, and that feeling of suffocation slacked off for the first time since I let her go.
***
The first time I tried to come back to Aodhan, I found him married with a kid on the way.
The second time I tried, he was heading to jail.
As one would say, the third time is the charm, right? Wrong.
The third time, he was divorced, fresh from prison, had a kid, and was again with his ex-wife.
That was the final nail in my coffin. I decided to give up.
I would do anything and everything I could to avoid him. Hiding wasn’t beneath me.
I only wish he’d stuck with my plan, because the moment he sees me again, it’s like he’s seen the light. Avoiding him is impossible when he goes out of his way to insinuate himself into every aspect of my life.
If only life was as perfect as my dreams.
My Review – 5 stars
The Voices Are Back was an enjoyable read that hooked me from the beginning. For me, this seemed a little lighter on suspense and action than of Ms. Vale’s books, and heavier on the dramatic. It didn’t detract from the story in any way. In fact, it’s what worked best for these particular characters.
We once again have a perfectly imperfect heroine with health issues. It’s a common theme with Ms. Vale’s books, and one that works for her. I like that her characters have issues more complex than the usual things you find in romances. Despite Morr’s POTS, she doesn’t let it hold her back. Sure, there are things she can’t do without harming herself or others, but she finds a “new” normal and keeps moving forward.
I thought the romance between her and Aodan was so sweet! There was heat, but there was so much more to their love story than just sex. They’d had a connection all their lives. I cheered them on from the very beginning, anxious to see how their happily ever after would unfold.
If you’re looking for a dramatic romance, with a timeless love, and secondary characters that will add to the comedy and theatrics, then you can’t go wrong with The Voices Are Back!
*Disclaimer: I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. The review above is only my opinion.
An old mansion sits atop of a cliff, overlooking the ocean, in Santa Cruz, CA. A young realtor, Darcy Wainwright, manages to sell the dilapidated old house to Henry Childs, an obese nebbish who is obsessed with the property. In the backyard is a pool. Not an ordinary pool but a giant tide pool. In the tide pool is a siren with an evil agenda for revenge.
Henry Childs led a life of total inconsequence. He had no friends, no hobbies, no guilty pleasures. He had spent his thirty-eight years in the space behind his mother’s aggression, lacking the courage to reach for anything more than this pitiless world deigned to dish to him.
Edith Childs screamed at Henry from the other room, “Henry, I’m bored. I want to go for a drive.”
Henry’s face scrunched in disdain, and the folds in his ample neck turned red. There was no denying her, not that he had ever had the backbone to attempt anything so drastic. Henry Childs had spent his thirty-eight years in the space behind his mother’s aggression, lacking the courage to reach for anything more than this pitiless world deigned to dish to him.
With a stoic exhale, he paused his video game, gulped down his cinnamon roll, lifted his considerable bulk out of the comfort of his reclining chair, and began the routine that would eventually get his mother from her bedroom to her wheelchair and into the car.
He grabbed her yellow sweater to be sure that she would stay warm.
“Henry, I’m not a child. I know if I’m cold or not.”
He held up the cardigan and attempted to help her into it.
“I can dress myself, thank you.”
Then there was the transfer from her sitting chair to her wheelchair.
“For goodness sakes, Henry, you would think this was the first time you’ve ever done this. Move the chair closer. I’m not an acrobat.”
…the parade out to the porch.
“Henry, don’t scrape the wall. You’re always so careless. We have gouges up and down the whole hallway.”
…down the ramp.
“Don’t go so fast. Are you trying to launch me into outer space?”
…across the walkway toward the car.
“Do you have to hit every bump on the walk? Wait, go back, I think you missed one.”
…then finally into the car.
“Be careful of my head. I don’t want to lose what sense I have left.”
By the time the car door was closed, with his disintegrating mother safely ensconced inside, Henry had sweat running down his forehead and was breathing hard. His double chins were dripping from each crevice, and his shirt was beginning to stain from the accumulating moisture. He dropped her chair into the trunk, wiped his brow on his sleeve, and embraced his final moments of silence before he opened the door and plopped behind the steering wheel of his Nissan Murano.
Book Review – 4 stars
The Siren’s Scream will keep you on the edge of your seat. Full of twists and turns, it will keep you guessing. While I did enjoy the story, it took me a bit to get into it. Once I made it through the first chapter, I was eager to see what would happen next. This was my first time reading this author, but I’ll have to check out his other books.
*I received a copy as part of the book tour and have voluntarily left a review. The review above is only my opinion.
About the Author
Thomas White began his career as an actor. Several years later he found himself as an Artistic Director for a theatre in Southern California and the winner of several Drama-Logue and Critics awards for directing. As Tom’s career grew, he directed and co-produced the world tour of “The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Coming Out Of Their Shells”. The show toured for over two years, was translated into seven different languages and seen by over a million children. Tom served as President and Creative Director for Maiden Lane Entertainment for 24 years and worked on many large-scale corporate event productions that included Harley Davidson, Microsoft, Medtronic Diabetes, and dozens of others. The Siren’s Scream is Tom’s second novel that follows up Justice Rules which was nominated as a finalist in the Pacific Northwest Writers Association 2010 Literary contest.
