The One by John Marrs

4 Stars!!  “To love or have loved, that is enough. Ask nothing further. There is no other pearl to be found in the dark folds of life.” —Victor Hugo, Les Misérables”  How far would you go to find The One?  A simple DNA test is all it takes. Just a quick mouth swab and soon you’ll be matched with your perfect partner—the one you’re genetically made for. That’s the promise made by Match Your DNA. 10 years ago, the company announced that they had found the gene that pairs each of us with our soul mate. Since then, millions of people around the world have been matched. But the discovery has its downsides: test results have led to the breakup of countless relationships and upended the traditional ideas of dating, romance and love. Now five very different people have received the notification that they’ve been “Matched.” They’re each about to meet their one true love. But “happily ever after” isn’t guaranteed for everyone. Because even soul mates have secrets. And some are more shocking than others… This is my second John Marrs book. I just recently read The Good Samaritan by him and if you haven't read it - what are you doing?!?! GO READ IT- anyways I now want to read all his books!! I came across this one and ... The premise was so intriguing - I couldn't help but get my hands on it and I was not disappointed!!  This is one of the most unique books that I have read in a while. It is told from multiple POVs - but dont let that get you down because it worked! It flowed nicely and keeps you on the edge of your seat!! You become completely addicted to the drama that is unfolding in each characters life and its all consuming. I could not imagine this happening in real life. I see the benefits of it but I feel like this would be more of a disaster than anything. It sounds nice until it starts screwing with peoples lives and families. It is a crazy concept and I absolutely loved all the twists and turns!!  HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!

A Dark Lure by Loreth Anne White

4 Stars!! 

🌟🌟🌟🌟
But sometimes people are broken and don’t know how to mend because they aren’t able to say what they need or deeply want. Sometimes you get to a point in life where you realize you’ve made a terrible mistake and you desperately need to fix it, but it’s so deep and bitterly ingrained you can’t start.” 

12 years ago, Sarah Baker was abducted and assaulted for months before escaping. Her captor was caught, but Sarah lost the life she loved, her family and a child. 

While struggling with PTSD, Sarah changes her name to Oliva and finds a job and sanctuary living and working at Broken Bar Ranch. As soon as her scars are finally beginning to heal. All hell breaks loose. The cop involved with her case all those years ago, remains convinced that the real killer/abductor is still out there. He sets a lure for him and a new body is discovered. Now Olivia has to face the past again- could it really be him?? Did he come back to finish the Job?

As winter approaches the ranch, only one person can help Olivia. Cole McDonough, a writer, and the ranch heir. He stirs up something inside Olivia that she didn't even know she craved. But this time, Olivia's fight to shut out the past may ruin her chance at love and cost her- with her life. 

I enjoyed this book so much! It was full of twists and turns- and had me hanging by the edge of my seat. The last 100 pages were crazy intense and I loved it! I thought the characters were great and the story and plot were well thought out. Each character had their own issues to deal with so there was a great bit of depth to them and they all end up intertwined with one another. 

The ending was great and you are holding your breath right till the last word. I thought Sarah/ Olivia was a fantastic MC. We get to go inside her head and watch as things unfold for her, and see her growth as the book progresses. 

Overall I recommend this book! And thought it was a great mystery/thriller with the perfect amount of emotional pull.

NOS4A2 by Joe Hill

4 Stars!! 

🌟🌟🌟🌟


“Fantasy was always only a reality waiting to be switched on.” 

Who doesn't love Christmas time?? Well after reading this... Christmas may never look or feel the same.....



Victoria McQueen has a secret gift for finding things. On her Raleigh Tuff Burner bike, she makes her way to a rickety covered bridge that, within moments, takes her wherever she needs to go, whether it’s across Massachusetts or across the country.

Charlie Manx has a way with children. He likes to take them for rides in his 1938 Rolls-Royce Wraith with the NOS4A2 vanity plate. 





With his old car, he can slip right out of the everyday world, and onto the hidden roads that transport them to an astonishing – and terrifying – playground of amusements he calls “Christmasland.”



Then, one day, Vic goes looking for trouble—and finds Manx. That was a lifetime ago. Now Vic, the only kid to ever escape Manx’s unmitigated evil, is all grown up and desperate to forget. But Charlie Manx never stopped thinking about Victoria McQueen. He’s on the road again and he’s picked up a new passenger: Vic’s own son.

