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!

Odium 0.5 Ninas Story by Claire C Riley

4 stars!!!
You think you have seen fear before, witnessed it for all of its glory. You think you know it, but you don’t. You couldn’t truly know what it was to fear something or someone, to feel fear’s hands clasping you by the spine, ready to drag your body apart. Not until you have witnessed a hell like we had.

What a freaking Prologue/Novella !! This one started and took off at a sprint !! I love it! I have read Riley's- Thicker than Blood series a while back and it left me completely and utterly devastated but yet, foaming at the mouth for more. I love her writing style and the ability she has to really make her characters feel real and "normal". I was in the mood for something else similar-So when I stumbled across this series- I WAS ALL FOR IT!

This book can either be read before or after book 1 of the Odium Series. Odium by definition means -
General or widespread hatred or disgust directed toward someone as a result of their actions.
synonyms:
disgust · abhorrence · repugnance · revulsion · repulsion · loathing · detestation · hatred · hate · execration · obloquy · dislike · disapproval · disapprobation · distaste ·

Which totally makes sense for this book - since its a book about the end of the world and Zombies -or what they are sometimes called in the book- Deaders. I prefer zombies but.... whatever :P



This book was the story of Nina our main character from the series. We get to see her beginnings and... well basically how everything started and went to shit - like real fast. To be honest Nina was kind of shallow at the beginning of this. After you read some of the series, her character growth is phenomenal. But for this little novella- the virus is just breaking out and we see where she and all the crazy started.

It’s the end of the world, and the dead have risen. Devastation reins and destruction lives.
Mankind is holding on by bloody and desperate fingers. Death comes when you least expect it; in the quiet of the night or in the harsh light of day. It sneaks in and takes everyone and everything you ever loved, until you’re left with nothing at all. And the person standing in the aftermath is forever changed.



I really recommend reading this book first - maybe because I did... but really- do what you want. I just loved how fast paced it was and I finished it so fast because so much was happening and I fell in love with the side characters and I just wanted more! I am totally looking forward to the rest of this series- if you have not read this author before- I HIGHLY Recommend her. Her writing is very unique, witty and just amazing!

Odium Book 1 by, Claire C Riley

4 Addictive Stars!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I might not be Lara Croft yet, but the desperation to live can fill you with a hell of a lot of enthusiasm for surviving, and if that means fighting hand to hand with a walking corpse when you need to, then so be it.

Its official- IM HOOKED. I read the 0.5 Novella (Nina's Story) before reading this one, and I am glad I did. I highly recommend doing that so that that you get to know Nina- what she has been through to get to the point where this one starts out. And you definitely want to know where those Dr. Martens come from she's always swooning over... Trust me just do it.

The world has totally gone to shit. There was a virus and everyone is now pretty much dealing and trying to survive. The dead have been walking among them for 3 or so years when the book takes place. Its either die by a gun or die by the dead. The military got together and built this place behind the walls so everyone who made it to the wall, would be safe from the "deaders" aka or what I like to call Zombies. Everything behind the walls is not what is seems though.

Nina has been behind the wall since its beginning but wants nothing more than to escape the hell she is in. An opportunity arises when a young girl/teen Emily is caught stealing food. The punishment for stealing is banishment beyond the wall and most probably death by zombie. Nina finally has had enough and decides its either now or never- so she willingly leaves when Emily is kicked out.


Nina, not used to handling or dealing with the dead, has to figure out real quick how to gain courage and strength for not only herself but for Emily who is counting on her to survive. With every Zombie encounter- Nina only gets more Fierce, strong and fast.




Along the way to finding safety- the girls run into Mikey, who brings them to a world they couldn't ever imagine- a life ABOVE the ground. However, with a new world comes new dangers and darkness. The girls soon find out that the deaders are not the only thing to fear beyond the wall.



This was such a fantastic start to what I am sure is going to turn into one of my favorite series. Its so fast paced and action packed! If you are a fan of survival type stories - or dare I even bring up The Walking Dead- then you will LOVE this book and probably salivate until you can start the others... oh wait- maybe that's just me?!?! This isn't a typical Zombie/Apocalyptic type book. I mean it is- but it isn't at the same time. There is focus on the Dead- but there is so much more to the story. We get to see other threats and unique side characters.

Nina will grow on you- she is turning into quite the bad ass. She has a great, and HILARIOUS personality. I love that we get to be in her head and see all her thoughts, feelings and fears. Emily- is such a freaking sweetheart. I triple dog dare you not to love her. Mikey is a Cinnamon Bun!! And for whatever reason is going to be Brad Pitt from World War Z, bc I want it that way, ok??



Bare with me OH AND his gang, they are fantastic. Each with their own wits and personality to make them stand out.


THERE IS SO MUCH ACTION- and heartbreaking moments. This one will tug at your heart strings. There is a side of romance but totally NOT the focus. There is too much to worry about with the end of the world and all to be focused on romance. So for that I was grateful- but what little we do get is slow burning and just the right amount. Nina's character grows SO MUCH from the start to the end. Its awesome!! I love character backstories and seeing where they are coming from. I love seeing how the relationship between Emily and Nina grows too.

