Category Archives: book review

BOOK REVIEW: My Little Tyrant by YoungDa

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Tyrant turned toddler!

After realizing she’s inside her favorite novel, Ellenfiela uses her “prophetic powers,” a.k.a. her knowledge of the story, to make money! This catches the eye of the imperial palace, and she’s recruited to help the emperor, who has an unusual problem. But this wasn’t in the original novel, was it?!

Genres: Romantasy, Possessed, Master-Servant

Available at Manta!

MY REVIEW – 5 stars!

I stumbled across this one earlier this year, and for whatever reason, had to take a break from reading. I think life just got too hectic. But I made the time to finish it today, and I’m so very glad I did!

Ellenfiela was the a truly awesome character! I loved her whit, her sass, and even found her to be quite cunning at times. Sicar, the dragon turned child, was hilarious and added a lot of comedic relief. Then there was the emperor, Persilion. He came across as stand-offish and downright rude at first, but the more you read, the more you realize it’s more of a defense mechanism. He’s already lost so much. But by being cursed and turning into a four year old, he learns to have faith in others, and that perhaps not everything that happens is always his fault.

I loved how caring Ellenfiela was, and the moments when Persilion turned back into his adult self, you could see the affection the two had for one another clearly — although clearly not of the romantic variety while the emperor was stuck as a small child. They learned a lot about one another during that time, and formed a bond that could later turn into love once the curse had been broken.

This manwha has quite a bit of action, magic, conspiracies, and so much more! If you want a story that’s full of heart, adventure, and has a satisfying ending, then you don’t want to miss out on My Little Tyrant.

Disclaimer: I read this web comic through a Manta subscription and am voluntarily leaving a review. This review is only my opinion.

BOOK REVIEW: Undertow (A Short Story) by Marlena Frank

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Genre: Horror
Release Date: December 15, 2021

About the Book…

June has always been in motion. She’s never satisfied with a place for long, so she’s always moving and never content. Even her love life is a maelstrom, leaving behind a long list of lovers. After years of searching for a sense of belonging, she is drawn to the ocean waters near Leekston. She convinces Jeremy, a wealthy young playboy with a yacht, to take her out to the cold open waters.

She hopes to find answers, but Jeremy expects compensation for his trip and something watches in the deep waters. They are not alone.

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My Review…

3 1/2 stars

This wasn’t quite what I expected. Not in a bad way, but to me, it didn’t really come across as horror — more of a dark fantasy. For a short story, it had all the elements a story should have. I enjoyed the suspense as we waited to find out what was hiding in the water. I just felt what came next was anticlimactic. Overall, it was well-written, the characters were nicely done. The story just didn’t wow me.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. The review above is only my opinion.

BOOK REVIEW: Dead by Morning by Kayla Frederick

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Genre: YA Horror
Release Date: May 31, 2025
Publisher: Into the Darkness Publishing

About the Book…

Obsession is deadly.

No one learns that better than Luna Ketz, a pessimistic high school senior. Caught between her parents’ intentions for her life and her own plans, boys are the last thing on Luna’s mind. This fact doesn’t deter the mysterious Chance Welfrey from trying to gain her affection.

Luna doesn’t think twice about him until girls at their high school begin to disappear. Girls who tended to hurt her. Girls she wished would disappear.

When she receives a call from a long-lost friend, normalcy goes out the window as she’s plunged into the paranormal. There’s a world beneath the surface of the unconscious mind, and a murderer who knows how to navigate it.

Luna is in danger and although she can avoid the killer in reality, she cannot avoid him in her dreams.

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My Review…

★ ★ ★ ★ ★
5 stars!

While I admit the first few chapters had a slower pace, it was necessary to build up to the main events. There were times Luna’s character annoyed me, but she was a strong character overall. But my favorite was Chance. The author did a fantastic job with his character! When I got to the end of the book and realized there’s going to be a second one, I was thrilled!

Dead by Morning is a must-read for fans of the Scream and Nightmare on Elm Street franchises. If you like your horror with twisted killers, suspense, and a dash of the paranormal, you won’t be disappointed with this book.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. The review above is only my opinion.

BOOK REVIEW: A Temptress for the Troll by Rose Kent

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Monster Mates book 3
CLICK HERE to see the Book Tour post and read an excerpt!

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My Review – 3 stars

Cute little mystery. While I enjoyed the story overall, it just didn’t wow me. At times it seemed to drag a bit, and others there was a lot going on at once. The flow felt a bit off to me. The way the story is written doesn’t really make it feel like there’s a main character, even though the book description makes it clear that would be Kate.

