All posts by Angie J

Paranormal, Part of a Series, Part of a Spin off series, Sunshine Grumpy

#WOTR24 #paranormal #shifters – Forbidden Shadows, Lee County Wolves book 7 by Teresa Gabelman

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Haunted by his past failures, Malcolm fights daily to stay on track, yet every time he looks in the mirror, he sees a man full of hatred and rage. Trying to find his place among a new pack and alpha, Malcolm walks a narrow path hoping the mistakes from his past don’t reappear in his present.

Clare has lived in Lee County all her life. She learned early on about Shifters and has a special bond with them. They are her family. Clare learned to keep their secrets when she was young, but she was now free of all secrets with the Shifters out in the open. Or was she?

Malcolm fights his growing affection for Clare because he knows she deserves better than anything he could ever give her. It was as if the shadows from his past dared him to be happy, yet something told him that Clare might be the one to chase the shadows away.

Goodreads

Amazon

Review by Twinsie Angie

I was given this book by the author for an honest review.

I am a huge fan of this author.  I look forward to every release and every story. This series is a spin off of The Protectors Series but you do not need to read that to know these characters.  This is also the 7th book in the series but you don’t need to read the others to fall for Clare and Malcom.  I will say, you will 100% love it better having read the other books.  You get more backstory sprinkled in through the other books about these characters.  Also, Hunter. That is all I will say.  He makes me laugh each and every book.  Hunter Foster. LOL

Malcom is such a great grumpy character.  He hates himself for not protecting his sister even though she knows he did what he could.  He is not going to allow himself happiness and then he begins to notice Clare. He knew her but she has returned to town and seems different.

Clare is not thrilled to be going on this blind date and then starts to notice Malcom in a different way then before.  Anyway, she thinks there is no way with Malcom and dealing with her “secrets” keeps her busy.  When the blind date doesn’t go as planned and Malcom is there to help her, Clare is kind of swooning over Mr. Grumpy.

Of course, these two are running in each other’s paths.  She doesn’t understand why he is so grumpy after having huge smiles and belly laughs.  He is not sure why a woman like Clare would be interested in him.  Their story is a lot of fun to read.  Jamie, Malcom’s sister, made my day when she would annoy him about Clare.  The story of Deb was eye opening. Again, her story line ARC from book 1 to this was like WOW. I am really interested in what happens to her in the future books because 2nd chances are looking good on her.

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Teresa Gabelman, writes paranormal romance and contemporary romance with a side of humor in each story. Her heroines are strong and independent keeping the sexy alpha heroes on their toes.

Being a full-time writer has allowed Teresa to connect more with readers which is what she loves most about writing. If you find the time she would love to hear from you!

2nd Chance, Audio Book, BDSM, Football, Hockey Player, Paranormal, Part of a Series, Part of a Spin off series, Pirates, Shifters, sibling best friend, Sports Theme, WOTR Event

#WOTR24 #Audiobooks #SerialKillers #Paranormal #FatedMates #Shifters #FootballPlayer #BestFriendsSibling #Hockey #Pirates #ForcedMarriage #BDSM – Twinsie Angie top 5…errr 6 books from January – June 2024, Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver, Devoted by AJ Renee, Shadows of Timber Creek by SJ Chaynie, Ryker by Samantha Lind, Scallywag by Sophie Stern, and Corrupted Innocents by Measha Stone

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Attending authors for WOTR24 -AJ Renee, Measha Stone, Sophie Stern, SJ Chaynie, and Samantha Lind

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Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver This book has massive trigger warnings so check them before reading.

Synopsis –

Every serial killer needs a friend.
Every game must have a winner.

When a chance encounter sparks an unlikely bond between rival murderers Sloane and Rowan, the two find something elusive—the friendship of a like-minded, pitch-black soul. From small town West Virginia to upscale California, from downtown Boston to rural Texas, the two hunters collide in an annual game of blood and suffering, one that pits them against the most dangerous monsters in the country. But as their friendship develops into something more, the restless ghosts left in their wake are only a few steps behind, ready to claim more than just their newfound love. Can Rowan and Sloane dig themselves out of a game of graves? Or have they finally met their match?

Butcher & Blackbird is the first book in the Ruinous Love Dark Romance trilogy of interconnected stand-alone dark romantic comedies. This dual POV novel ends on a HEA.

