Tag: book review

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BOOK REVIEW: Snoop, Come Home (A Parody) by Jeff Whitcher

The Peanuts gang is gonna drop it like it’s hot. What happens if Charlie Brown goes to feed his beloved pet, Snoop Dogg? For shizzel! Let’s find out!

SNOOP COME HOME: A PARODY

Published: March 13th, 2020

Genre: fiction/satire/celebrity humor/parody

In “Snoop, Come Home: A Parody”, cartoonist Jeff Whitcher delivers a hilariously twisted tribute to childhood nostalgia, mixing Saturday morning innocence with Saturday night smoke. When the world’s chillest rapper lands in the suburbs of Schulz’s beloved gang, things get… hazy. From prescriptions signed by Dr. Dre to neighborhood girls interrogating gangsta rap lingo, no character escapes this riotous remix unscathed.

Illustrated in pitch-perfect Peanuts style, this grown-up picture book is a subversive celebration of hip hop, youth culture, and the strange, delightful ways we all mash up meaning. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of comic strips or a disciple of West Coast beats, this is your new favorite coffee table conversation starter.

Not for kids. Not for the faint of heart. But definitely for anyone who loves satire with a blunt edge.

A perfect gift for pop culture junkies, parody lovers, and anyone who’s ever wondered: “What would Snoop Dogg do in a Charlie Brown world?”

GET NOW ON AMAZON

Review

To quote good ol’ Chuck, “Good grief!” This book is iconic! Jeff Whitcher strikes gold in this parody of the classic Peanuts titled “Snoopy Comes Home,”  with “Snoop, Come Home” that I didn’t know I needed. Not for your kids, as when Charlie Brown asks Snoop Dogg if he has a prescription for “that,” and Snoop hands him a card that says Dr. Dre, I rolled over laughing. Oh! And when Lucy gets hold of Snoop’s CD, she has a few choice words, and Linus…dear sweet Linus! (shakes head).


Image courtesy of Jeff Whitcher from “Snoop, Come Home (A Parody)”

“Snoop, Come Home” is a must for any Peanuts collector or Snoop Dogg fan. By the way, does Snoop Dogg know about this book? I can imagine him laughing and passing the “puff puff”  to Jeff, saying Yeah, man, I dig it. Whitcher does Charles Schulz proud, capturing Schulz’s illustration style uncannily. This is a book I will treasure and turn to for a smile. COMEDY GOLD!

 Therefore, my rating is Five out of Five stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jeff Whitcher is an author, painter, music YouTuber and former standup comedian who has written over 40 books for children and adults alike. He began writing to entertain his five children and has since expanded his line of books to include parodies of popular children’s books. He is also an avid vinyl collector and has a YouTube channel, Jeff Whitcher’s Vinyl Destination.
Learn more about Jeff and his books at jeffwhitcherbooks.com.

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BOOK REVIEW: A Sister To Butterflies by Aaron Christopher Drown

A lover of fairytale and folklore, “A Sister To Butterflies” brings you a very different kind of fairytale.

A Sister To Butterflies

Published: May 27th, 2025

Genre: Fantasy/ Folklore/ YA Fantasy

Age: 13+

Pages: 581

Synopsis

There are lures irresistible regardless of peril, because some yearnings renounce all wisdom. There are bonds that compel no matter how faraway, because some needs are dire enough to defy all cost. But when reason, distance, and danger go unheeded, that price can be devastating despite all the magic in one’s grasp.

A Sister to Butterflies tells a different sort of once upon a time, a shimmering tale of a creature torn between worlds, whose wondrous deeds would become fable and whose terrible mistakes would alter the destinies of everyone around her.

REVIEW

As poetically written as this book is, my review will not be. Oh my gosh, THIS BOOK! It tore me asunder! I am so happy! It has been a long time since a book has done that. It has also been a long time since I read a nice thick novel, and this book has some heft. An absolutely stunning read, Drown captures the cadence of fairytale and folklore but gives it just the right amount of visceral grimness, a la the Brothers Grimm, with a deeper overall moral at the end. Told in a poetic, forlorn fashion, a mysterious old woman has slipped into the nursery, picking up the swaddled babe from the crib as she sits in the rocking chair, and she tells her tale that she has said once before. Other worlds exist out there, and one of those other worlds is hers.

