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Rae Anne Oliveri

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Famous Last Words By Gillian McAllister: A Real World Thriller

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“Famous Last Words” by Gillian McAllister is a real-world thriller that I never realized I needed to hear. It addresses important issues and made me feel less alone in my frustrations about how, for lack of a better word, challenging the world has become today.

About The Author

Gillian McAllister graduated with a degree in English before becoming a lawyer, which contributes to her ability to craft accurate and thrilling mysteries. She lives in England, where many of her stories are set, and now writes full-time. McAllister is a New York Times bestseller with a number of books to her name, including *Wrong Place Wrong Time*, *Just Another Missing Person*, *Everything but the Truth*, *The Choice*, *The Good Sister*, *The Evidence Against You*, *How to Disappear*, and *That Night*, which was a Richard & Judy Book Club pick. To learn more about Gillian McAllister and her works, visit her website here Gillian McAllister.

The World

Famous Last Words unfolds in the vibrant and bustling heart of modern-day London, a city steeped in history and rich with diverse cultures. This captivating narrative is grounded in reality, eschewing the fantastical elements typically seen in the novels I review. The absence of elaborate world-building is not a shortcoming; rather, it accentuates the story’s authenticity as a true tale.

Set against the backdrop of London’s iconic landmarks—from the majestic silhouette of Big Ben to the winding streets of Soho—this book invites readers to immerse themselves in the palpable atmosphere of the city. Despite the limited descriptions of the environment, the essence of London resonates throughout, echoing the lives of its inhabitants.

In this thrilling mystery, the setting, while understated, serves as a silent witness to the intricate web of events that unfold. The urban landscape plays a minimal role, yet it enhances the tension and intrigue, reminding us that in a city as complex as London, even the most mundane places can hold extraordinary secrets.

The Beginning

What captivated me about this book wasn’t just the beginning; it was the enticing blurb and title. It tells the story of a young couple grappling with the challenges of a new baby. Then, the husband loses control, takes hostages, and ultimately kills them. While I don’t have kids, I believe everyone experiences intense pressure at some point in life. We’ve all heard stories in the news about someone who has genuinely “snapped” from stress.

As I read, I felt an unexpected connection with the narrative. There’s a young woman who is exhausted from sleep training, anxious about her first day back at work, and worried about dropping her little one off at daycare, all while her husband is missing and not responding to her texts or calls. The young mother’s anxiety is described so vividly that it feels incredibly real.

Though there may not be much world-building, the story setup at the beginning is both necessary and utterly gripping. There are no hints or giveaways as to what might be happening, making it all the more captivating and entertaining.

The Characters

Camilla Luke Deschamps and Niall are the main characters in this book. Camilla Deschamps is a new mom struggling to return to everyday life amidst the usual stresses that a newborn puts on a marriage. As an editor, she is surrounded by books, which she loves for their ability to transport her to another world. However, after the mysterious incident involving her husband, Camilla can’t shake the feeling that something is wrong. Her husband was a good and kind man who would never even think about owning a gun. With so many unanswered questions, she must find a way to move on with her life for the sake of herself and her daughter.

On the other hand, Luke Deschamps is initially a mystery. My first impression of him was of a new father overwhelmed by life’s stressors. Instead of staying strong and pushing through, he snapped and ultimately disappeared, leaving no clues about where he might have gone or the reasons behind his actions.

Then there’s Niall, the lead host negotiator assigned to the Deschamps case. On that fateful day, more than just his job failed him; he struggled to let go of the guilt. If I had to choose a character who experiences the most growth in this story, it would be Niall. He confronts his faults and the mistakes that led to the incident, determined not to give up until he makes things right.

The Plot

The first part of the plot was fast-paced and filled with action, true to its thriller roots. The middle of the book slowed down, but there were enough mysteries and unanswered questions to keep the reader engaged and invested. This book had me guessing throughout. I was convinced I knew how it would end, but I was completely and utterly wrong. Isn’t that the hallmark of a well-written mystery? It keeps you guessing, allowing you to piece together bits of information while still delivering an ending that surprises you.

The Resolution

The resolution of the story was incredibly satisfying and provided me with the happiest ending I could have hoped for. I was convinced that this book would end in heartbreak and tragedy. Would I change anything about this story? No, it was perfect for the era we are living in. Will I pick up this book again? Absolutely. During those times when I feel like the world has fallen to chaos and I’m feeling hopeless, this book serves as a great reminder that I am not alone. It reassures me that hard times will eventually pass.