What a ride!!! This was my first Joe Hill book and honestly- It did not disappoint!! Although sometimes, it would shift from a 5 star book to a 4 just because I dont normally read horror, and there are a few parts that were too much for me personally. It was creepy as hell and a totally unique concept. The characters were so great, even the creepy ones!! if you're looking for a creepy read that keeps you on the edge of your seat- I highly recommend this one! 

Looking forward to checking out the new tv show NOS4A2 on AMC!!

One Word Kill by Mark Lawrence

4 Stars!! 
🌟🌟🌟🌟

In 1986, 15 yr old- boy-genius Nick Hayes discovers he’s dying. And it isn’t even the strangest thing to happen to him that week.

Nick and his Dungeons & Dragons-friends are used to living in their imaginations. But when Mia, joins the group reality becomes weirder than the fantasy world they visit in their weekly games. A strange—yet familiar—man is following Nick, with abilities that just shouldn’t exist. And this man claims: Mia’s in grave danger, though she doesn’t know it yet. She needs Nick’s help—now.

He finds himself in a race against time to unravel an impossible mystery and save the girl. And all that stands in his way is cancer, and the laws of physics.

I know absolutely nothing about physics- nor do I really care. I dont really like sci-fi either.. while this book had a sci-fi stranger things type feel to it- it wasn't. The characters talk about things that went over my head- but again, I didn't care because something about these characters cling to you while reading. 

Lawrence has a way of writing characters that you love and you do not even care what the big picture is. The depth of them keeps you moving. I found this book to be character driven but also had a great plot and beginning. I felt it was interesting without being boring- even with subject matter I could care less about. There was so much more happening in this story!! I absolutely loved MC Nick, Mia and Demis :P And look forward to seeing what else this series has to offer!

The Promise of Rayne by Nicole Deese

4 Stars!!  🌟🌟🌟🌟 “Good character isn't produced overnight; it's grown over many seasons. In the same way you sort the good apples from the bad, the marks of poor characters are just as easy to detect.”  I absolutely loved this book!! It takes so many of my favorite characteristics and makes sort of an all in one! There is romance, family secrets, mystery, forbidden love, self discovery and faith. The characters are wholesome and give you all the good feels.  I love stories that are based around faith, forgiveness and hope without all the fluff. And I really appreciated that this felt like a realistic story from start to finish. I look forward to reading more from this author!

THe Delphi Effect by Rysa Walker

4 Stars!! 

🌟🌟🌟🌟

Anna Morgan has no choice. Resting on a park bench, touching the turnstile at the Metro station—she never knows where she’ll encounter a ghost. She doesn't have a choice. The ghosts are the reason that Anna is thrown from one foster home to the next and in and out of psych wards. 

When a touch of the hand leads her to pick up the ghost of a girl who was murdered- things start to get real serious for Anna. Shes thrown into a government conspiracy, which causes Anna to throw up every wall she has ever built around her mind. But they really cross the line when they kidnap her friend, causing her to be pushed to the limits. 



This was a really cool YA book!! It reminded me of the show The Gifted- and X-Men. It has a paranormal vibe to it more than anything.



I felt immediately drawn to Anna and really enjoyed being in her head. Although- I could not imagine having to live with her ability, it was neat to read it. The book starts out with this girl Molly getting in her head. She was murdered and wants Anna to help her solve it before others can get hurt or killed. 

What starts out as a murder mystery, quickly morphs into a paranormal thriller. I loved that aspect of it. There were more characters than the synopsis provides. The story is about more than just Anna. I really enjoyed a few of the side characters. There is a love interest in this installment and I am totally rooting for my ship to sail!!



I cant wait to see what happen in the next couple books!

The First City by Joe Hart

4 Stars! 
🌟🌟🌟🌟

Zoey is not the girl she once was. She’s watched too many of her friends die at the hands of their captors, been hunted, and returned from the brink of death. Now she is on a journey to find the truth about who she is.

In search of the family she never knew, Zoey learns of personal records in another facility. Zoey and her new friends travel to the missile facility, but among the records, they uncover information that leads to a new foe: the Fae Trade, a carnival of slavery and pain.

Zoey’s journey into the darkest parts of a humans mind- brings her close to the line between good and evil, and the final cost in her quest for justice might be her own humanity. 