Now, fairytales are often short, but Drown manages to hold on to you for a full-length novel of an exquisite folktale-inspired story that hosts realism with a chilling no-happy-ever-after.

You care and sympathize with our narrator, Abigail, all through the story until the climax, when you realize she’s a whole lot messed up. She did the unthinkable, all with partial good intentions, I think, but then again…

“A Sister To Butterflies,” you have to read it, and then we can discuss it.

The overall rating is five out of five stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Aaron Christopher Drown is a Maine native who’s lived all over, and whose stories have appeared in equally numerous magazines and anthologies. His debut novel, A Mage of None Magic, won the Darrell Award for Best Novel, and as he’s promised his publisher for years, the follow-up will be ready soon. His collection of short stories, titled The Gods Must Clearly Smile, received the 2022 BIBA along with the 2023 Imadjinn Award. An award-winning graphic designer as well, Aaron is a frequent guest speaker who enjoys discussing not only the writing process but the important role branding and presentation play in promoting an author’s work. Aaron resides in Washington State with his wife, Sarah, their dog and cat, and his trusty Macbook, Sancho.

Follow Aaron Christopher and his books at: aaronchristopherdrown.com

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BOOK REVIEW: Alpha Male by Mark Allen

I did a book spotlight, and now I have READ THE BOOK! ALPHA MALE is one of the most enjoyable horror thrillers I have read in a long time.

ALPHA MALE (a Caleb Jacobsen novel)

Published: April 15, 2025

Genre: Horror/Suspense/ Thriller

Pages:434

Synopsis

Since defeating the evil Global Alpha saving mankind from annihilation, Caleb and Marla have gone back to their quiet lives.

Sadly, “quiet” never lasts.

A werewolf delegation explains to Caleb that by killing the last Alpha and then not assuming the position himself, the werewolf world has fallen into chaos, fractured packs, and bitter infighting. Born followers, the werewolves NEED a strong leader to restore balance and order.

Realizing his responsibility for this situation, Caleb must step up and be the leader they need, even though it is the last thing he wants to do.

But there are those who do not recognize him as legitimate. Rejecting his policy of détente with humankind, they still want a Werewolf Apocalypse and a Human Holocaust. And they are willing to kill anyone who gets in their way.

War is brewing, and no one can remain neutral. Everyone must choose sides. It all comes down to one cataclysmic fight to the death between Caleb and the rebel leader, Logan Olivier. The survivor will guide the combined destinies of both werewolves and humans for the next thousand years.

 There’s only one ALPHA MALE. 

REVIEW

The cover hooks you before you open the pages, and once you do, author Mark Allen doesn’t disappoint. Alpha Male is the second book in Allen’s Caleb Jacobsen werewolf series, with Blood Moon being the lead in. Even though I didn’t read the first book, Allen welcomes you. I was not lost one bit, and I instantly felt invested in these characters.

We pick up with Caleb and Marla again, three months after Caleb killed the Global Alpha, refusing to take the throne as his replacement. When a group comes a calling, saying the werewolf community is in disarray.  Caleb finally rises up, considering he is to blame for the chaos in their community. We also meet Logan Oliver, a German Alpha of the German pack, who decides to claim the empty Global Alpha spot and pick us up where the former left off, which was revealing their kind to humanity and showing them who the true A-PEX predator is. When he learns Caleb is finally claiming the Global Alpha role and opting for peace, Logan sets out a challenge. Caleb accepts, but when Logan brutally attacks his own kind for not following him, then tries to go after his mate, Caleb is coming after Logan. Still, it is a fight to the death as both Logan and Caleb come with surprises.