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

My Review –

I purchased the audiobook.
The narration was amazing. I haven’t listened to a story by either narrator but thought the killed it 8see what I did there* with the story.
My friend Kate messaged me and was like “GIRL you need this book.” I opened Goodreads to get the blurb and was SOLD….serial killers who kill other serial killers and fall in love…DUH This is a no-brainer.8 I looked up the triggers and was like WTF list was that. I laughed even. But when I downloaded the book and they read the list of triggers I laughed so hard. Like crazy hard. I knew I was going to be in for an epic ride when the story began.
So Blackird/Sloane is caught when Butcher/Rowan finds her. They have a bit of a chat and decide t have to “friendly” competition every year. And this is how the delicious story begins.
Sloane is a neurotic mess and Rowan is a bit of one too. They two of them grow to be friends and even kinda wanna be with the other…granted Rowan admits this right away in the beginning but Sloane was a little thick to get the point.
The chemistry was a slow simmer until the pot was boiling. I was dying much like they were for “more” to happen…when I does KABOOM. Hold on to your butts because this rocket is full throttle. They two are soon exploring each other and what could be.
Of course we have some drama and a mega plot twist but the story made my heart so happy. I also am looking forward to book 2 with Lachlan and Lark. These two are going to be a riot. I feel like the banter will be just as amazing and Rowan and Sloane.
I didn’t think the story was super dark until about chapter 21 and I got a little squeamish BUT I have read way worse. I will say I don’t know that I can eat Cookies and Cream ice cream again…IYKYK!!

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Devoted by AJ Renee

Synopsis –

No matter how much you try, you can’t outrun the past.

Opening old wounds is the last thing Ignacio Lupita wants to do. He’d literally and figuratively shed his blood, sweat, and tears to pull himself out of the darkness and open an auto shop in Boston. At last, business is picking up, so he’s working with a local pack to keep his life moving forward.

Pepper Michaels is living her best life in Vermont. One of her best friends has returned after three years in captivity, she’s working on her teaching degree, substitute teaching, and life on Malite land has been carefree to say the least. She thought she couldn’t be happier, but then she spotted him, her mate.

When the past is thrust before Ignacio, Pepper witnesses a side of him she can’t ignore. She knows she only gets one chance at a mate, but she hadn’t expected she’d need to be so careful around hers. Meanwhile, someone or something has been lurking on pack grounds. Can Ignacio confront enough of his demons before everything closes in?

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

My Review –

I was given this book by the author for an honest review.
I am a GIANT fan of this series. I think I fall in love with each character and pairing to be honest.
We briefly met Ignacio when he took Carrie on a date last book…woops good things Lance didn’t kill him. LOL But this book we learn it is because he smelled his mate and thought it was her. Needless to say, he was wrong. He left the pack with a very grumpy wolf who demanded they find and claim their mate.
Pepper was stunned when she felt the mark on her hip and even more shocked when she realized it was the man who asked Carrie out. She loves her friend and lets her go knowing nothing would come of it. However, Pepper was going crazy not knowing who her mate WAS and when he would return.
To say the chemistry exploded when they finally got face to face is an understatement. These two were all about the sex and then the “get to know ya”. That may have caused issues when they didn’t know each other except between the sheets. Ignacio’s tragic past comes back and causes issues with Peter’s pack.
I loved the way the story turned, and we see so much past trauma and hurt. Ignacio learns the truth about what he THOUGHT he knew. He also must fix the bonds with his new mate due to his reactions to everything because they didn’t really know one another. The story takes another twist when we find out someone is after Ignacio. Pepper is bound and determined to find her mate with the help of our other pack friends.
Seriously I loved this book. I had planned on getting a few chapters in but didn’t stop reading until it was done. I was captivated by the story, the packs growing, the family ties between the 2 packs, and the love story of Pepper and Ignacio.

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Shadows of Timber Creek by S.J. Chaynie

Synopsis-

Seven years.
Seven years ago, I did the right thing. I broke her heart. I had always planned to come back. Planned to make things right. But time wasn’t on my side anymore. She was engaged. Another man’s ring was on her finger, and it was time to fight for what I’d always known was meant to be mine. Our history was painted with regret and unspoken truths, but now, I finally have the chance to close the distance between us. To show my best friend’s little sister she’s always been my end game. But something comes lurking out of the shadows. Something neither of us saw coming.
Book 3 of the Timber Creek Series. Series will contain interconnected standalones.
Please read reader note for TW.