This second book was so much better than book 1! There was action and a steady moving pace. There were a few twists, and it was a lot of fun to read. Zoey still jumps the gun on most decisions and shes always finding trouble. 

This time Zoey finds the Fae Trade. A gruesome carnival where men fight to the death to claim one of the remaining women that have been collected. There are new characters introduced. Some you love and some you love to hate. 

Overall I think everything I had issues with in the first book, were redeemed in this one! This is a pretty good series so far and looking forward to The Last City!

The Final Trade by Joe Hart

4 Stars! 
🌟🌟🌟🌟

Zoey is not the girl she once was. She’s watched too many of her friends die at the hands of their captors, been hunted, and returned from the brink of death. Now she is on a journey to find the truth about who she is.

In search of the family she never knew, Zoey learns of personal records in another facility. Zoey and her new friends travel to the missile facility, but among the records, they uncover information that leads to a new foe: the Fae Trade, a carnival of slavery and pain.

Zoey’s journey into the darkest parts of a humans mind- brings her close to the line between good and evil, and the final cost in her quest for justice might be her own humanity. 

This second book was so much better than book 1! There was action and a steady moving pace. There were a few twists, and it was a lot of fun to read. Zoey still jumps the gun on most decisions and shes always finding trouble. 

This time Zoey finds the Fae Trade. A gruesome carnival where men fight to the death to claim one of the remaining women that have been collected. There are new characters introduced. Some you love and some you love to hate. 

Overall I think everything I had issues with in the first book, were redeemed in this one! This is a pretty good series so far and looking forward to The Last City!

House of Ravens by Keary Taylor

4 Stars! 

Ive been reading this series here and there since it began. If I was only rating this one book it would probably be a 3, but since it is the last book, overall I will give it 4 stars! It was a happy ending to a fun paranormal series! All my questions were answered and there were even a few twists I was not expecting.

A Reaper at the Gates by Sabaa Tahir

4 Stars!!
"Curse this world for what it does to the daughters. Curse it for making us strong through loss and pain, our hearts torn from our chests again and again. Curse it for forcing us to endure.”

Tahir has done it again. She is ruthless with the chaos, and doesn't hold back when it comes to the action! This installment for me was action packed, slow in a few places and even though its book 3, it felt like a middle book. It suffered, in my opinion- with keeping my attention in some parts. There was also a good bit of info dumping.

I really enjoyed this read, but not as much as the first two. I'm pretty sure all will be back in flowing order in the final book, but I feel as if this book did what it needed to do, except for Elias. For me, he just didn't seem like a huge part of this book, and I missed that aspect. He is my favorite character and even though I know he was floating with the Ghost Homies...


I still missed him. There were a lot of moments, when it was Elias's POV that I felt like I was reading Strange the Dreamer. It had that magical, dream like feel to it, and I loved it!

My heart broke wide open over Helene and Laia. They both keep fighting so hard and it really is so great to read these two women as their characters continue to grow and become stronger- without male influence.

The plot twists had me shook- and I once again... am in denial about the cliffhanger. I just can not wait to see what the last installment has to offer!!

Trouble at Brayshaw High by, Meagan Brandy

4 Stars!! 

She’s venom in the water. Not the snake itself, but the fatal liquid that floats across the top. No matter where you step, if even twenty feet away, she’s finding her way inside.

OOOF- This book packs a punch! 




Rae Rae is still out here, trying to control everything and making moves and making excuses without telling anyone. She gets herself in a bind quite a few times. I think this whole book she is trying so hard to let love in, but not having any clue what that really feels like she does stupid stuff. By the end of the book I feel she gets closer to making that jump head first into this Bray Boy life though. 



Maddoc was amazing in this book !! No more PUNK- and all HUNK. He has completely fallen for Rae- and nothing else matters. You can feel that through the pages almost to the point where you are like OMG OK - we get it SHE IS YOURS... it gets a little repetitive and you eye roll and just move on because its Mad Dog and you just love him. 

Overall this book was heavy and full of information. I think it had a little bit of Middle book syndrome. I loved book 1 all the "cant put this down" and "on the edge of my seat" feels it gave me. Not to mention the drama fest and all the tea just dripping from the pages, 



I mean it was saturated... with filthy guilty pleasure. 