I truly enjoyed Alpha Male so much. Allen is also a screenwriter, and if you are familiar with screenwriting, you can tell. Allen’s visceral description and detail are superb. I love it when a book plays like a film in your head, and Alpha Male does that. Allen’s writing is gifted in this genre. The final battle between Caleb and Logan is written brutally, yet it’s not overkill or overly gruesome. I mean, I did wince a bit at every punch and crunch. It was supported, though, so it worked. There is a third book coming out, so I am excited to see where Caleb and Marla go next.

My rating 5 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

ALPHA MALE IS AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON

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BOOK REVIEW: Darker than Dark Fairytales for the Unloved: Volume 2

Some like it dark, but these authors like it darker. Hitting while the iron is hot, the collective authors of the Dark Macbe are back with Darker Than Dark Fairytales for the Unloved Volume 2, which has been released. Volume 2 features brand new indie authors and some returning favorites with extremely twisted original fairytale retellings.

Darker than Dark Fairytales for the Unloved: Volume 2 (An Indie Author Collective)

Published: April 26, 2025

Genre: Anthologies, Collection/ Fairytales/ Dark fantasy/ Dark fairytale retellings

Featured authors include:

Brooke Eisenhauer (debut)

Isaac Lotharius

Zaryn Finch

S.D. Paine

Ellen Winter

Alex Upchurch

Bille Nicks

Grace Vice

Hannah L, Evens

Memo Rable

S.A. McDaniel (debut)

Emmy Crimson (debut)

Gareth Davies

Selina Shaw (debut)

Synopsis

Once upon a time, the unloved found solace in the dark.

In this collection of original fairytales, fourteen authors weave stories where love is lost, hope is twisted, and happily-ever-afters rot beneath gilded lies. Here, innocence is devoured, monsters wear familiar faces, and the cruelest wishes come true.

These are not tales of warmth. They are whispers from forgotten corridors, nightmares stitched in ink, and warnings etched in shadow.

Turn the page, but tread carefully–some stories never let go.

Content Warning: For Mature Readers

AMAZON

REVIEW

Darker than Dark Fairytales for the Unloved  Volume Two once again mixes classic fairytale retellings, such as the twistedly romantic retelling of Hansel and Gretel in “Blood Maidens” (Billie Nicks) or the beautifully brutal Sleeping Beauty revenge tale “Greenbrier” (Brooke Eisen) 

Along with original fairytale-inspired tales, including the succulent “Feed Me Honey” (Ellen Winter) or the fiercely Fem-rage “ Forest Trials” (S.D. Paine). Or the dementedly disturbing pixie popping forever seared in my mind, “Don’t Curse Me This Way” (Isaac Lotharius). 

I think the only story with a maybe happily ever after is “Whispers of a Goblin Heart” (Zaryn Finch) that will make me look at Groot in a whole new way. I also have to mention  “The Path” because of the ending…I nearly dropped my Kindle with a scoff. It was horrifyingly brilliant, I loved it. So, have I enticed you enough?

Surprisingly, I enjoyed volume two a bit more than the first volume. I can honestly say Volume 2 traumatized me a tad, and I liked it. Darker than Dark Fairytales‘ goal was to go darker, and they did. They did it superbly, too, as these stories will definitely haunt my mind and soul.

⭐  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ( 5 out of 5 stars)

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Darker than Dark Fairytales for the Unloved Volume 2 is an Indie author collection. To learn more, follow them on Instagram. 

@authorkisarayen_amitygrey

@author.mehdi_fakhrahmad

@authorhannahgardiner

@author.garethiandavies

@gracevicebooks

@authorbillienicks

@opheliasts

@ellenwinter_author

@everafterauthor

@authorfortunalux

This will also be the debut in the author world for: 

@the_moonlite_writer

@sabineamcdaniel

@shawberrytart

@a.heather.renee_emmy.crimson

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BOOK REVIEW: The Well of Souls by Cordelia Kelly

In anticipation of the upcoming release of the next book in Cordelia Kelly’s Port of Lost Souls series, The Carnival of Fools, I went back to the start with R&R Book Tours for THE WELL OF SOULS.


