The Good Samaritan by John Marrs

5 Deranged Stars!!

 

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

“When you’re not considered to be a threat, you can get away with much, much more.” 

If you like plot twists and turns, unreliable narrators, and books that take off at the speed of light and don't stop until the end....The Good Samaritan is for you. This was my very first John Marrs book, and it will not be my last. 

Laura has the picture perfect life. She is a wife, a mom, and works at The End of The Line. At End of The Line, Laura volunteers and loves raising money and "helping" people that call the suicide hotline. 

"Good afternoon, you've reached the End of the Line, this is Laura speaking. May I ask your name?" 

She's calm and collected. Sounds like the mother next door....You can trust her right? Why else would she be working at a suicide hotline? But something is off about Laura... she has her own way of handling things. 

when you’re not considered to be a threat, you can get away with much, much more. 

The volunteers at EOTL, go through training and are taught the tools they need to talk to the people who call in. They are only supposed to be there to listen- not offer anything but a friendly voice. 

‘You could be the last voice this person ever hears. Make them believe that you care.’ 

Laura doesn't think what she does is wrong, no one would ever think her to be a threat she's just helping people along, just like she is supposed to...little do they know she is BATSHIT crazy. 

In fact, during our training we are given the emotional tools to be there right up until their last breath, if that’s what the caller requests. We listen, we don’t act. 

But Laura is enticed to act. She gets a call one day, with a request/offer that she has never had before and not wanting to pass up. She is excited and nervous and can not stop thinking about the call....

Will she go through with it??

THIS BOOK WAS NUTS!! And I'm a little ashamed that I loved it so much because it really is that crazy.

This book wont be for everyone it may even trigger some.***TRIGGER WARNING: SUICIDE ***

You'll read the first chapter and realize its going to be a dark book. It was a visceral read and sinks hooks into you. You will feel like you need a shower after it... a drink perhaps.. hell, why not both... 

I was intrigued from the start and did not want to put it down until I got answers. You wont stop guessing the whole time and Marrs will definitely take you on a spin around the loony bin.

I highly recommend this book!! I read Verity by Colleen Hoover not too long ago and that book blew my mind.. I didn't think that I would ever read anything as crazy as it... Boy was I wrong. If you have read Verity and liked the Mind-screw - Go get this one ASAP. You will either love or hate it but I don't think you will regret it- until maybe the end when your pores are screaming to be clean. Its worth it!! 

Initial Reaction : *laughs hysterically* This was INSANE and uncomfortably captivating.. 

Full RTC 😱

Search and Rescue by Lily Dodd

5 Stars!! 

This was such a fun quick read/listen. Its a short little story about a search and rescue.

Winner of the #SoundsHot Steamy Story Contest, a thrilling romantic novella brimming with raw emotional power - available in audio first! 

I was so shocked when I listened to this. I thought there is no way, short story or not- that this is going to be that good since its so short!! I was so wrong. I was pleasantly surprised with the level of the writer and the characters. I fell in love with these people so quick!! The author did a fantastic job of leading with this story- the breakdown and all the in between. So much so, that I would LOVE another FULL book in this type of setting from this author! 

I totally recommend if you're looking for a quick listen - this one was about 2.5 hours but soo soo good! I look forward to more from this author!!

A Torch Against The Night by Sabaa Tahir

5 Stars!!

“Don't lock yourself away from those who care about you because you think you'll hurt them or they'll hurt you. What point is there in being human if you don't let yourself feel anything?”



Bleeding Hells !! 

This was my second time reading this book!! I read this back in 2016 and I had a general idea of what happened, but I forgot a lot of key things. So, I am so glad I took the time to re-read this to prepare for Reaper (book 3). 

This was definitely Helene's Book. She was a pain to read in book 1 and annoyed me to no end... but she shined in this book! We get to see why she is the way she is, and get to dive deeper into her character. Turns out not only is she a bad ass.. but shes got some pretty rad healing abilities. 

For me this installment was setting up the magic. Showing everyone's hand- and their power. We start to learn, along with the characters about their secrets. There were a ton of plot twists and the cliffhanger... dont even get me started... 



it broke me .. all over again, just like the first time. All those feels resurfaced. 