Bain met Diana, a.k.a. Luce, the night before he was set to deploy to Afghanistan.
It’s not every day that you take your brother’s girlfriend to prom because he refuses to put out the effort.
That night was one of the best nights of his life and the next day, he leaves and doesn’t see her again.
But there are letters. Not many, but enough for them to form a connection.
Over the two-year deployment, they became great friends.
The best of friends—at least, as good of friends as you can be when it’s your brother’s wife.
Fast-forward six years and she still counts him as one of her greatest friends. Even going as far as to stick by him when he’s sent to prison because his own brother turned on him.
***
Luce had a crush on her then-boyfriend’s brother since way before she and Bain’s brother were married. From the moment he volunteered to take her to prom, she’d fallen.
Over the years, she’d tried to hide it. Tried to go on with her life and act like she loved her husband and only her husband. But as time went on and Braxton started to treat her more and more like crap, she realized the truth. Her husband wasn’t Bain. Her husband would never be him.
Hell, that’d been proven time and time again.
The smoking gun, though? The thing that made her realize it was time to leave?
When her husband stood by while she was assaulted, while the man she tried to act like was just a friend protected her. Then was sentenced to eight years in jail for it.
It was time to admit the truth.
Bain McDempsey was it for her. She just had to help him see it. Oh, and get him out of prison first.
BOOK REVIEW – 5 stars
Luce & Bain are the perfect couple!
Looking for a book with a military hero who’d go to jail if it meant keeping his woman safe?
Or a book with a determined, self-sufficient woman who goes after what she wants?
Need something with drama, action, and a psycho villain?
Well… that is definitely Good Trouble! Bain is this super big teddy bear – with fangs. He’s sweet and caring when it comes to his parents and his woman. Anyone who dares to hurt those he loves better have their affairs in order. Sure, that makes him like pretty much every romance hero out there, but isn’t that what we love about these books? The imperfectly perfect her?
Luce has her own issues, not to mention an ex-husband who is quite the piece of work! But Bain brings out her best qualities and loves her exactly as she is. She’s tough when she needs to be. Brave. Fierce. And loyal. Honestly, I think she’s now my favorite LLV heroine. She’s amazing.
I’d planned to start this book, then set it aside so I could actually sleep. I should have known better. Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop. Lani Lynn Vale has done it yet again. Seriously. This book is all kinds of amazing.
*Disclaimer: I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It’s been months since the earth opened up and unleashed hell on us. Months scouring the decimated Midwest in search of a way to stop the spreading plague and save what’s left humanity.
Instead, I discover something far more vital.
Whatever hell unleashed is following us. He has the body of a gladiator and the cunning mind of a general. He also has the power to stop the plague at its source. And all he wants in return is me–willing or not.
But, in order to save what remains of the world, he’ll need to risk the one thing he wants most. Me. Perfect for fans of dystopian romance, frightening dark fey, and heroines with fire, Demon Defeat will take you to the edge of humanity–literally.
I’ve loved every book in this series, but for some reason, this one just didn’t wow me like they usually do. I think I had a harder time connecting with the characters in this one. They weren’t quite as three-dimensional to me as the previous books. It just felt like it was lacking the usual intensity, and while all the right words were on the page, the passion behind them didn’t feel like it was there.
I did enjoy the interactions between Andie and Molev, even though I wanted to smack her a few times. The secondary characters I either loved or hated. There was no inbetween. I’m curious to see what happens next, so I’ll be picking up the next book in the series. This one just didn’t wow me like the past stories have. I didn’t have the same connection as I typically do with the characters in this series, but it was still a good story.
*Disclaimer: The author did not request a review of this title. I purchased the book from Amazon and the review above is only my opinion.
The problem with Wake was that he was understandable. He was the type of villain that literally scared the absolute shit out of you because you knew that under the right circumstances, you could end up exactly like him.
Which, sadly, was the case for me.
I’d done the exact same thing as Wake, and now I was a murderer just like him.
Did I know that I did wrong? Hell yes.
Did I regret that? Hell no.
Did I plan on changing a thing? Also, no.
Was I falling in love with a man that should scare the shit out of me? A resounding hell yes.
My review – 5 stars!
Dutch and Wake were so perfect together!
Strong female lead? Check!
Alpha male who protects the weak? Check!
Suspense? Check!
Sexiness? Check!
This book has it all… If you want a book that will have you cheering for the hero and heroine, wanting to reach into the pages to rip apart the evil villain, and gives you the happy ever after you crave, then you can’t go wrong with Nobody Cares Unless You’re Pretty.