The Well of Souls: A YA Paranormal Adventure Novel (Port of Lost Souls Book 1)


Publication Date: April 2024


Genre: YA Paranormal Fantasy

Features
⦁ Vampires
⦁ Coming of Age
⦁ Treasure Hunting
⦁ Found Family
⦁ Misfit Teens

Synopsis

Lola Monteux, a treasure-hunting vampire, never intended to test that legend. But when her crew betrays her and sentences her to death, she makes a desperate gamble: flee to the haunted island and uncover the fabled Well of Souls, a treasure said to grant unimaginable power—and her only chance at survival.
Disguised as a teenager, Lola infiltrates the island’s tight-knit community and unexpectedly finds herself drawn to Gael, a local boy with secrets of his own, and his misfit group of friends. For the first time in centuries, she feels the pull of her long-lost humanity, the intoxicating thrill of a life she thought she’d left behind. But the longer she lingers, the more the island’s magic ensnares her—and the more she forgets the deadly forces hunting her down.
As her past closes in and the island’s true horrors begin to surface, Lola faces an impossible choice: claim the treasure and ensure her survival or risk everything—including her heart—for a life she may never truly have.

AMAZON

REVIEW

This book was dramatically enjoyable! Think Indiana Jones meets Goonies, but with vampires! We are introduced to Lola. Lola is like Lara Croft with fangs. She’s a vampire treasure hunter, but when her vampire crew decides she is a weak link and wants to get rid of her for good, Lola sets off on a treasure hunt by herself to find the ’ Well of Souls’ that is said to grant he kind power to help her be free, yet it rest on a cursed island that is said to curse her kind.

When Lola meets one of the island’s local boys named Gael and his friends, the story goes Goonies mode as Lola and her new ragtag crew decide to hunt for the treasure together, but when Lola’s past catches up with her, the stakes of the treasure hunt rise. 

First off, I love the character of Lola. She is a strong female character you can get behind. While I am all for strong female characters at times, they can feel empty to me, or they just feel like they are trying too hard, but Lola feels authentic. I also love the character role reversal too, as our dear Lola is our main lead, Indian Jonest hero, and her love interest is (Gael), who is a bit like Marion’s damsel in distress role, which I found refreshing. 

Kelly writes in a steady pace and with an emotional heaviness that makes you want to turn the next page. Young adults will definitely like this book.

 Thus, my overall rating is 5 out of 5 stars.

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cordelia Kelly writes YA and middle-grade novels, as well as adult horror short stories. Her stories “Herbalista” and “Dare to Survive” are published in horror anthologies Prairie Witch and Dark & Stormy respectively, and she won the 2019 Geneva Literary Prize for her story “Unfreeze.” Her non-fiction has appeared in the Calgary Herald and the Calgary Sun.

Check out her author website at cordeliakelly.com, or her bookstagram @bookoracle1. She also loves terrible horror novels from the ’90s, and has a blog writing recaps of all the Fear Street books, Shadyside Snark. In her free time she is learning digital illustration and cooks vegetarian food that looks terrible but swears tastes really good.

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Book Review: The Other Side by C. Herbert

Welcome to a gender swap and sapphic dark fantasy retelling of what would happen if Princess and the Frog’s Dr. Facilier met Hades from Hercules!


The Other Side

Published: March 21, 2025

Genre: dark fantasy/dark romance/ fairytale retelling/ magical romance

Content Warning: 18+, please check trigger warning as this is a dark romance

Do we have a deal?

We are warned as children not to play with fire for fear of being burned. But what if that very fire belonged to the goddess of the underworld? And what if she, the keeper of souls, offered you everything you desire? All in exchange for a single favor. Would you accept her terms?

The bayou witch, Iris-Marie, is no stranger to the mistreatment of others, so when Cypress, the goddess of the underworld, saves her from death and offers to give her the very thing she desires, it’s no wonder she accepts. Even if it means gambling her soul. But when Cypress comes to collect her favor, Iris-Marie’s world is thrown into chaos when she learns the truth of the very deal she struck.