I loved that the author chose to expand the mythology in this world, and we get to see new obstacles along with more heartbreak and despair. Tahir does not hold back when it comes to her characters.. We feel right along with them as they struggle and prevail. 

I know I said this was Helene's book, but for me my favorite characters would have to be Elias and Laia. They hold their own and they are the characters who I am the most invested in. I love character driven stories and this series certainly fits that criteria. I highly recommend this series and can not wait to dive into the next one!!

Sugar and Gold by Emma Scott

5 Stars!! 

“Love and hope,” she said. “That’s life to me. Love for all the good that happens to you and the people you care about, and hope that any pain will be bearable or lessen in time.” 

Nick (Nickolai) was born with a condition that makes him special, a gift he wishes he could give away. Peoples feelings and emotions, he can see, feel and taste them- all around. He roams the US- stays moving so that he can outrun the thoughts and feelings of others. Until he meets her. 

Fiona was trapped- and in a bad relationship she never thought she would break from, until she does. Then finds a new home in Georgia. She makes a new life for herself - one that she is in charge of. She tells herself its time for her to enjoy her life....until a chance encounter with a tattooed stranger changes everything… 

I loved this book! It was very unique, with sort of like a magical realism trope feeling. The whole concept sucks you in because you want to know more about his ability and how it works. I loved the characters and the depth they had. I really enjoyed the story and honestly thought it was a brilliant way to get the reader immersed. 

This is a part 2 I think to the book How to Save A Life- also by Emma Scott. I did read it a long time ago and I know that I loved it- I just cant remember what it was about. But dont let that scare you, because this one can be read as a stand alone. 

Hold tight to your emotions, because they will be heightened in this one!! So many secrets to be revealed and twists to keep you engaged. You wont want to put it down! I love Emma Scott's writing! Highly recommend !!

The Butterfly Project by Emma Scott

5 Stars!! 
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“I once read that you fell in love like how you fell asleep: slowly at first and then all at once.”

Zelda, is running from her past- but at the same time trying to make a future. She goes to New York to try and get her Comic Book published. It means the world to her because it is based on something very important to her. One night- she runs into a guy named Beckett, a guy who needs a second change- forgiveness and freedom of his past. 

Emma Scott - You are a Genius! This book was amazing, and so very different! I loved seeing the comic book strips through out the book and seeing how it would change, as the story developed. The characters were swoon worthy and lovable. The Butterfly Project was a story about two tortured souls- Zelda and Beckett, finding love, friendship and something neither of them would have expected. 

This was a 2019 TOP FAV- I recommend this one to the masses :P And all of Emma Scotts books!

A Wish For Us by Tillie Cole

5 Violet Blue Stars!! 
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I think my heart is ready to review this... 



Tillie- Tillie - Tillie cant you see... Sometimes your words just hypnotize me. I swear, I think she is a Wizard when it comes to words...



Its like she takes her time, sprinkling in all the feels... 

A Wish For Us is something that will stick with you forever. I usually give a little preview of what the book is about but Im not doing that with this one. See, I've been needing to read this for a while but, I know how Miss Coles books work. So I put it off for a while but here we are... in the aftermath and I am just so glad I went into this one blind. And for that reason, I feel like you should too. You can thank me later. 

This book wrecked me, but in a good sort of way. It captures you from the start and doesn't let up until the very end. Fair warning- you will cry... or at the very least, you will want to. You will want to snuggle up and have no distractions. You'll be transported into this story, and not want to come out. 

The writing is beautiful, and the characters are filled to the brim with depth. A lot of the story line is based on music and I am a music junkie. So that made it even better for me. And the way Cole writes about the music- took my breath away. There is also an amazing physical condition talked about in this book that I have never heard of and that made this book come alive. Im not telling you what it is- just go read it. I promise you wont be disappointed!! :P

Be The Girl by KA Tucker

5 Stars!! 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Tucker has done it again! She has crafted a lesson into a story and we all need to hear it. Be the Girl is a book with a story that should stick with the reader for a long time. 