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

My Review –

I was given this book by the author for an honest review.
Oh boy. Greyson Roy you are one naughty and swoon worthy man. Look I am coming out of the gates with my favorite lines….”You are everything” followed by “Sit on my face NOW Rosie!!” Yes girls the same man who made me swoon also made my knees a little bit weak.
I gotta say Easton is still my main man but damn did Grey give him a run for his money.
This book is EVERYTHING you want with a Best Friend’s sibling and a little bit enemy to lover. The chemistry and sexual tension between Tilly/Rosie and Grey are OFF THE CHARTS!! Holy Moly. These two are meant to be together and yes there are legit reasons why Grey does the shady when he leaves 7 years ago…but he makes it up to her in so many ways as we discover through the novel. Every single time we learned of the ways Greyson “took care of Rosie” made my heartbeat faster. For real this book….swooooooooon. Tilly, as any heartbroken woman does…hides behind another man. LOL The story of her and Blaine is a wild ride.
The twists and turns of this story are great. I really had no clue who the bad guy was and was shocked when it all played out at the end. The end of the story gives us a glimpse into the next books and LAWD is it going to be good!! Whit is in trouble in a lot of ways.
I do want to say this is the 6th book I have read by this author. I love how her writing style is developing and her writing is just getting so much better. The first books were GREAT. I loved them but I feel like she is more confident. Her story telling had improved with each book. Her flow is much better. She is blowing me away with each additional story she is writing.

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Ryker by Samantha Lind

Synopsis –

After years of trying to get back home to be closer to my daughter, I finally secured a spot on the newly expanded San Francisco Shockwaves.

Juggling being the newly appointed Captain of the team and taking on full-time fatherhood to a teenager sends my life into chaos.

I quickly find myself needing someone who can pick up the pieces and keep my life in order as I certainly can’t do it alone.

I just never thought my savior would be the sexy woman next door- the one I can’t keep my mind or eyes off every chance I get.

Amazon link

Goodreads link

My Review –

I purchased this audiobook.
I want to start by saying that the narration was great. I enjoyed both James and Aria’s Voiced during the story. They both did a great job voicing the characters for the story.
I am a huge fan of Samantha’s stories. She does a great job writing characters that are relatable to me. This story is another one that I enjoyed as well.
Ryker and his daughter are looking for a place after she decided to live with him when he meets his super kind neighbor Avery. Avery is excited to meet the new neighbor and shocked at how sexy he is.
Fast forward to Ryker and Avery spending time together regarding his daughter and Avery helping him with her. I enjoyed Rykers daughter Ellie trying to push her dad and Avery together. She seemed a little more mature than a 15-year-old but still I loved her persistence.
Avery and Ryker have normal relationship issues and thankfully there wasn’t any OWD because I can’t stand that. LOL I loved the story and how Avery and Ryker were so supportive of each other. They are what an older couple in life would be concerned with….finances, kids, and time.
I enjoyed the start of the series and look forward to another story from the characters and the new players from the expansion team.

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Scallywag by Sophie Stern

Synopsis

ou won’t catch him spending the night.

The Dread Pirate Stone takes no survivors. He’s ruthless. Fearless.

He’s unstoppable, especially now that he’s so close to finding the Cat’s Eye – an emerald so big it will buy him a thousand ships. Or, in his case, pay off his debt to the man who’s been holding his sister hostage. Stone will do anything to get that damn rock. He’ll fight. He’ll pillage. He’ll even kill if he has to.

Nothing can stand in his way, but then he finds a stowaway on his ship.

Eleanor knows she’s nobody to write home about. She’s plain. Homely. A little boring. There’s nothing very special about her. She was training to be a teacher before she witnessed the murder of the town mayor. Now she’s on the run and the only person who can keep her safe is one the entire world has labeled a villain.

Oh yes, she’s heard all about the Dread Pirate Stone, but the stories have missed a couple of important details. The legends don’t talk about how stunning his deep green eyes are. They don’t talk about his long, wavy locks. The stories all missed the part about his steely abs or the fact that just one look from him is enough to make her knees quiver.

Nobody warned her about that.

Nobody would warn her that she might start to care about the man who could throw her out to sea – but doesn’t.

Soon their worlds are colliding in ways Eleanor never thought possible…

And she doesn’t know if she’s going to make it out alive.