Now, she must choose to save herself or burn in Cypress’ fiery passion that could drag her to the Abyss for all eternity.

Amazon

REVIEW

The Other Side is a delicious what-if scenario based on the villain Dr. Faciller from Princess and the Frog and Hades from Disney’s Hercules. We are introduced to Iris-Marie, a bayou witch who is being hunted and then saved by the goddess of the underworld herself, Cypress. Iris is unwisely drawn to the goddess of death, makes a deal for power with the soul eater, but when the time comes, Cypress will collect her part of the deal, which might be Iris-Marie herself.

Herbert is the queen of dark fantasy and fantasy horror. I loved how she plucked these two familiar characters we know and transformed them into something new and original—a villainess love story, if you will. Herbert’s writing is once again on point, yet I had a hard time falling for Iris-Marie and Cypress because their relationship is so toxic and sinister. We were given the question of, come on, maybe villains are just misunderstood. And taught actions speak louder than sweet nothings in our ears and carnal pleasure. Okay, maybe I delved deeper into this book than most readers, and perhaps even the author herself.

One thing I did like about Iris-Mare and Cypress was Herbert’s description of them. Her imagery of Cypress was divine, right down to her flame-dripped hair. I so got it. And Iris-Marie is fond of her tall top hat. I just loved the little subtleties she includes.

All in all, I enjoyed the book. May rating 4 out of 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐


 *NOTE The Other Side is an exciting addition to an intriguing Villainous Retelling trilogy featuring contributions from various talented authors. Check out Wicked Depth by Melissa McSherry (Sea witch/ Dragon Queen ) and Off with Her Head by Dana LeeAnn (Evil Queen/Queen of Hearts)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Commonly known as Cyn, C. Hebert is a multi-genre author who loves to paint a pretty yet horrific picture woven together with absolute chaos. These are true graveyard reads.

While most authors like to write happily ever afters, C. Hebert prefers to take her stories in the opposite direction. She delivers darker tales with a hint of madness that tug at your heartstrings.

She is a self-proclaimed manic writer who loves to constantly push herself to do more.

C. Hebert is a published poet and writes darker, more unique works under a secondary pen name, which is an International Best Seller. It is listed on her social media.

Learn more about C. Herbert and her books at cynfulbooks.com

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Book Review: Dark Fairytales For The Unloved: Collective Anthology

 Fourteen Indie authors! Fifteen stories of the twisted and macabre! Enter if you dare, a dark fairytale collection that will make the Brothers Grimm either blush or smile with glee. Content and trigger warning precede each tale for an unaware sensitive reader, but the title warns you these are dark fairytales. Now let’s follow the bread crumbs and enter into the darkness.

Dark Fairytales For The Unloved: An Indie Author Collection (Volume One)

Published: March 26th, 2025

Genre: Fairytales/Folklore/Fantasy/Anthologies

Synopsis

Step into a realm where enchantment and darkness intertwine. In this anthology, fourteen master storytellers from diverse backgrounds conjure original fairytales that are as chilling as they are captivating. From eerie forests to twisted kingdoms, each tale spins a web of intrigue, mystery, and danger. Embrace the delicious dread and discover the hidden truths that lurk in the shadows. Perfect for lovers of the macabre and fantastical, these stories will leave you spellbound long after the last page is turned.

AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON

REVIEW

Dark Fairytales For The Unloved is a collection of Fairytales for adults, oozing with dark fairytale-inspired stories. Two are dark retellings of classic tales such as “Elves and the Shoemaker” and” Beauty and the Beast” in spectacular NOURSHMENT and HUNTER & THE BEAST by Gareth Ian Davies and SD Paine. The rest are dark original fairy tale-inspired tales, such as my favorite, the brilliantly written folklorish horror THE PALE MOTHER by Nova B. Quinn and BIRDS OF WINTER by Ruby Ann Stiegelmeier.