I know I am probably leaving out so many thoughts but - just trust me- ADD IT TO YOUR TBR. If you like this sort of thing :P Even if you don't... its pretty good, Just sayin' !!

The Deal by, Elle Kennedy

4 Stars!!!

”Sometimes people sneak up on you and suddenly you don’t know how you ever lived without them.”

Buddy read with my Fabulous friend Nikki from @njpennybooks (IG)

Hannah Wells is super smart and focused on her music, getting through school, and holding it all together.



There is only one area she is struggling in, and not just anyone can help her with that. Garrett is the captain of the hockey team, and a ladies man. He’s not interested in relationships since his whole focus is hockey and going pro.



Until he fails an ethics exam, which puts a damper in his plans. He has to pass in order to play in the next game coming up. So his hunt for a tutor brings him to Hannah, the only person who passed the Exam. The only problem is Hannah doesn’t fall for Garrett’s charms - and refuses to help him.

“Unbelievable. Every girl at this college would cut her frickin’ arm off to help me out. But this one? Runs away like I just asked her to murder a cat so we could sacrifice it to Satan.”

But Garrett is persistent so Hannah eventually caves. They become best friends real quick, and make a deal in exchange for the tutoring . But THE DEAL changes everything!!

This was my first time reading a book by this author. When I first started I wasn’t sure I would like it. It was a little cheesy in the beginning but after a couple chapters I was hooked. I was completely addicted and invested. I’m really late on reading this one, but I’m in it now and look so forward to the rest of this series and the spin off.

Hannah was a great female lead. She was smart, driven and focused. Even with the tragedy she has faced in her past, she is absolutely resilient and strong. Garrett is 100% a cinnamon bun!! I just adored him he wasn’t an ass- he was just special. I loved them together and their chemistry and banter was amazing.

This was completely a guilty pleasure read. Just a fun and sexy book without worries of world building or anything major to follow. It flowed nicely and just makes you smile. It’s a rainy day here, and this book was perfect for the blues. Not too heavy and not filled with fluff. If you're looking for something that puts a smile on your face and gives all the feels... Look no further than this heartwarming little gem <3

Bennett Mafia by, Tijan

4 Stars!!
“Actions matter. To be reckless with words is to be selfish, and combine that with power, and it is dangerous. Be better.”

Riley grew up with wealth but the cost wasn't cheap. She also went to boarding school, and her roommate Brooke- turned out to be a Mafia Princess. But that was in the past- opportunity for a fresh slate presents itself and Riley jumps in headfirst in hopes to escape her old life. She was willing to do anything to protect herself from what haunts her.

Tijan did it AGAIN!! I just love how she pours everything into her characters and makes the story come to life. She did her homework for sure!!! This was hardcore and a little hard to read at times. There are some pretty dark themes that are talked about but, it is a mafia book, so its to be expected. I will say that she did not hold back AT ALL for this one!

Riley was an ok main character. She did get under my skin just a little bit because at times she could be a little dramatic. And I felt like we were supposed to think she was a bad ass but she didn't really fit that mold for me... we never really got to see her in her element only talked about it. All the Bennett siblings were great. I did not know what to think of Kai at first. He is a legit MOB BOSS. He was brutal and at times you wanted to just hate him but love him at the same time. The chemistry between Kai and Riley felt sorta forced in the beginning but as the book went on I was able to look past it.

There was SO MUCH happening in this book!! I loved that the most. There was never a dull moment and things happened quickly. I hope that Tijan decides to write more off this series but for now its sadly just a stand alone. But I have a feeling we might see more of these characters later on- that's not confirmed though, just a hunch and hope that I have ! If you are a fan of Tijan- you will definitely want to add this to your TBR ;)

Under Locke by, Mariana Zapata

4 Stars!!
“And love without respect and appreciation isn’t actually anything. It’s worthless."

In Under Locke we follow MC Iris, her life has only been one hard time after another. She never really catches a break. With hopes that all of the tragedy is in the past, she decides to move to Texas to live with her half brother Sonny, who also got her a job working at a tattoo shop. That's where she meets her new boss, Dex. AKA Charlie... You know I couldn't help but think of another Charlie :P



Dex is not known for holding his tongue. Which Iris finds out real quick. He owns the shop - and is also part of a Motorcycle Club. Dropped into a new world that Iris is not used to, she is at a loss. She doesn't know if she will be able to fit in with these guys who curse about everything, and ride on two wheels.

Dex was an ASS!! At first :P Aren't they all though?? SIGH- But he does grow on you. I thought Iris was great!! I loved her personality and her character growth over the course of the book. She goes from being intimidated to holding her own with these broods in the MC. The side characters were also interesting. I wish that this would have been a series - but its still a great stand alone!!

This isn't a normal Motorcycle Club book. They don't really handle anything heavy as far as subject matter ( Drugs guns etc.) so that was a nice change. It was an actual legit MC - without the ACTION/DRAMA. There is still a ton of action and a slow burning romance which, lets face it.... Zapata is the queen of the slow-burn!!

I really enjoyed this one!! Dex had my heart by the end of the book and it left me swooning. I would totally recommend!