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

My Review –

I purchased this book.
I have to admit I love a good Sophie book. I love the worlds and the characters. When I grabbed this book, it was to read on vacation. I needed a shorter read for the drive. It was the perfect book!
The book starts right away with major drama. The dream pirate Smith is attaching her family boat. Eleanor escaped with the cook. He saved her and took her home to raise as his own with his wife. They loved Eleanor with all they had. When things go bad, Eleanor is on the run. She joins a pirate ship to escape and hide.
Pirate Stone is taken by the beautiful and PURE woman. He can’t say no to her and makes a very nice bargain for himself. Eleanor agrees as she has zero other opportunities. The first night with the two was a nice and delicious treat for more night ahead.
Stone is looking for his sister who was kidnapped by Pirate Smith. When he finds a witch to help him, parts of Eleanor’s past sneak up on her and I was like WHOOOOO! The twist of the book had my mouth wide open because you think you have part of it figured out and then NOPE you don’t!!
The story was a great read, and I would totally read more from them or even the crew members.

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Corrupted Innocence by Measha Stone

Synopsis-

He wouldn’t take my money. He wanted my innocence instead.

When Nikolai Romanov came looking for my brother, I emptied my savings hoping I could pay off his debt. But it wasn’t even close to enough, so Nikolai Romanov decided to take me instead.

I didn’t expect a Russian mafia boss like him to be gentle with me… and he wasn’t.

Not when he spanked me for daring to wear panties under the dress he chose for me, and certainly not when he stripped me out of that same dress and made me scream in his bed.

He told me I would be his for a month, but the way he looks at me says I’m his forever…

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

My Review – 

I bought this audiobook.
OHH This book!! I have read one other book from Measha and it was hella dark so I felt this one was a light dark?? Is that a thing? LOL
Charlie’s DB brother, Oliver, ran into some trouble. That trouble was in the name of Nikolai. I gotta admit. I loved Nikolai when he was refusing to take Charlie’s money and well when he made the “deal”, I was a little excited for what would happen.
Nikolai and Charlie are both amazing characters. They both love their family and will do anything for them. I also loved how Charlie pushes Nikolai’s limits and sometimes it was a good result and other times it wasn’t so nice…or maybe it was?? LOL
As the story progressed seeing them two develop feelings and then of course have miscommunications. But I loved how possessive Nikolai was with her. I can’t wait to read more from the series.
The narration was great for the 2 characters. I enjoyed the life they brought to the characters and story.

Hockey Player

#WOTR24 #ReleaseDay #NewRelease #Hockey #PlusSizedWoman – Cash, Glendale Magic #2 by Mary Warren

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Evie Masterson is a plus size figure skater and a disappointment to her family. She was supposed to marry her college boyfriend and settle into the life that had been laid out for her, but none of that had ever interested her. She had never been one to simply do as she was told. So she cut her own path. She started teaching skating classes, and now she even coaches competitive skaters. She had been pretty happy with where her chosen path had led her… that is until it leads her into the bed of hockey’s biggest playboy for a one night stand.

Cash Hawthorn is the bad boy of the Glendale Magic. He plays the game he loves and he has a different woman on his arm every night. He loves his life and can’t envision any part of it changing. So what business does a one night stand have in making him, for the first time in his life, want to come back for more?

After their one night stand, they find themselves in close quarters when Cash volunteers to help with the hockey camp where Evie teaches. And if that weren’t enough, somehow he ends up being her ‘fake’ date to her sister’s wedding. Everything could change all because of a one night stand…

Goodreads

Amazon

Review by Twinsie Angie

I was given this book by the author for an honest review.

I met Cash and Evie in book 1 and so ready/excited for their story.  They had a lot of great banter which is always a great start to a story.  I liked the introduction to the story and their “Meet Cute” part of the story.  We jump right into the night when Cash and Evie “get to know each other”.  It was steamy and a great start to the story. *wink*

As the story progressed there were parts when I felt like Evie was over dramatic IE Blocking Cash’s phone numbers.  I also felt like Cash was a bit disrespectful of Evie’s time at hockey camp IE never telling HER why he was a no show but telling everyone else.  So there seemed to be a lot of miscommunications in the story between the characters.  The push and pull seemed to be a lot and it got redundant at times.  It was like 2 steps forward and then 3 back.

I did enjoy the times when the characters were fully open with each other.  I enjoyed how Cash helped her and supported her with her overbearing mother.  I enjoyed how Evie found her spine in dealing with allllll that drama from her past.

I enjoyed hanging out with Conner and Sasha again in the story.  Reliving the drinking scene was hilarious even from a new POV.  However, meeting Trevor was a blast.  His lunch with Cash was a fun read.

Mary Warren lives in Illinois with her family. When she’s not writing stories of fat women, she’s reading them and advocating for better fat representation. Mary founded Fat Girls in Fiction, pointing out positive fat representation for femmes and non-binary people in books. This project became a community and is something she is immensely proud of and happy to be working on.