Then we have the hauntingly magical with FOXGLOVE and THE BLOOMING CURSE by Stacey LP and Hannah Gardiner. The bottom rips out from under us, and we go deeper and darker with wickedly devilish tales like BEAUTIFUL SUFFERING and SPIT AND SPITE AND ALL THINGS NIGHT by Alex Upchurch & Ellen Winter.

The opening story, REQUIEM, by Marianne Gray, is an absolute banger, setting the tone of the book nicely. While not every story tickled my witchy fancy, the next one usually did. It was a fun read, and I enjoyed getting treated to a new story by a new author. It was like getting a sneak peek into these delicious indie authors’ minds.

My rating: 4 out of 5 stars⭐⭐⭐⭐

GET IT TODAY!

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BOOK REVIEW:  Nebula’s Firefly by Dayron Maxwell

Narvix is back in my world!

Nebula’s FireFly (Book 2 Orphans of Solstice)

Published: January 1, 2025

Genre: Teen fantasy/Adventure

Purchase link: AMAZON

Synopsis

As Narvix’s powers burgeon, His yearning for his human companions surpasses the perils of Enlo and his followers. Narvix endeavors to salvage the wreckage that the Arzo’s race has inflicted. However, the factions of Narvix and Enlo have their own hidden motives that will bring chaos to any planet and anyone involved.

Nephia and her son Narvix start to understand each other better as they explore each other’s worlds.. Meanwhile, Nathalie, Mia, and Narvix’s friends lose themselves in the Arzo’s realm.

In the third book, a mother watches her son from the depths of his soul, and a man consumed by revenge will collide with the lives of all who are bound to them. Can Narvix and his friends survive the upcoming battles? Will Earth like many planets become a playground of the gods, or will Narvix challenge Arzo’s culture by confronting Enlo?

REVIEW

It seemed like forever but budding Indie author Dayron Maxwell is back with book three in his Orphan of Solstice series. The series started back in 2018, Maxwell burst onto the book scene with Those Who Swallowed God, where we meet Narvix, just your average scimitar-shaped horned red skin teenager, whose life gets turned upside down when divine judgement wearing a tailored suit leads an army of winged humans to his hometown. Narvix’s mundane life of retro PC gaming and afternoon snoozing during fourth-period calculus screeches to a halt, replaced with dodging lighting bolts, facing a flaming woman all while trying not to create genocide from reaching his street address. Maxwell followed up in 2019 with the release of book two with Porlaris Phantom (formerly titled World of the Chimera).

Now, after a long hiatus Maxwell is back with Nebula’s FireFly! Refreshing myself with books one and two, I got back into the world of Narvix where Narvix is still learning about himself, and his power, guided by his mother Nephia, he is told he is the one who must fight the deranged god Enlo.  Meanwhile, the enemy has taken roots on earth on the hunt for Narvix. When Narvix is granted a 3-day sneak back to earth before his extraordinary mission, Narvix reunites with Lulu as feelings are revealed. A black hole erupts in the middle of the city, and a shocking revelation is revealed that leaves you at a…wait what? Dosey of a cliffhanger.

I said it once before, and I repeat it, this book series would make an excellent comic or anime series. Maxwell writes with such vividness filled with sci-fi fantasy imagery that something out of a fever dream. Think in the style of Into The Spiderverse, is how Narvix’s world explodes to life.

Therefore my rating is⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 out of 5 stars.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dayron Maxwell is an author of fantasy and coming-of-age books. He is currently working on a series of six books. His hobbies include writing, traveling, and occasionally a good movie.

To learn more, follow him on his website Dayron Maxwell and on FACEBOOK

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Book Review: REFORMED by Holly Monroe

Welcome to Robert Sinclair’s Reformation Academy, where it is not to support your supernatural powers but to REFORM them. Go from supernatural to simply natural!

