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!! 

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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.

The Good Samaritan by John Marrs

5 Deranged Stars!!

 

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“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 😱

One Word Kill by Mark Lawrence

4 Stars!! 
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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 First City by Joe Hart

4 Stars! 
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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!

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 !!

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!

Bad Boy Brody by Tijan

3.5 Stars!! 

She was beautiful. She was wild. She was the untamed one.

In Bad Boy Brody, we follow Brody- a really popular actor who is - SHOCKER



A BAD BOY.... 

Didnt see that coming did ya?? 

He one day gets a phone call from his brother and hears him die while on the phone with him. That leads Brody down an even worse "bad boy road." His agent gets him a part in a B movie to try and bring up his ratings and the good movie offers back. 

He takes the deal which will be a true story of how a popular woman rancher Karen Kellerman is murdered leaving behind a husband and step children. Brody shows up to the set and sees a girl (Morgan Kellerman) - who usually is a ghost to everyone else- among the horses. 



Little does Brody know. She has a tragic story of her own. 

I enjoyed this book. Its Tijan- its hard not to get invested in her emotionally driven characters. I thought everything flowed smooth and it was a great story to read. I felt the characters had depth and the story even had a bit of mystery about it. 

My only "little bitty" issue with it was Morgan. She just fell flat a little for me. She lives among the horses and has a relationship with nature that some of us could only dream of tapping into. I loved that aspect, but she came across as dull and kind of boring. She was amazing with the horses and I get that she is supposed to seem sort of skittish like a horse but she just wasn't that relatable and I had a hard time finding a connection with her character. I loved Brody- and thought the side characters were great as well. I just would have liked to see Morgan come out of her shell a little bit more. 

Overall Tijan usually rocks my world with every.single.one of her books so it was still enjoyable and I would still recommend :P 

Scars by, Jaimie Roberts

4 Stars!! 
“Because when the heart dies, what else is left? One way or the other, it can’t change anything. It won’t change the fact that what’s done is done, and you can never repair a dead heart.”

Lily at almost 18, has a great life- money, friends, and is doing well in school. She's felt for a while, that someone is watching and following her. But this stalker is nice and leaves things like lilies on her doorstep. 

One night at a party- she gets dared to go in on a game of seven minutes in heaven. When in the dark closet, she is kissed by a stranger she isn't allowed to see. Emotions are heightened and Lily realizes this may be her stalker. After the party he starts to show up places Lily is at - the catch, she can never see his face. 

J- or aka Jarred, has a secret and one thing on his mind... REVENGE. He singles out Lily as the perfect pawn in his little game. What he doesn't realize is that there is more than meets the eye with her. Will he be able to focus on his end game? Or will he be caught up in Lily's web? 

Secrets come out- the past is confronted and lives will be changed. Scars have more than just one meaning. 

I have to admit, a good friend recommended this to me- and when I read the first couple chapters- I didn't think I would finish it. It felt weird that this girl had no issues with a dude with no face-stalking her. She doesn't tell anyone for a while and just kinda goes along with it. After about the 30 % mark, I was hooked. Things started to turn and I was impressed with how this author took something that I was feeling NOT OKAY with and presented it in a way I never would have expected! 

This book wasn't perfect- but it was addicting and I had to know what the heck was happening. The author does a great job of keeping all the hidden aspects hidden until just the right time! 

Overall, I ended up enjoying this way more than I thought I would in the beginning - and I am glad I kept going. I would recommend this if you're looking for a romantic type thriller that keeps you guessing until the end!

Verity by, Colleen Hoover

5 WTF Stars!!

Be right back- I need Therapy. 

Ya think? Yeah Im angry... and a little depressed with a mix of PSYCHO. I do not understand where authors come up with this SHIT! For real. Like - WOW. This disturbed me ... A LOT. But for the life of me could not stand to part with it. ANY idle minute I had I was glued to my kindle. If you are a mother, Im not even sure I want to recommend this to you. But at the same time.. I really do because hell I read it... So I feel you should suffer with me. OMG see... its already rubbed off on me!!!