Be the Girl was about a lot of things. It was about starting over, and learning from mistakes. It was about bullying and disrespect. You can try and bury the past... but it always has a way of coming back around.... 

Aria moves across Canada with her mom to go live with her Great Uncle. Its a fresh start for the both of them. You can tell that she has been through something- the more you read- the answer becomes a little clearer. They move in next door to a family who has a son and an autistic daughter. 

This story was something I feel like everyone really should read. Being a teenager for me was hard- but that was a long time ago and I know being a teen these days can be hell. With the internet and technology, social media platforms.. its easy to be bullied because the haters have something to hide behind, and without thinking about it- that makes it easier for people to be shitty. This book brings light to that. 

I really enjoyed the characters each and every one of them. The flow of the book moved nicely and I was able to finish it in one setting because it consumed me. I recommend this one to all!!

Kings Warrior by Frost Kay (Book 4)

5 Stars!!  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ You are a champion, a warrior.” He looked her straight in the eye. “You are not the victim. You’re a survivor.” Book 1-Rebels Blade- 4 Stars!! Book 2-Crowns Shield- 4.5 Stars!! Book 3-Enemys Queen- 4 Stars!! Book 4-Kings Warrior- 5 Stars!! YALL!! Book 4 melted my heart like WAX! Everything I have been waiting for and hoping for started to unfold and happen in this book and I am beyond thrilled with it!! Revolution and war come with a price in the fourth volume of The Aermian Feuds. After escaping from the warlord- Sage, Jasmine, and Blaise are all in rough shape. Blaise isn't as tormented as Sage and Jasmine and quickly jumps into training and getting prepared for the coming war. Sage and Tehl have been through so much and they are brought back together once more, to try and gain some sort of connection. They both have had their hearts put to the test. I was so impressed with the way Kay handled bringing these two characters together. Tehl is a TRUE cinnamon bun. His character has grown so much over the course of the books! Literally there are some dark heavy moments but handled with so much care my heart almost BURST. I cried big fat ugly tears. I don't want to say too much since this is an ongoing series- But, Overall this was by far my favorite installment. This series is breaking all the rules and twisting and turning with each new book. I am so excited to read the next one and can hardly wait!! If you couldn't tell already- I highly recommend it !!

The Bride Test by, Helen Hoang

5 Stars!!
“I only want you to be yourself with me.”


Helen Hoang is quickly becoming an auto buy author on my list of Favorites ! Her writing is amazing and her books, are super cute and adorable. They also shine a light on many topics that need to be talked about more. This is an own voices novel- in 2016 she was diagnosed with Autism herself- which inspired the Kiss Quotient and now The Bride Test.

I know most people loved the Kiss Quotient more-BUT- I am a minority and absolutely adored this one!! This book is following a couple of characters who we originally met in The Kiss Quotient. We may only see those characters for a minute- but you cant help but smile once you put the pieces together.

I don't want to say much about the plot- because to me, its such a treat to go into them blind- but I highly recommend these books!! Especially if you have any interest about autism and the autistic community. Hoang writes from experience and its like a breath of fresh air!! I cant wait to see what book 3 will be about and if we get to see all the characters we fell in love with again

Crown's Shield by Frost Kay (Book 2)

4.5 Stars!! 

“No one likes an easy fight and…” The Scythian hesitated. “The strong deserve to live. You are built from strength. You wear it like armor.” 

Book 1-Rebels Blade- 4 Stars!!
Book 2-Crowns Shield- 4.5 Stars!!
Book 3-Enemys Queen- 4 Stars!!
Book 4-Kings Warrior- 5 Stars!! 

LOVE, Love - LOVE this series!!! This picked up right where Rebels Blade left off- and went from there! These books are pretty addicting - once you start you wont want to stop- You have been warned :P

The plot is thickening and things are really starting to take off in Book 2! Tehl and Sage are together a lot more in this book - and they are starting to build somewhat of a friendship. Their banter is great and flows nicely. 