Reformed (The Rift Wars Book 1)

Publication Date: Feb 21

Genre: PNR/ Why Choose/ Academy

Synopsis

In a realm where being supernatural is all but illegal, Stella Mikers has hidden her supernatural spirit and done it well for over a decade. Up against the wire to produce a piece of hard-hitting journalism to solidify her career and no other ideas, she decides it’s time to come out of hiding and embrace what she truly is – a Valkyrie.

She dusts off her wings and goes undercover at Robert Sinclair’s Reformation Academy, the prison alternative that boasts the ability to turn supernaturals into simplynaturals, removing what makes them different and allowing them to better assimilate into society.

But there is something fishy about a vampire who can now be a phlebotomist and a necromancer who works as a mortician. Stella is determined to discover what is going on behind those golden gates and expose the Academy to the realm.

What she didn’t expect to find at the Academy were starving vampires who wanted to feed from her feet, a shy cyclops suitemate, or a reaper who is sunshine personified. Even one of her simplynatural professors draws her attention in a way she can’t explain. Stella’s plan didn’t include making friends, but now that she has, she’s dead set on doing whatever it takes to keep them safe.

Robert Sinclair’s Reformation Academy has a dark secret, and it’s up to Stella to uncover it before all of them are reformed.

*This slow-burn MFMMM book is intended for adult audiences and contains explicit content*

REVIEW

Reform apparently intrigued me, though I have no recollection of requesting an advance copy to review. Either way, being the book lover that I am and loving things all supernatural, I dove into this book with eagerness only to discover if you’ve seen one academia trope, you have seen them all. Sadly, the author did not bring anything new to this trope, if you call it that, or to the characters or the spice. Now, I like my spice in my books, but it has to fit and blend in. It has to make sense; again, to me, it didn’t (I could go on a tangent). 

 Perhaps maybe I’ve outgrown the academy genre, and my reading tastes are changing, yet I still adored The School For Good and Evil.  While it’s labeled a fairy tale and fantasy, it does feature the academy trope, where it is a school for magical young people.

So, is this book terrible? NO! Many will adore this book. Overall, this book was not for me.

Therefore, my rating is ⭐⭐⭐

REFORMED IS AVAILABLE NOW ON AMAZON

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Holly Monroe reluctantly lives in Florida. She writes fantasy, paranormal, and omegaverse romances with strong female characters and swoon-worthy men who always get their happily ever after. 

Learn more about the author and her books @authorhollymonroe.

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BOOK REVIEW: Read Receipts by Ella C. Potter

I feel poetry is becoming a lost art. So, when a new poetry book comes across my desk, I am more than happy to spotlight it. I recently got gifted a chance to read Read Receipts by Ella C. Potter (aka Katrina Thornley).

Published: November 16th 2024

Genre: Poetry

Pages: 130


“We were the stars

Burnt out before anyone knew,

Exploding in the blink of an eye.

But god were we beautiful.”

Read Receipts from Ella C. Potter is a collection of free verse poems inspired by the past and moments of hard reflection. With undertones of angst mingling with moments of hope and healing, this poetry collection reflects upon toxic relationships and the processes associated with moving on. It explores themes of heartbreak, love, loss, transformation, self worth, and growth. Imagery of nature is weaved through out along with fairy tale references. The collection ends with a poem dedicated to a past self, a message to the reader to treat themselves with care and the importance of prioritizing yourself.

AMAZON

REVIEW

Read Receipts is a poetic story about dealing with toxic relationships, breaking free, and healing afterward. Each poem has no title, which I found a bit odd, but each poem transitions so well into each other as if telling a story. Yet I do have favorites like the start titled “Were directed..” “I found..” and the powerful “I have loved…”

To be honest, I was hesitant to read this book due to its raw emotional topic that felt all too close to home, but I found myself wrapped in support and power. Potter’s poetry empowers, not weakens, and that is how it should be. Read Receipts; therefore, it gets five stars from me!

Rating: 5 out of 5.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

To learn more about the Author visit https://linktr.ee/KatrinaThornleyAuthor