This book was raw and pulled from a place only Colleen Hoover knows about. Im not sure I even want to know what place she escaped to in order to write this, but thats really besides the point. THE POINT is that - this is talent y'all. I have no other words for it. I was sitting back reading some of the one star reviews and just sorta laughing to myself because ... DNF- NOT FOR ME- THIS IS HORRIBLE- are all thoughts I had while reading this book. But I also kept reading it and finished it. Turned off my kindle and just sat in the same spot for a good hour just breathing and staring into the void of nothing. 

Look I knew - I knew that people (mainly women) were losing their minds over this book. That they couldn't sleep and it was going to be heavy. I even tried to read it a couple months ago but like... I just couldn't get past the first couple pages honestly cuz- COHO is a MOOD. Each book has its own taste of crazy and bizarre twists, so I knew in my mind I needed to prepare myself. HAHA- you'll never be ready for this one though. I dont even want to give any synopsis of the book because I went into it blind and feel everyone should. (VERITY GET OUT OF MY HEAD) 

Back to TALENT. This author(Hoover), wrote about an author, writing about another author. Yeah- smoke on that a minute. Breathe it in. 

The subject matter in this book is disturbing and graphic. It will turn your stomach and make you feel dirty. If it doesn't then well I dont even know what to say. There is a lot of sexual subject matter and violence. You will also laugh... at least I did.. a good bit. Maybe its because I feel like I have seen Hoovers unique personality over Social Media and when you read some parts of the book her personality comes through and I could totally picture her saying something in real life. 

Such as - 

"I was good at spewing bullshit. Its why I became a writer." 

"dont want to call him an asshole. He's a little kid, and hes been through a lot. But I think he might be an asshole." 

“You look terrible.” I say it because he doesn’t look terrible. He never does, and he knows it. “You look refreshed and ravishing.” He says it because I never look refreshed and ravishing. I always look tired, and maybe even perpetually bored. I’ve heard of Resting Bitch Face, but I relate more to Resting Bored Face." 

So - yeah you'll feel ALL the FEELS. Her talent comes in because of the plot. It was different and makes you think. I know I will be thinking about this book for a while and I have been loving on my kids and never want to let them go. Your mind is going to want to throw up inside itself. You're going to HATE to rate and like this book. But you will, hopefully, identify and appreciate the talent and the effort of this MIND F#@!K of a book. 

Overall- I rated this a 5 right off the bat. Then I thought about it. I really only like to rate books a 5 when I LOVE them so much I would re-read it. So after I thought about it- I changed it to a 4... 

EL OH EL... Now Im just going against my rating system and rating it a 5 because, I WILL probably NEVER read this book again, but I WILL NEVER FORGET this book. Thank you Colleen Hoover for once again blowing my mind and driving me INSANE. Mission accomplished - KUDOS! 

****Initial Reaction: PRE REVIEW-😮.... I need a minute....full review to come, once my brain returns to functioning properly 😐

Dare You to Lie by Amber Lynn Natusch

3 Stars!!  Calling all Veronica Mars Fans!!! This one is for YOU!  In Dare You to Lie, we get two mysteries in one. We follow main character Kylene, who has just returned to Ohio to seek out some answers, and to fix some things that happened before she moved away. In Jasperville, she is known as the town liar- along with her father who is a cop, in prison for a supposed murder. She sets out to clear both of their names, but has no idea who or what she is dealing with behind the scenes. She doesn't realize it, but she is in for a dangerous ride.  Ky is a snarky, sarcastic and fun character. She has a take no crap- personality and is willing to dig and do whatever it takes to clean up these allegations. But that's not always a good thing- her inability to keep her mouth shut- makes her a target!  I love the friendships in this book. She has a best friend Garrett, she has known since childhood who has never let what others say stop him from being there for her. And then there is a naïve new girl in school who just fits right in with them both.  I really enjoyed the sassiness in this book and the VM Vibes were so strong- I felt like I was binge watching a new season in my brain. The only problem I had was for some reason, I found myself not being able to fully connect to the story/characters. It was really good, but something was missing and I am not sure what it was. Maybe since this is the first book in the series- whatever was missing in this one, will be in the next one!  If you like YA- and are looking for a good mystery, with a kick ass, snarky MC- with no insta-love or romance, this one is for you!!