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Phantasma: A Gothic Paranormal Adventure in New Orleans

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The World

The world inside Phantasma is a paranormal place; it’s dark and creepy but in a good way. The world is Earth-like and set in a gothic version of New Orleans. It gives off an old-timey vibe with its use of corsets and full suit sets in its fashion, not to mention the use of ‘Manors’ and important family names. The actual setting of Phantasma is the Phantasma manor itself. A supernatural Manor that comes and goes, changing its location after each of its residents/contestants finishes playing its dark game. This book does not have a map like many Romantasy reads. Still, it does include an essential overview of species that I encourage you to study if you are unfamiliar with the paranormal world. This book’s supernatural and ghostly aspect really sets Phantasma apart from the others in its genre and does it well.

The Beginning

Phantasma instantly grabs your attention as two sisters bustle around to do their family rituals after their mother’s surprising death, but what really draws the reader in is the accurate description of OCD tendencies and that little internal voice that urges you to do unspeakable things in the back of your head. We all have those intrusive thoughts and do our best to ignore them and never voice them. This book took that voice and, well… gave it a voice. You don’t have to worry about the world-building taking forever and a day in this book. You learn everything you need to within the first ten chapters, so you spend less than half the book trying to understand who’s who and what’s what, like in many fantasy books. That may sometimes be enjoyable, but if you are ready for a break from the heavily themed worlds, Phantasma is a good pick.

The Characters

The main character in Phantasma is Ophelia Grimm, a Yong woman who struggles with her internal demons and with the pressures of the expectations of taking over the family’s magical abilities and duties. Ophelia is one of the most unique main female leads I have encountered in the book world in a long time. Her blatant OCD and her intrusive thoughts having their own evil presence made her relatable. In this crazy world that we live in, who doesn’t struggle with their intrusive thoughts? For the love interest, we have a phantom named Blackwell, and boy is their tryst spicey and addicting. Everything that I expected for having an affair with a supernatural being of the ghost variety who can change their corporeal form in a second’s notice ;). These two main characters, necromancers, and phantom, make for a very entertaining and spicey read.

The Plot

Phantasmas plot is fast-paced and easy to follow. That doesn’t mean it’s easy to guess the ending, though. In fact, I usually pride myself on seeing the ending of a book from a mile away…the curse of the avid reader…but I wasn’t able to see this one. There is a classic Romeo and Juliet troupe with forbidden love, and the plot is very linear. You go from one level of the game to the next, and each level is more deadly than the next, kept interesting by the author’s unique use of the deadly sins and paranormal beings.

The Resolution

The end of Phantasma left me with all the warm and fuzzy feelings. It was incredibly satisfying and left just enough room to suggest a story continuation—but from the sister’s point of view.
Phantasma was a refreshing, unique, spicey, and incredibly enjoyable read. I am looking forward to reading about Genavie’s chance of adventure and love in Enchantra in April 2025.

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A Gripping Viking Tale: Blood, Betrayal, and Discovery

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The World

As a reader who loves maps, I was happy to see that there is indeed a map at the beginning of this book that tells you all of the essential places and shows you the path of the road of bones … and honestly, that’s all you really need to know … in this book. There may be a more descriptive one in the sequel because our beloved Bloodaxe crew will have many more adventures coming for them. There is also a pronunciation guide at the back of the book with a glossary. I highly recommend that you mark these pages before you begin your reading, especially if you’ve never read any Viking tales before. The names can look daunting. XD. Not to mention, all the new creatures are only in Viking lore. Don’t worry; these pages have no spoilers, unlike a few books I’ve read where you find the glossary or a family tree, which reveals the ‘true identity’ of the main character and spoils the surprise. This was not my first Viking lore read, but it was my first with so much magic involved and all of the different supernatural creatures. I have never heard of any of these creatures before. It was refreshing to delve into a world so rich in mythology and a bit terrifying to encounter these new creatures. I will never look at deer the same way again.

The Beginning

The beginning drew me in with its brutality, honestly. I knew this book was about Vikings, but I forgot how brutal the Viking world was. If you don’t like books with buckets of blood and gore, then put this one back and try again. So much blood … and crows and eyeballs … give me more. The world-building in this book took the entire book to get the whole picture, but it is the first in a series and a fantasy one, so we have to expect a decent amount of world-building. The critical thing to note is that even though there was all this world-building, I was always energized and energized. It never dragged; something was always going on, whether it was being attacked and an intense battle or a sexing Viking chopping work and witty banter between comrades.