Mythology

#WOTR24 #releaseday #Newrelease #Mythology #GreekGods #paranormal – A Biker’s Guide to Saving a Goddess, The Gods of DC book 6 by Tricia Andersen

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Artemis Story in the series.

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Amazon

Review by Twinsie Angie

Check out this review and others at:

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A Biker’s Guide to Saving a Goddess, The Gods of DC book 6 by Tricia Andersen

I was given this book by the author for an honest review.

I am a GIANT fan of this series,  I still love my Freddy the demigod but all the characters are pretty yummy.

This book is Artemis’ story. She is just living her life and not wanting any drama when she is kidnapped.  Her brother Apollo is pretty much raging to bring down the world for his sister.  They know Zeus had a lot of enemies but who would take her??  I mean she surfs and rides her motorcycle.  Who would want to hurt her??

Artemis is not sure why she has been taken or by whom, yet she is attracted to her “capture”???  She doesn’t know why but she sure is liking the way Micheal looks.  She also feels like he is attracted to her buy WHY IS HE HOLDING HER CAPTIVE!!!  Micheal was such a great storyline and addition to the “Mates” of the Gods and Goddesses. When he find out his story, I was like no way!!

The story is a fun, quick read.  Artemis and Micheal get to working together while her brother and the whole family are also looking for her.

The twist of who has her is pretty awesome.  I had no clue who it could/would be and when it came out…I was like DAYUM GOOD ONE!     The story does end on a cliffy so sorry cliffy haters but it’s a really good way to end it IMO.

Tricia Andersen lives in Iowa with her husband and her three children. She graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts in English and from Kirkwood Community College with an Associate of Arts degree in Communications Media/Public Relations.
For the past five years, Tricia has been a member of Hard Drive Performance Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, an affiliate of Roufusport in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She has experience in kickboxing and currently trains in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Even though she has never competed in an MMA cage, she’s witnessed and been a part of a fighter’s journey from fight camp to their walk to the cage. She also has competed in jiu jitsu.

New Release, Paranormal

#WOTR24 #NewRelease #Shifters #Weres #FatedMated – Devoted, Alumbra Pack book 5 by AJ Renee

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No matter how much you try, you can’t outrun the past.

Opening old wounds is the last thing Ignacio Lupita wants to do. He’d literally and figuratively shed his blood, sweat, and tears to pull himself out of the darkness and open an auto shop in Boston. At last, business is picking up, so he’s working with a local pack to keep his life moving forward.

Pepper Michaels is living her best life in Vermont. One of her best friends has returned after three years in captivity, she’s working on her teaching degree, substitute teaching, and life on Malite land has been carefree to say the least. She thought she couldn’t be happier, but then she spotted him, her mate.

When the past is thrust before Ignacio, Pepper witnesses a side of him she can’t ignore. She knows she only gets one chance at a mate, but she hadn’t expected she’d need to be so careful around hers. Meanwhile, someone or something has been lurking on pack grounds. Can Ignacio confront enough of his demons before everything closes in?


 

Goodreads

Amazon

Review by Twinsie Angie

Check out this review and others at:

I was given this book by the author for an honest review.

I am a GIANT fan of this series.  I think I fall in love with each character and pairing to be honest. 

We briefly met Ignacio when he took Carrie on a date last book…woops good things Lance didn’t kill him.  LOL  But this book we learn it is because he smelled his mate and thought it was her.  Needless to say, he was wrong.  He left the pack with a very grumpy wolf who demanded they find and claim their mate. 

Pepper was stunned when she felt the mark on her hip and even more shocked when she realized it was the man who asked Carrie out.  She loves her friend and lets her go knowing nothing would come of it. However, Pepper was going crazy not knowing who her mate WAS and when he would return.

To say the chemistry exploded when they finally got face to face is an understatement.  These two were all about the sex and then the “get to know ya”. That may have caused issues when they didn’t know each other except between the sheets.  Ignacio’s tragic past comes back and causes issues with Peter’s pack. 

I loved the way the story turned, and we see so much past trauma and hurt. Ignacio learns the truth about what he THOUGHT he knew.  He also must fix the bonds with his new mate due to his reactions to everything because they didn’t really know one another. The story takes another twist when we find out someone is after Ignacio. Pepper is bound and determined to find her mate with the help of our other pack friends.

Seriously I loved this book.  I had planned on getting a few chapters in but didn’t stop reading until it was done. I was captivated by the story, the packs growing, the family ties between the 2 packs, and the love story of Pepper and Ignacio.