Come Fine Me by Megan Miranda

4 Stars!!

This was crazy different and a lot of fun to read. 


In Come Find Me, we follow MC's Kennedy and Nolan. Two teenagers-both whom which have experienced great tragedy, find themselves drawn together by a strange signal. Together, they try to find the source of the mysterious signal. 


The more they try to find it, the more clues they find things that seem to connect their pasts. The signal seems to be for them alone, something only they both can understand. Who is out there? Is something coming for them? Or is the frequency warning them about something that's already here? 


I was totally not expecting something with a Stranger things vibe to it, but it has that vibe- in a small way which added so much more to the story. 


I really liked Kennedy, she was brave and strong willed. She has dealt with a lot of pain in her life but that wont stop her from getting answers. Nolan is dealing with the same thing. Both characters, as they work together- experience a good bit of growth. Each one was there for one another and only made the other stronger. 

I had no idea where this book was headed and I spent half the book scratching my head. I like when a mystery/thriller ends up stumping me. I was pleasantly surprised with the outcome and totally recommend it!

The Last Time I Lied by, Riley Sager

4 Stars!! 

“Everything is a game, Em. Whether you know it or not. Which means that sometimes a lie is more than just a lie. Sometimes it's the only way to win.” 

What a thrilling little ride this was, suspenseful until the very last word. In, The Last Time I Lied, we follow MC Emma, who went to summer camp when she was 13- and 3 girls go missing while she is there. The case was never solved. 

Fast Forward 15 years, and Emma is an artist who just cant seem to shake her past. The owner of the camp comes to personally invite her back for the reopening of the camp. She asks Emma to teach art. Emma hesitantly decides to go, hoping to find some closure. 

The story alternates from Present and Past POV. I was absolutely consumed by this book. It took up my whole day- every time I had a chance I was floating right back into the story. The setting of the book was creepy and the atmosphere was perfectly drawn. 



The plot was fantastic - pacing, down right addicting. Every time I thought I had it all figured out, I would get thrown into a totally different direction. 



The author did an excellent job of throwing me off my "who done it" trail. The back story was just as enthralling as the main plot. None of my theories came to pass and that my friends - makes for a good mystery! The Last Time I Lied, was a gripping and intoxicating story. I totally recommend!

Sometimes I lie by, Alice Feeney

4 Stars!! 

“Little girls are different from little boys: they’re made of sugar and spice and scar for life. I’ve still got my scars. Just because they’re on the inside doesn’t mean they’re not there.” 

Try to imagine being stuck in a coma and hearing everything going on around you. But you cant move all you can do is lay there, while life moves on around you. Thrilling- and full of suspense- Sometimes I lie, did not disappoint. It scared me, it twisted my brain and gave me all the feels that great psychological thriller should! 

The book alternates between present day, (MC-Amber in a coma) to a week prior, the build up to Amber being in a coma, and 1992, a series of diaries. The twists and turns were raw and so creepy-I couldn't help but turn the pages to see what would happen next. Not to mention the nursery rhymes that are repeated all through out the book- if the story doesn't mess with your brain, the songs will for sure. I totally recommend this one if you like good psychological thrillers that get you thinking with an amazing twist!

Bird Box by, Josh Malerman

                          

4 Stars!!!  🌟🌟🌟🌟 “In a world where you can’t open your eyes, isn’t a blindfold all you could ever hope for?” Suspenseful and Terrifying!!! I decided to read this with the new movie coming out and I must say... what a surprise it was!! The author did an amazing job scaring the crap out of me. The type of fear I experienced was more from the emotional standpoint of being a mother. The themes were delivered in such a way that it felt entirely real. It was gripping and fast paced. The characters were a pot luck of the nuts and not so nuts. I related to MC Malorie the most. As a mother, I could not fathom having to go through this raising kids, let alone being pregnant. The strength of her character was amazing. My only complaint was I wish there would be a sequel or the ending would have been longer. I’m totally looking forward to the movie now!!!