All the princes are just amazing each with their own personality that really makes each individual stand out. Sam is a womanizer and Gav is just a teddy bear I want to take home with me. Tehl is so awkward and I absolutely love that about him. 

HOLY CLIFFHANGER- this book had me on the edge of my seat as it ended!! I can not wait to pick up book 3 and 4!! If you're looking to get lost in a Feud of Kingdoms - I highly recommend this series!

Daisy Jones and The Six by, Taylor Jenkins Reid

5 Stars!!
“It is what I have always loved about music. Not the sounds or the crowds or the good times as much as the words -- the emotions, the stories, the truth -- that you can let flow right out of your mouth. Music can dig, you know? It can take a shovel to your chest and just start digging until you hit something.”

I decided to do the audiobook, and I am so glad I did!! Written in an interview style reminiscent of VH1 Behind the Music, this one did not disappoint !



Daisy Jones is a girl growing up in LA in the 60's. Going to clubs, hanging with Rockstar's is just a normal day for her. She loves the scene she lives in, but most of all, she loves Rock and Roll. By the time she is in her 20's daisy is a beauty and her voice is starting to get noticed, unfortunately its not the only thing.

Also getting noticed, is The Six, and up and coming rock band led by lead singer Billy Dunne. While on tour, Billy finds out his girlfriend is pregnant- which sends him into a downward spiral..

Daisy and Billy cross paths, and get noticed by a producer who seems to think throwing them together will ignite a new freshness for Rock and Roll. What happens next is the stuff for legends.

I really, REALLY loved this book. From the first chapter, I was wishing I had an actual physical copy because, there were so many quotes and little words of wisdom that I wanted to highlight and keep forever!!

“But loving somebody isn't perfection and good times and laughing and making love. Love is forgiveness and patience and faith and every once in a while, it's a gut punch. That's why it's a dangerous thing, when you go loving the wrong person. When you love somebody who doesn't deserve it. You have to be with someone that deserves your faith and you have to be deserving of someone else's. It's sacred.”

I litereally felt like I was watching VH1 behind the music while I listened to this audiobook!! There is a full cast with well known actors that just made it come alive.

Cast List: Daisy Jones, read by Jennifer Beals; Billy Dunne, read by Pablo Schreiber; Graham Dunne, read by Benjamin Bratt; Eddie Loving, read by Fred Berman; Warren Rhodes, read by Ari Fliakos; Karen Karen, read by Judy Greer; Camila Dunne, read by January LaVoy; Simone Jackson, read by Robinne Lee; Narrator/Author, read by Julia Whelan; Jim Blades, read by Jonathan Davis; Rod Reyes, read by Henry Leyva; Artie Snyder, read by Oliver Wyman; Elaine Chang, read by Nancy Wu; Freddie Mendoza, read by P.J. Ochlan; Nick Harris, read by Arthur Bishop; Jonah Berg, read by Holter Graham; Greg McGuinness, read by Brendan Wayne; Pete Loving, read by Pete Larkin; Wyatt Stone, read by Alex Jenkins Reid; Hank Allen, read by Robert Petkoff; Opal Cunningham, read by Sara Arrington

This book was about sex, drugs and Rock and Roll life. But it was also SO MUCH MORE. We get to see what really goes on in the life of a musician. The obstacles they personally have to face and the hoops they go through to get where they are. I honestly thought this was so well written and not at all as bad as I thought "seeing behind the scenes" would be.

The characters had tons of depth. The writing was brilliant and I fell in love along with the characters and seeing them struggle to be a part of something, to make a name for themselves. I totally recommend this to everyone. Its a beautiful broken story about finding out what it means to overcome and defining yourself by your own standards. Absolutely amazing!

Odium Book 5 by Claire C Riley

4.5 Stars!!  

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

"This world is far too dangerous for feelings, for stupid things like love. Love kills you, and equally it gets you killed."



Not gonna have much to say about this one... Other than OMG... These books are seriously like crack. And right now... Right now my emotions are on overload and I need to reign them in. You see... I love this author, for her ability to get me this emotional and this invested... She needs a standing O like - NOW.