Since I jumped in with book 3 in the series, it took me a few chapters to really get into the story and figure out who was who. Lots of characters introduced in the first few chapters, so I’d recommend starting with book 1 in the series. I think the author tried to make it easy to jump in mid-series, and that’s why there’s so much about the various characters crammed into the story, but I think it actually made it feel a bit disjointed.

It’s possible the ARC I received was not the final copy, so hopefully the editing issues aren’t present in the version for sale, but they tended to pull me out of the story when I ran across them (especially the random shifts from first person to third in the same paragraph). Or the vampire “aging well” — I’m guessing if he’s aging at all I missed something by not reading the first two books, or it’s something that was missed in edits. But I know those types of things don’t bother everyone.

I liked the overall premise of a monster dating service. However, the series title made it seem like this would be a paranormal romance, and that’s not the case. Or at least it doesn’t feel like a romance to me. It’s definitely more of a supernatural cozy mystery.

If you’re looking for a light read set in a supernatural world, then give this book and series a try. The review above is only my opinion, so please read A Temptress for the Troll to decide for yourself whether it’s going to be a must-read story for you.

*Disclaimer: I received an ARC from Silver Dagger Book Tours and am voluntarily leaving a review. As I mentioned, this review is only my opinion.

BOOK TOUR & REVIEW: The Gulf by Shelly Campbell

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We have the quintessential spooky read for you this month! Check out Gulf by Shelly Campbell, and the newly released sequel, Breach!

Gulf (Dark Walker Series Book 1)

Publication Date: July 2024

Genre: Horror/ Sci-Fi

A lonely teen discovers a new door in his family’s old summer cottage and unknowingly opens a portal to a terrifying world.

All my life they told me monsters weren’t real. They were dead wrong.

Hello. My name is David Rawlingson Junior and I’ve accidentally opened a door into Hell.

When my brothers and I found the locked door to the newly built extension on our rental cottage, the race to find the key was on. Little did I know that exploring the room beyond would create a bridge to countless alternate realities where humans have been eradicated. Ravenous creatures stalk the night, and they want nothing more than to get onto my side and feast.

But time is running out. I can’t get the bridge to break, and the more time I spend on the wrong side of the door digging for clues, the more I fade in my world.

Whatever these creatures are, I’m the only thing in their way. Shit.

Get ready for the re-release of this creepy, disturbing and intense novel by Shelly Campbell.
Including a brand new BONUS Novella taking place after the events of that fateful day.

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

MY REVIEW – 4 1/2 stars

New to me author. That being said, I really love horror stories, and this was one was short enough I could squeeze it into my tight schedule. Don’t let the page count fool you. It’s a very well-written, fast-paced story that will keep you glued to the pages. The author didn’t skimp on details, and writes in a descriptive way that makes you feel as if you’re in the story. I found myself rooting for David, and sad over how he felt invisible to his family. But the world beyond the door was everything I hoped it would be. I don’t do spoilers so you’ll have to read the story to find out more. Very enjoyable read!

*Disclaimer: I received an ARC and am leaving an honest review. The review above is only my opinion. 

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R&R BOOK TOURS

BOOK REVIEW: American Horrors – The Dead Children’s Playground by James Kaine

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Genre: Supernatural Horror
Release Date: August 20, 2024
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A cemetery filled with innocents. A ghostly chill in the air. Will a short walk through the woods awaken a dark power?

Kylie Macklin is eager to live a normal life. Freshly moved from Florida to Alabama and finally in remission from cancer, the optimistic nine-year-old is used to dodging her overprotective mom’s warnings. So when a new playmate invites her to hang out, the happy girl thinks nothing of the playground being located in a graveyard for young victims of the Spanish Flu… and a local serial killer.

Kayla Macklin hates starting over. Forced to relocate after her little sister’s recovery, the sullen nineteen-year-old despises her new home more when she sees a terrifying vision in the nearby crypt. And as kids around town start to fall gravely ill, she begins to suspect there is something sinister at play.

Tormented by a frightening specter’s ever-closer appearances, Kylie turns to her older sibling for help. But as Kayla digs into the history of the haunted ground, the twisted truths she discovers hint at a bloodthirst that can never be sated.

Can they face down the malevolent force without tripping into their own graves?

The Dead Children’s Playground is the bone-chilling first book in the American Horrors series. If you like dark twists, scary puzzles, and poignant moments, then you’ll love James Kaine’s supernatural spine-tingler.

Buy The Dead Children’s Playground to start a fatal game today!

MY REVIEW – 3 1/2 stars

It took me several chapters to get into this story. Even then, the pacing felt slow until the book was nearly over. I didn’t get a creepy/horror vibe from this one. I think, for me, the tension was lacking. However, the epilogue was incredibly sad and emotional.