The Characters

The main character in this book is Silla. The author does an outstanding job of only telling us what we need to know when we need to know it, so we spend the entire book trying to figure out who Silla is right along with her friend in the Bloodaxe crew. And the crew? Amazing sub-characters. I adore every single one of them. The betrayal that you’d never guess, the earth-shattering revelations, and the friendships that are made in this crew are something that I found refreshing. Yes, the author did jump from one character’s point of view to another, but she did it in a way that wasn’t hard to follow, and it all made sense. There wasn’t a single character that I felt that internal groan when it was their turn for a POV. The love aspect? Sexy and spicey…just how I like them. I don’t want to spoil it and tell you who it is. Read it if you like a scruffy, muscular man who could throw you over his shoulder, battle your enemies, and not break a sweat.

The Plot:

The beginning of the book starts at a steady pace—not too fast, but not too slow, either. However, once you reach part two, be prepared to finish the book in one sitting, even if it means staying up late on a work night, which I may have done. The plot is creatively written, keeping you engaged and wondering what will happen next. I could not figure out the ending during my read, especially regarding the identity of the traveling murderer. What a reveal! The revelation of Sillas’s true character was minor compared to that. A large group is involved in the story, but I don’t want to say too much, as it would give too much away. I will refer to it as a seemingly weak young woman who discovers her strength and takes over the world! It is a seemingly weak young woman who learns her strength and takes over the world!

The Resolution:

Was the resolution satisfying? It was, in the way that the first book in a series often is, featuring incredible last-second reveals and open endings. I wouldn’t say it concludes with a cliffhanger, but it certainly left me eager to add the second book to my shopping cart as soon as I finished it. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I wouldn’t change a thing about it. From the creepy creatures to the bloody battlefields and the challenging names, I loved every moment of it.

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The Stars Are Dying: A Tale of Love and Darkness

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The World

At the start of the book, there’s a breathtaking map, complementing the book’s exquisite beauty. A character and pronunciation guide is conveniently located at the end, which you can safely review before diving in, without any spoilers regarding characters or plot. The narrative is rich with supernatural elements, teeming with fae, vampires, and celestial beings, all encapsulated in a quintessential battle between good and evil. It posits a theory where death transforms you into a star, yet these stars are extinguished by an ongoing celestial war.

The Beginning

The start of the book failed to captivate me until the introduction of Nyte, the lead male character. His entrance exuded a vibe reminiscent of ‘The Guild’ series, featuring a woman who is captive yet somewhat complicit. This trope isn’t one I particularly enjoy, so progressing through the book required some effort on my part.

The Characters

My favorite character in the book wasn’t even a main character; her name is Cassia. She’s a strong, willful woman who is incredibly humble and kind, despite coming from a very affluent family. The main protagonist, Astrea, failed to resonate with me. Unlike the formidable women I’m used to reading about, she doesn’t stand up for herself. Instead, she’s portrayed as a pitiable woman trapped in captivity, uncertain of how to free herself or if she even wants to. The main male character, Nyte, resembles Rhysand in that he’s a master of shadows who speaks his mind. The key difference is that while Rhysand was cast as the antagonist, Nyte openly admits he’s the villain. The narrative conveys a sense of innocence being obliterated by darkness.

The Plot

Working through this book was a challenge for me. The predictability of the plot diminished my enjoyment significantly. Additionally, I found it difficult to empathize with the female protagonist. Despite anticipating her moment of self-assertion, she only occasionally stood up for herself and ultimately succumbed to the male lead, whom I also found unlikable due to his manipulative and possessive nature. When the plot is foreseeable and the connection with the main characters is lacking, it makes for a difficult read.

The Resolution

Indeed, the ending was quite predictable. Being the first in a series, it concluded on a cliffhanger, leaving readers guessing the author’s direction. Overall, the book was underwhelming. It left me desiring more: more empowerment for female characters, more sexual tension, and a male lead who doesn’t drive the female protagonist to the brink of insanity. This is the first book I’ve critiqued where the cover was more appealing and fulfilling than the story itself.

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Cozy Christmas Reads to Brighten Your Holiday Spirit

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We all know how hard it is to stay in the Christmas spirit. There is so much stress around the holidays. How many presents do I need to buy? Do I have the funds for all of these presents? Who’s going to whose house, and when can we fit in at all family and friend gatherings? Then, if you’re a retail worker like I am, well, you know the amount of insanity we go through this time of year. so what can we do to stay in that Christmas spirit? And how have I, a retail worker of ten-plus years, kept my love of the holidays? books. The answer is always books. so let me list my favorite cozy Christmas reads to help you stay in touch with your inner Cindy Lou.

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The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter is the book to read if you’re not really that into Christmas. It’s actually a murder mystery/ romance. It’s a very entertaining read for those of us who are less festive.