 

AJ Renee is a military wife and mother of three. She graduated from the University of Central Florida with her Master of Science in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.

She loves to read and write steamy romance with a happily ever after. When not working, you can find her playing World of Warcraft, board games, or outdoors for a run or hike.

 



Audio Book, Memoirs

#audio #memoir #truecrime – A Stolen Live by Jaycee Dugard

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On 10 June 1991, eleven-year-old Jaycee Dugard was abducted from a school bus stop within sight of her home in Tahoe, California. It was the last her family and friends saw of her for over eighteen years. On 26 August 2009, Dugard, her daughters, and Phillip Craig Garrido appeared in the office of her kidnapper’s parole officer in California. Their unusual behaviour sparked an investigation that led to the positive identification of Jaycee Lee Dugard, living in a tent behind Garrido’s home. During her time in captivity, at the age of fourteen and seventeen, she gave birth to two daughters, both fathered by Garrido.

Dugard’s memoir is written by the 30-year-old herself and covers the period from the time of her abduction in 1991 up until the present. In her stark, utterly honest and unflinching narrative, Jaycee opens up about what she experienced, including how she feels now, a year after being found. Garrido and his wife Nancy have since pleaded guilty to their crimes.

Goodreads

Amazon

Review by Twinsie Angie

I purchased this audio book.

Woof.  This book. I hate to “rate” a book when it is about someone’s life experiences because how can I say oh that is only worth 3 stars or 5 stars.  I have to say the way Jaycee laid herself out bare for this novel was something I didn’t think I expected her to do so fully.

I saw reviews where people criticized the way the book is written/told.  I have to say I can understand but at the same time I see her reasoning.  I loved her “Reflections” in the chapters to give us current thoughts and feelings about some of the trauma she endured at the hands of Phillips and Nancy.

This book I think I was somewhat prepared for but at the same time I wasn’t.  I liked how she seemed to compartmentalize and tell us significant moments in her captivity. The first half of the book when she is telling about her SA, was difficult.  Please know that it is not graphic, but she doesn’t shy away from the things that happened to her either.

The scene where she is finally able to say her name and she can’t for fear had me in tears for her.  After 18 years she was able to be HER and not Snoopy or Alissa.  It was emotional for sure.

I really hope she and her girls are in great places now as this book is 10 years old.

The kidnapping of Jaycee Lee Dugard occurred on June 10, 1991, when she was 11 years old. Dugard was abducted from a school bus stop within sight of her home in South Lake Tahoe, California. Searches began immediately after the kidnapping, but no reliable leads were generated. She remained missing for more than 18 years.

On August 25, 2009, convicted sex offender Phillip Craig Garrido visited the campus of UC Berkeley accompanied by two young girls. Their unusual behavior there sparked an investigation that led to his bringing the two girls to a parole office on August 26, accompanied by a woman who was then identified as Dugard.

Garrido, 58, and his wife Nancy Garrido, 54, of Antioch, California, were arrested for kidnapping and other charges; they pleaded guilty on April 28, 2011 to Dugard’s kidnapping and sexual assault. Law enforcement officers believe Dugard was kept in a concealed area behind Garrido’s house in Antioch for 18 years. During this time Dugard bore two daughters who were aged 11 and 15 at the time of her reappearance.

On June 2, 2011, Philip Garrido was sentenced to 431 years’ imprisonment; his wife received 36 years to life.

Audio Book, Memoirs

#Audiobook #Memoir – I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

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A heartbreaking and hilarious memoir by iCarly and Sam & Cat star Jennette McCurdy about her struggles as a former child actor—including eating disorders, addiction, and a complicated relationship with her overbearing mother—and how she retook control of her life.

Jennette McCurdy was six years old when she had her first acting audition. Her mother’s dream was for her only daughter to become a star, and Jennette would do anything to make her mother happy. So she went along with what Mom called “calorie restriction,” eating little and weighing herself five times a day. She endured extensive at-home makeovers while Mom chided, “Your eyelashes are invisible, okay? You think Dakota Fanning doesn’t tint hers?” She was even showered by Mom until age sixteen while sharing her diaries, email, and all her income.

In I’m Glad My Mom Died, Jennette recounts all this in unflinching detail—just as she chronicles what happens when the dream finally comes true. Cast in a new Nickelodeon series called iCarly , she is thrust into fame. Though Mom is ecstatic, emailing fan club moderators and getting on a first-name basis with the paparazzi (“Hi Gale!”), Jennette is riddled with anxiety, shame, and self-loathing, which manifest into eating disorders, addiction, and a series of unhealthy relationships. These issues only get worse when, soon after taking the lead in the iCarly spinoff Sam & Cat alongside Ariana Grande, her mother dies of cancer. Finally, after discovering therapy and quitting acting, Jennette embarks on recovery and decides for the first time in her life what she really wants.