I felt the characters were well developed, and I wanted to smack their mom for most of the book. I enjoyed the relationship between Kayla and Desiree. The scenes between the two of them felt more three dimensional than the interactions between the others.

If you like a slower paced story that’s on the lighter side of horror, this story had some interesting plot points. It was a good story, but it just fell a bit flat for me.

And seriously, how gorgeous is this cover? The cover alone made me want a copy of this book.

*Disclaimer: I’m voluntarily leaving a review. The review above is only my opinion. I received an ARC from Book Sirens.

BOOK REVIEW: Circle of Freaks by Delilah Croww

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About the Book

Since I was a little girl, I fell in love with the circus. It’s all I ever wanted to see up close or be a part of. There was no room for things like that where I grew up. There was no room for anything except bad memories and bad expectations.

Every year around Devil’s Night, since we moved to Stockbridge, the Circle of Freaks paranormal circus comes to town. It’s an eighteen-and-over horror show in which no one talks about what goes on inside because they can’t.

But this year is different. This year, my prayers have been answered by gifting me a ticket. Despite what people think of me at school. Despite the girls gone missing––– Found dead. I wasn’t prepared for what I would see.

I wasn’t prepared for…him.

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MY REVIEW – 4 stars

It’s unique, dark, and sexy. Each character is complex and well written. The story itself will keep you glued to the pages, waiting to see what happens next.

If psycho men who would literally kill for you aren’t your thing, run away. For the rest of you… be prepared to fall in love with Draco Hades and the rest of the Freaks. I was sad to see the story come to an end, and I can’t wait for the next book. I’ll be impatiently waiting to dive back in to this world.

I really enjoyed this story, but even after reading the entire thing, I’m still a bit confused. I can’t go into detail without giving the story away. But my confusion is why it’s 4 stars and not 5. I think the twist could have been shown in a clearer way. Regardless, it didn’t stop me from enjoying this dark world and wanting more.

*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. The review above is only my opinion.

BOOK REVIEW: The Shadow of the Langham Hotel by Jonathan L. Ferrara

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About the Book:

The third installment of Jonathan L. Ferrara’s young adult paranormal anthology series is here!This past year, Collin Winters has tried to put the events of Chateau Du Coeur behind him. He’s struggling to move on with his life. It’s a new year, in a new school, in a new city, and with a new heart beating in his chest.

Shortly after his first term at the Art Institution in London, Collin is selected by the headmaster to partake in a class field-trip to New York City where he, and four other students, will check-in to an old hotel. Amongst those students is Collin’s roommate—Aaron, who is trying to put his own past behind him. The two boys don’t always get along. One moment they’re the best of friends, the next they’re rolling around the hotel’s lobby throwing punches and nearly getting themselves expelled. The boys’ friendship only strengthens as they attempt to unearth the hotel’s dark secret. It turns out, the building isn’t quite what it seems to be. There’s something lurking in the hotel’s shadows…something watching the classmates from afar. While Collin and his friends attempt to solve the mystery of the Langham Hotel, Collin starts to remember that he might have stayed in the building once before. The past is about to catch up to Collin Winters and will surely put his sanity to the test.

Release Date: April 23, 2024

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My Review – 5 stars!

Be prepared for a twisted ride through Wonderland…

I’m not sure what I expected when I accepted an ARC of this book. I got something entirely different but in a good way.

I will say the beginning was a bit slow for me. It wasn’t until I was five or six chapters in that I was truly hooked. This one may be a ghost story, but it’s not scary. It’s a story of overcoming your obstacles or darker parts of your life and finding not only acceptance of yourself but also allowing yourself to be happy.

First, I didn’t read the previous book in the series. There was enough information in this story that I didn’t feel lost. So don’t hesitate to jump right in!

And second… you’re going to love this book!

The characters were well developed and intriguing, although Charlotte had a tendency to annoy me. The glimpses we see of Ruby during Collin’s childhood honestly made her my favorite character. There was more to her than most people saw.

It’s full of romance, intrigue, and lots of riddles! Honestly, I’d consider this more of a ghost mystery.

This story will keep you guessing and there’s one heck of a plot twist! More than one actually…

But reader beware … closer to the end, be prepared to cry! Not because of a horrible ending by any means. The opposite in fact.

This book will put you through an emotional roller coaster. But it’s one heck of a ride!

* Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. The review above is only my opinion.

BOOK REVIEW Carousel by Sarah McKnight

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Ladies and gentlemen, the show is about to begin…

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…

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MY REVIEW – 5 stars!

Absolutely loved it!!

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.**

BOOK REVIEW: The Devil Within by T.R. Slauf

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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?

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Purchase at – Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo

MY REVIEW – 4 1/2 stars

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.