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The Christmas Tree Farm by Laurie Gilmore is a cute little book that reads like a classic Hallmark Christmas movie with a little more spice. It’s the perfect cozy book to read during a snowstorm.

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How My Neighbor Stole Christmas by Meghan Quinn is your classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas book, complete with a cute little poem in the beginning and, of course, a little added spice for the adult version.

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Hexed: A Spicy Retelling of The Little Mermaid

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The Little Mermaid flipped on its head with lots of spice.

The World

Hexed is a retelling of The Little Mermaid. It is set in the real world with a heavy mobster vibe and influence. Instead of tracking Ariel, the sweetheart of the sea, you follow Yrsa, the poison expert. This author has written many of these fairy tale retellings where they follow the villain. My favorite quote by her is, “Because the villain deserves love, too.” Instead of being your Cheesy, heartwarming romance, these books are spicey and honestly…real.

The Beginning

The beginning of this book drew me in instantly. You start with Yrsa pinning an unknown male down in the most seductive way …before she kills him. It left me with so many questions, who was that? Why did she kill him? Why does she have to do it so erotically? I just had to continue to read to find out.

The Characters

The main female character is Yrsa Venessa, a poison expert working for her Uncle T. She is the person he calls when he needs something done or a person to disappear. The main male lead is Enzo, the son of an Italian mobster in New York. He is engaged to Aria Yrsa’s cousin but not by choice. Isn’t it fun to make the connections between the movies? Don’t worry; it’s completely different…and yet not simultaneously.

The Plot

It starts out fast and doesn’t stop. I never wanted to put this book down. If I didn’t have to go to work to pay for my book addiction, I wouldn’t have put it down. I would’ve stayed home and read it until I finished. As with most romance books, they obviously ended up together. Still, I never guessed how it would happen.

The Resolution

So, satisfying. It’s so bloody and gruesome and sexy. It has a happy ending. It’s happy only in the way that two people from gruesome mobster backgrounds who enjoy butchering people can be. But it was everything I wanted. It was everything I needed. I took a break from my fantasy and cheesy romance books that I love so much….was this a cheesy romance? Romance, yes…cheesy? Only if you call butchering your enemies while they are chained in a meat locker for foreplay cheesy.

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Ultimate Guide to Reading Sarah J. Maas

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If you haven’t read any of the ever-famous Sarah J. Maas books, then…what rock have you been living under? Maas is the author of 3 major fantasy series: Throne of Glass, A Court of Thornes and Roses, and Crescent City. These books have taken fantasy to new levels and created the romantasy fandom. The most important thing to remember when picking up one of her books is that each of these series connects, and there are many different theories in the best way to read them. Here, I will break down a few popular theories and my personal way of reading them.

My first Experience with the Maasverse

I started reading The Throne of Glass back when I was in high school. I was entranced by the strong female who wouldn’t let anyone tell her who or what she could be. I forgot about Maas’s worlds until I saw Crescent City on the shelf. I saw the name Maas and went, ‘Oh hey, I like her,’ and picked it up and again fell in love with the world she created. The rest is history … I then discovered ACOTAR and the addiction took place in full force. Once the Third Crescent City novel hit the sales floor, I decided that I needed to do a full comprehensive read through the Maasverse in preparation for when the worlds mashed together. In this book, in nerds’ opinion, it is 100% worth reading them in at least one of these orders…and multiple times. The story changes every time you read it.

The Simplest Version of the Popular Opinions

  • Throne of Glass in chronological order
  • A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) in Chronological order
  • Crescent City