I have had a ship from jump street and Author Riley is RAINING ZOMBIE brains ALL OVER IT. And I am not happy about it. BUT - ohhhh the conflict it brings!! And the DRAMA!! Im here for that ... MAYBE.

We started this wild journey staying in crazy walled camps, seen tree house living, psycho camps, crazy carnival people and now...in this installment we see biker gangs and cannibals. This series seriously does get better with each book. You never know what you are going to come across.



So if you have read these up until this point.. Im sure you are feeling like I am- if you're not then ... I dont even know. But for those of you who have not you may want to stop here. Cuz Im about to vent.

So you have been warned - spoilers ahead.

(view spoiler)

Odium 0.5 - 4 Stars!!
Odium 1 - 4 Stars!!
Odium 2- 5 Stars!!
Odium 3- 5 Stars!!
Odium 4- 4 Stars!!
Odium 5- 5 Stars!!
Odium 6- 4 Stars!!
Odium 7- RTC

Odium Book 3 by Claire C Riley

5 Stars!! “There must be sacrifices—to save the ones we love, to protect those that need protecting. We must love freely, forgive quickly, and keep pushing onward, because you never know when it will be too late.” Book 3 has been the best one yet !!! I swear these books are so good- full of twists and turns, horror, blood, gore, survival and extremely funny moments! This books literally dives right in from where you left off in the previous book and does not come up for air. Things are tense in the camp between Mikey and Nina. So Nina and Nova take a little trip to find someone they have been looking for. They end up finding something that they thought could only exist in your nightmares. They also run into a bit of trouble, and end up meeting some new VERY interesting folks on their journey. Like Joan... AkA Crazy Pants. Nora and Ninas banter in this book was so Fabulous. These books are so character driven!!! To the point that half the time I forget these are horror books about zombies!! I love that aspect so much! Both women are head strong and have "take no shit" attitudes. So they are constantly knocking heads and having the best arguments. Its amazing.. trust me. My heart is constantly on guard because you never know who might be gone next. Never get comfortable with those you love because Riley has a way of making you fall in love with her characters. Then she makes you feel every emotion possible... and a lot of times... your heart ends up exploding from pain. But... honestly- for some reason you end up not hating her for it and dying for the next book of hers. Odium 0.5- 4 stars!! Odium 1 - 4 Stars!! Odium 2- 5 Stars!! Odium 3- 5 Stars!! Ready for book 4!!

Odium Book 2 by, Claire C Riley

5 Stars!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ‘your body is not ruined, you’re a goddamn tiger who earned her stripes.’ These marks,” I take her hand in mine, “these are my stripes, Emily, and these are my proof that I survived.” Well what a fun ride this was!! I LOVE CLAIRE RILEY!! Wow- This book picked right up where book 1 left off. Nina, Emily and Mikey are in trouble and their fate lies in the hands of the Forgotten- not to mention every deader zombie along the way. Nina has been through hell and while she is trying to get her physical strength back, her emotions are all over the place. Hell MY emotions were all over the place.... The beginning of this book is savage. Nina is being tortured, Mickey seems to have jumped ship and Emily seems to be getting cozy with the enemy. This is observations that Nina is making which in turn- pisses her off. Rule of Thumb- Don't piss Nina off- Just DONT DO IT. We get to see a TON of new characters through out this book. Some are the enemy- some are fun and heartwarming and some are just bat shit CRAZY. The deaders do not take a step back, they remain the highlight and are still in full force throughout this installment. The action is still at full speed. The one thing about this book though is it made me laugh SO MUCH. I mean yeah... its a zombie book and people are going nuts but man... there are some FUNNY moments. Nina is such a great main character. She falls under any name you use to identify her with. She's sassy, savage, tough and can be a huge BITCH. But she is still top - notch. The characters are always on the move and something is always happening. We see major character growth with our main characters and get to watch their relationships with each other blossom so much. There are a ton of twists and turns and Mrs. Riley did not hold back with the emotions. There is something so unique about her characters dialogue. I am so ready for book 3!! If you haven't started this series yet- GO DO IT :P And come back and we can discuss!