Told with refreshing candor and dark humor, I’m Glad My Mom Died is an inspiring story of resilience, independence, and the joy of shampooing your own hair.

Goodreads

Amazon

Review by Twinsie Angie

I purchased this audio book.

Woof.  This book.  I saw another reviewer say they are glad her mom is dead and honestly, I agree 100%.

I hate to “rate” a book when it is about someone’s life experiences because how can I say oh that is only worth 3 stars or 5 stars.  I have to say the way Jennette laid herself out bare for this novel was something I didn’t think I expected.

I knew who she “was” because my kids watched iCarly.  I watched the Nickelodeon documentary like everyone else and that is when I grabbed this book.

Guys, the things she went through for her mom’s love and approval are just heartbreaking.  The abuse at the hands of her mother formed the way she thought. The abuse of her mom caused her to abuse her on body with food and alcohol. The way Jennette shared all the experiences of shame and guilt while also trying to hide from herself….woof.

I really hope she is in a happy place because she has been through so much negative that she deserves happiness.

Jennette McCurdy got her start in child acting, which by her late teen years had brought her success (she starred in Nickelodeon’s hit show iCarly and her own spin-off, Sam & Cat). She went on to star in the Netflix series Between, and had a short-lived country music career with Capitol Records Nashville. Despite her outside success, McCurdy felt ashamed of 90% of her resume and ultimately unfulfilled, so she turned to alcohol, but since that didn’t work, she quit acting and began pursuing writing/directing in 2017. She has written/directed a pilot and four short films. Her work has been featured in/on The Hollywood Reporter, Short of the Week, Florida Film Festival, Salute Your Shorts, and many more. She has written articles for Huffington Post and the Wall Street Journal. Her one-woman show “I’m Glad My Mom Died” had a sold-out run at Lyric Hyperion Theatre. She hosts a podcast called “Empty Inside”, where she speaks with guests about uncomfortable topics.

Horror, Mystery, Thriller

#mystery #thriller #family #horror – Home is Where the Bodies are by Jeneva Rose

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From New York Times bestselling author of The Perfect Marriage and You Shouldn’t Have Come Here comes a chilling family thriller about the (sometimes literal) skeletons in the closet.

After their mother passes, three estranged siblings reunite to sort out her estate. Beth, the oldest, never left home. She stayed with her mom, caring for her until the very end. Nicole, the middle child, has been kept at arm’s length due to her ongoing battle with a serious drug addiction. Michael, the youngest, lives out of state and hasn’t been back to their small Wisconsin town since their father ran out on them seven years before.

While going through their parent’s belongings, the siblings stumble upon a collection of home videos and decide to revisit those happier memories. However, the nostalgia is cut short when one of the VHS tapes reveals a night back in 1999 that none of them have any recollection of. On screen, their father appears covered in blood. What follows is a dead body and a pact between their parents to get rid of it, before the video abruptly ends.

Beth, Nicole, and Michael must now decide whether to leave the past in the past or uncover the dark secret their mother took to her grave.

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Review by Twinsie Angie

Home is Where the Bodies are by Jeneva Rose

I purchased this audio book.

I was scrolling on TikTok when I saw a post about this book.  The cover was amazing, but ya’ll did me dirty with this recommendation.  I read the blurb, and I was sold.  I mean it sounded like a book I would devour.  I knew there would be some thriller/mystery aspects and they aren’t usually my favorite, but I was all in because a friend keeps telling me I need to give mystery/thrillers another shot.  I was ready to love this book but that is not what happened.

When I started this book, I knew there would be world build and character building, so I settled in.  However, I felt there were so many spots where it was just 10 minutes of describing things…things I really didn’t care about or need to know.  I got bogged down with allllllllll the descriptions/details.  I honestly felt like 10 chapters could have been cut because it was almost a filler of sorts with all the descriptions.

The beginning story line was great.  I mean who killed Emma and where did Brian go plus why???  I was really wanting to get to the bottom of this especially after what mom spills in the first chapter. Again, I feel like it took forever to get to the bottom of the plot/story.  I feel like there was so much stuff and nothing really happened until chapter 40 of 48.  Then the story flew by and was over

I do think marketing the book as horror is completely not true. Seeing horror is what made me jump but there wasn’t anything really that was horror except a little girl is missing and presumed dead.  But that isn’t really “horror.”