The Advanced Version of the Popular Opinions

  • Thron of Glass
    • book one: Throne of Glass
    • book two: Crown of Midnight
    • The Assassins Blade (a prequel)
    • book three: heir of Fire
    • book four: Queen of Shadows
    • (The Tandem Read) Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn
      • Empire of Storms: Chapters 1 – 5
      • Tower of Dawn: Chapter 1
      • Empire of Storms: Chapters 6 – 8
      • Tower of Dawn: Chapters 2 – 3
      • Empire of Storms: Chapters 9 – 10
      • Tower of Dawn: Chapters 4 – 6
      • Empire of Storms Chapter 11
      • Tower of Dawn Chapter 7
      • Empire of Storms Chapters 12 – 13
      • Tower of Dawn Chapters 8 – 10
      • Tower of Dawn: Chapter 7
      • Empire of Storms: Chapter 12-13
      • Tower of Dawn: Chapter 8-10
      • Empire of Storms: Chapter 14-16
      • Tower of Dawn: Chapter 11-12
      • Empire of Storms: Chapter 17-18
      • Tower of Dawn: Chapter 13-16
      • Empire of Storms: Chapter 19
      • Tower of Dawn: Chapter 17
      • Empire of Storms: Chapters 20-23
      • Tower of Dawn: Chapters 18-21
      • Empire of Storms: Chapters 24-25
      • Tower of Dawn: Chapters 22-23
      • Empire of Storms: Chapter 26
      • Tower of Dawn: Chapter 24
      • Empire of Storms: Chapters 27-29
      • Tower of Dawn: Chapters 24-28
      • Empire of Storms: Chapter 30
      • Tower of Dawn: Chapters 29-31
      • Empire of Storms: Chapter 31
      • Tower of Dawn: Chapter 32
      • Empire of Storms: Chapters 32
      • Tower of Down: Chapters 33-35
      • Empire of Storms: Chapters 33-51
      • Tower of Dawn: Chapters 36-37
      • Empire of Storms: Chapter 52
      • Tower of Dawn: Chapters 38-40
      • Empire of Storms: Chapter 53
      • Tower of Dawn: Chapters 41-42
      • Empire of Storms: Chapters 54-56
      • Tower of Dawn: Chapter 43
      • Empire of Storms: Chapters 57-59
      • Tower of Dawn: Chapters 44-48
      • Empire of Storms: Chapters 60-61
      • Tower of Dawn: Chapters 49-51
      • Empire of Storms: Chapters 62-63
      • Tower of Dawn: Chapters 52-53
      • Empire of Storms: Chapter 64-65
      • Tower of Dawn: Chapter 54-56
      • Empire of Storms: Chapter 66-67
      • Tower of Dawn: Chapters 57
      • Empire of Storms: Fin.
      • Tower of Dawn: Fin.
    • book 7: Kingdom of Ash
  • ACOTAR in chronological order
  • Crescent City in chronological order

My Favorite Way to Read Them

  • ACOTAR
    • First 3 books
  • Throne of Glass
    • Start with Assassins Blade
    • Include the tandem read (it was worth it)
  • Finish ACOTAR
  • Crescent City
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An Action-Packed Fantasy: Quicksilver Review

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About the Author

Callie Hart is a self-published author, that is, until her worldwide bestseller Quicksilver. Quicksilver took the world by storm. The publishing companies just had to have it and entered a full-on bidding war. Harts specialty is in dark romance with series like The Blood and Roses and Dead mans ink. With Quicksilver under her belt we can expect great things from Callie Hart. Check out more of Callie Harts books on her website at Callie Hart – USA TODAY Bestselling Author of Dark and Contemporary Romance .

Synopsis

Quicksilver by Callie Hart follows a young woman’s journey through different worlds. Her mission is to save her friends and family. Nothing is more critical to Saeris Fane than her family. She would do anything to save them. She would even enter into a binding deal with a deadly fae warrior. Saeris must forget everything she thought she knew to save her world and all others.

The World

The world within Quicksilver is boundless. Its full extent is, more to be explored in the sequel. Hart masterfully describes this world, allowing readers to envision the scorching desert of Zilvaren and the wintry battlefield in Yvelia. map and pronunciation guide are conveniently placed at the beginning of the book to help follow the heroine’s journey. Unfortunately, not enough books include such aids. It took me quite some time to pronounce Choal from Throne of Glass correctly. The book resembles ACOTAR (A Court of Thorns and Roses), but the quicksilver and the heroine truly set it apart.

The Beginning

The thing that first drew me into this book was the heroine herself. She was just so fearlessly herself. No matter what, she remained strong and independent. She was willing to do anything for her family. Heck, she nearly died for them within the first 50 pages. Right off the bat, Saeris Fane is a badass, strong, and takes no shit. The world-building didn’t take that long. You learn more throughout the book because this is the first one in a series. Still, you know all you need to know within the first 100 pages.

The Characters

The main character is Saeris Fane. She is a young woman who has spent her life battling the desert. She fights for food and water for herself and her brother. Then there is KingFisher, a Fae warrior. He doesn’t quite have all of his crayons in his box because of the sacrifices he made for his people.

The Plot

The plot in this book is action-packed. Every moment was engaging. I never felt like saying, okay, come on, let’s get to the good stuff. There was always something happening. It could be an escape plan or explosions in the forge. Sometimes, it was comedic bickering or spice and battle scenes….what ACOTAR could have been if you made the first book into a prologue.

The Resolution

Cliffhanger? yes. Satisfying? Also, yes. Intense, oh hell yes. I loved the heck out of this book, and I am looking forward to the sequel. I have already pre-ordered my copy of the sequel. PICK IT UP!