Book 2 though, it had a ton of twists and turns and almost an overwhelming amount. I got confused a few times but in the end, I think I manged to fully grasp what happened. There were just some things that happened and I was just like WHY DID THAT NEED TO TAKE PLACE. So of course I am over here on pins and needles, needing book 3 like yesterday so I can figure this out!! Still highly recommend this series if you are looking for a guilty pleasure read because, honestly its FULL of it! XoXo

Vicious by LJ Shen

4 Stars!! 

“I loved her when I hated her. And I loved her when I didn’t want anything to do with her. I was so crazy about her, the lines had blurred together. Feelings were mixed, emotions twisted together.” 

Emilia

They say love and hate are the same feelings experienced under different circumstances, and it’s true.Ten years ago, he made me run away from the small town where we lived. Now, he came for me in New York, and he isn’t leaving until he takes me with him.

Vicious

She is a starving artist. Ten years ago, she barged into my life unannounced and turned everything upside down. She paid the price. The woman who knows my darkest secret, and the daughter of the cheap Help we hired to take care of our estate. That should deter me from chasing her, but it doesn’t. So she hates me. Well I dont care- she better get used to it. 

Soooo... at first I thought I was going to hate this book. Because I HATED Vicious AKA Baron. He was a prick- but as usual, a prick with a past that haunts him and makes him so insufferable. He grew on me the more I read but he was extremely harsh and just hard to like. He redeems himself so that made it better for me :P 

Emilia was stupid but also wrapped up in a dream. She knew every decision she was making was a dumb one but she did it anyway. But her dumb decisions, even if they hurt her, made her stronger and her character growth bloomed throughout the book. There were times I wanted to throw my kindle across the room and other times I swooned. It was a great mix of emotions and I enjoyed the roller coaster! Looking forward to checking out the next book in the series!

The Wish Collector by Mia Sherdian

4 Stars!! 

“I believe everyone deserves grace, Clara. What you will have to ask yourself is if you should offer that grace from near or from afar. Offering grace does not mean offering your heart. That, my darlin’, must be protected at all cost.” 



This was such a fun and dreamy read. It takes place in New Orleans, and I got to read it this week while in New Orleans. That made it so worth it! Everything, all the culture and sights from the book came to life. 

Clara- a ballet dancer, gets the shot of a lifetime to work at the New Orleans Ballet. In order to follow her dream, she has to leave her father who has Alzheimer's which is very hard for her but she does it. After being in New Orleans for a while, she hears a story from her neighbor about the Weeping Wall located at Windisle Plantation. Its magic and story, consumes Clara. She goes to the wall and meets a stranger behind it all. 

Jonah, a highshot lawyer once upon a time, now lives in isolation because of something tragic that happened over 8 years ago. Consumed with guilt Jonah never leaves his home, which just so happens to be at Windisle Plantation. One day he receives a wish behind the wall, and hears a voice which turns his life - totally upside down. 



This book was so whimsical. There is a story within a story told here and it worked perfectly. There were a few different mysteries all going on at the same time which made the whole thing that much more amazing. I really enjoyed all of the mentions of New Orleans history and all the legends and tales told about it!

The Fall Up by Aly Martinez

4 Stars!! 
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️



They met on a bridge- it was raining, Levee in her designer shoes and Sam with his cigarette hanging out of his mouth- looking like a dream. She wanted to jump... to fall into nothing... little did she know, she could also fall up. 

Pretty sure this was my first Martinez book. And it didn't disappoint! From the first line of the book, I was hooked. The main characters were lovable and I loved their chemistry, wit and banter.

The Fall up deals with mental health issues and depression. It talks about what happens when we overload ourselves and don't come up for air. What it feels like when we feel the walls close in around us and we think we have it under control- until we don't. Thinking we can do everything on our own without the help or love from others. 

This book made my heart lurch - it was beautiful and it will steal your heart, give you all the feels and leave you wanting more! I highly recommend it :P

Girls With Sharp Sticks by Suzanne Young

4.5 Stars!! 

"Demonstrate your value to those in attendance by showing how appealing a beautiful, obedient girl can be. Hold your tongue. Bat your eyes. Smile. Be best."

Just imagine for a minute if.... the dark and sadistic world of West World....


AND Handmaid's Tale....


HAD A BABY..... it would be something like- Girls With Sharp Sticks!! 

In Girls With Sharp Sticks, we are thrown into a world that seems to be on the edge of a New Wave of Dystopia. While the normal world still goes on outside the gates of Innovations Academy.. Something unworldly is happening in the Academy. 