I did like the book at the end when everything started to shake out but it took me 2 weeks to read this book because I kept putting it down and would read something else.  Would I reread?  No.  Might I try another book by this author as it was my first?  Maybe.

eneva Rose is the New York Times bestselling author of The Perfect Marriage, One of Us is Dead, The Girl I Was, You Shouldn’t Have Come Here & Home is Where the Bodies Are. Her work has been translated into more than two dozen languages and optioned for film/tv. Originally from Wisconsin, she currently lives in Chicago with her husband, Drew, and her English bulldog, Winston.
Want to be a part of Jeneva Rose’s exclusive reader group on Facebook? You can join here – https://www.facebook.com/groups/jenev…

Pirates

#WOTR24 #pirates #mystery – Scallywag by Sophie Stern

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You won’t catch him spending the night.The Dread Pirate Stone takes no survivors. He’s ruthless. Fearless.He’s unstoppable, especially now that he’s so close to finding the Cat’s Eye – an emerald so big it will buy him a thousand ships. Or, in his case, pay off his debt to the man who’s been holding his sister hostage. Stone will do anything to get that damn rock. He’ll fight. He’ll pillage. He’ll even kill if he has to.Nothing can stand in his way, but then he finds a stowaway on his ship.Eleanor knows she’s nobody to write home about. She’s plain. Homely. A little boring. There’s nothing very special about her. She was training to be a teacher before she witnessed the murder of the town mayor. Now she’s on the run and the only person who can keep her safe is one the entire world has labeled a villain.Oh yes, she’s heard all about the Dread Pirate Stone, but the stories have missed a couple of important details. The legends don’t talk about how stunning his deep green eyes are. They don’t talk about his long, wavy locks. The stories all missed the part about his steely abs or the fact that just one look from him is enough to make her knees quiver.Nobody warned her about that.Nobody would warn her that she might start to care about the man who could throw her out to sea – but doesn’t.Soon their worlds are colliding in ways Eleanor never thought possible…And she doesn’t know if she’s going to make it out alive.

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Review by Twinsie Angie

I purchased this book.

I have to admit I love a good Sophie book.  I love the worlds and the characters.  When I grabbed this book, it was to read on vacation.  I needed a shorter read for the drive.  It was the perfect book!

The book starts right away with major drama.  The dream pirate Smith is attaching her family boat.  Eleanor escaped with the cook.  He saved her and took her home to raise as his own with his wife.  They loved Eleanor with all they had.  When things go bad, Eleanor is on the run.  She joins a pirate ship to escape and hide.

Pirate Stone is taken by the beautiful and PURE woman.  He can’t say no to her and makes a very nice bargain for himself.  Eleanor agrees as she has zero other opportunities.  The first night with the two was a nice and delicious treat for more night ahead.

Stone is looking for his sister who was kidnapped by Pirate Smith.  When he finds a witch to help him, parts of Eleanor’s past sneak up on her and I was like WHOOOOO!  The twist of the book had my mouth wide open because you think you have part of it figured out and then NOPE you don’t!!

The story was a great read, and I would totally read more from them or even the crew members.

Sophie Stern writes contemporary and paranormal romance <3 Visit her on Facebook for frequent updates!

Dark, Horror

#Horror #dark – Nemesis by Mary Martel

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Opal is a very talented artist. She paints the most lovely images of horror that her fans find absolutely grotesque and fascinating.

Because they don’t know where these images come from and think it’s simply her disturbed imagination put to paint on canvas.

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Review by Twinsie Angie

I was given this book by the author for an honest review.

Mary said she was tipping her toes into horror, and I was like “Cool Boo I got you.”  Then I finally was able to read it and am like “Boo you ok??”

So by that you should be ready for some stuff.  This book was almost like the movie American Psycho in parts. Pearl is a psycho.  LOL  Wait who is Pearl you ask?  Well, that is one of the many personalities that live in Opal…sweet, kind, boring Opal.

This book was pretty dark in spots and a little bit confusing initially until you understood the swapping of personalities in Opal’s mind.  I would have loved the backstory on WHY Opal is so messed up.  I mean we know a smidge but nothing that would make her this messed up.

The story was a quick but wild ride for me.

Mary Martel was born in West Michigan and spent the majority of her life there. She currently resides in North Dakota with her husband, and her two beautiful daughters. She’s an avid reader, and when not writing she can be found with her nose stuck in a book.