The Academy, a prestigious reforming school for girls are taught the “essentials” to become obedient submissive wives, homemakers, etc. The girls are not allowed to question the men or "guardians." Report cards measure beauty, compliance, poise, decorum and an attitude of obedience. 

A sudden departure from one of the girls, puts Philomena and the rest of the girls on edge. Lennon Rose left without a goodbye or shoes. This starts a search for answers they didn't even know they needed! As the search begins, Mena starts to see things a little bit clearer. 

She starts to see the lingering touches, the possessiveness, hears the crude comments, and notices how the girls are being basically brainwashed and programmed to do as these men say.



This really pushes the girls closer together, even more than before, to get to the bottom of what is happening. 

The girls are treated so terrible, and its really sad bc at first none of them realize that the way they are treated is wrong. They are physically and emotionally abused and looked upon like cattle. They are limited to learning only certain things, and have no free will or freedom. 



“They’ve trained you not to believe what you’re told by others. You have to come to it on your own. I can’t wake you, Philomena.” 



TIME TO WAKE UP GIRLS!!!

I absolutely ate this little nugget up!!! There is a little something in this for everyone! Its a little mix of dystopian, sci-fi, action, mystery, and a very small bit of romance- if that's even what you would call it! The only thing that I had issues with was- I thought it could have been executed a little better - and if there would have been some heavy action scenes that would have been fab- but I guess we cant always get what we want :P Other than that, I adored it and cant wait for the next book!

The Girl He Used To Know by, Tracey Garvis Graves

4 Stars!! 

"Life isn't easy for anyone. We all have challenges. We all face adversity. It's how we overcome it that makes us who we are.” 

Annika meets Jonathan in College at a chess club meet. Annika is beautiful, but has a hard time with normal social interactions. She is on the autism spectrum, but that doesn't matter to Jonathan, he falls hard and fast for her. Annika works really hard to do her best to cope with her Autism. They have their ups and their downs in the relationship but, for the most part everything seems to be going amazing until something tragic happens and Annika closes herself off. 

The book is told from alternating POVS and Timelines- 1991- Their College Years and then Fast Forward to Present day for them in the book and the year is 2001. We get to see how people reacted to Autism back in the day. It was really sad since there weren't as many cases and it wasn't a well known thing. She gets bullied and talked down to a lot because of it. Jonathan was so great with her a TRUE cinnamon bun! 

They run into each other again one day on the streets and decide to get together to catch up. Annika is finally a librarian which was her dream, and Jonathan is recently divorced. The rest - you'll have to read to find out!! 

This was my first Tracey Graves book and it did not disappoint. I love books that represent real issues and gives a voice to those who may not have one. I absolutely adored Annika, she was so precious and her best friend Janice was literally my HERO. She was amazing. Jonathan was perfection and a joy to read!! 

I recommend this to all!! But - if you liked books like The Kiss Quotient or The Bride Test, you'll enjoy this one for sure! It isn't anything like those, but the subject matter is similar and refreshing! Happy Reading :P

Home Tears by Tijan

4 Stars!!

It is no secret that I am a HUGE fan of Tijan!! I love her writing and ALLLLL the Drama she dishes! I have always been hesitant to read Home Tears because it was one of her lower rated books. But I have made it a point recently to not give a damn about other peoples ratings and just to take a leap and go for it. IM SO GLAD I DID.

This Book was literally like a Soap Opera. We have Dani- who is from a very small town. She always felt like the black sheep in her family which included her mom, two sisters and two aunts. Dani's boyfriend (Jake) ends up cheating on her with one of her sisters- Dani does what she does best- she leaves with out a word.

Fast Forward 10 years and Dani is back home visiting - trying to get over a trauma she just went through. She is dealing with a lot of emotions and trying to change her ways. Her crazy Fam is not happy to see her. They have issues with Dani leaving for so long- most thought she was dead.

I LOVED this book. I could relate SO much to Dani O'Hara and her whole messed up Fam. The drama was flowing STRONG- in Tijan fashion. We get to see Dani's growth, as well as other characters over the course of the book. Jonah was great as well- He was patient and really just went with the flow of things. He was there for Dani and wasn't an ass like most guys tend to be in these types of books.

I recommend all Tijan books - they always have such depth and the writing always sucks you in! Always here for a drama fest :P