Category: ARC

Mr. Rich by Virna DePaul

Mr. Rich

Title: Mr. Rich

Author: Virna DePaul

Publisher: Random House Publishing Group – Loveswept

Date of publication: June 27th, 2017

Genre: New Adult, Romance

Number of pages: Unknown

POV: Alternating 1st person

Where you can find Mr. Rich: Amazon

Book synopsis (from Goodreads):

She finds a wallet (not a shoe), and he’s a billionaire (not a prince), but this time, Cinderella’s turning the tables. . . .

Julia: Shilling samples at a grocery store isn’t exactly my dream job. Yet here I am, tray in hand and a fake smile plastered on my face. The one highlight is seeing him. I don’t know his name, but if I did, I’d scream it during the naughty dreams he inspires. He’s crazy handsome, all confidence and an air of power. He’s never said a word to me. Never even looked in my direction. Then one day he literally falls at my feet. Now I have his wallet. I know where he lives. And I’ve found the nude photos of him online.

It’s not the bruschetta on her tray he really wants to taste. . . .

Bastian: I’ve dated models, doctors, and CEOs, but something about Julia Rominger has me intrigued . . . and more than a little aroused. Maybe it’s her lush curves driving me wild. Or that she has no problem telling me to go to hell. Either way, she’s seen me at my worst; I want to hit her with my best. I know where to touch, where to kiss, and just how far to push to drive her crazy. Soon, however, pleasuring Julia isn’t enough. I want to possess her. I need to make her mine. And I’ll fight to the bitter end to win her heart.

My review:

Mr. Rich is one of those books that make you sigh while reading it. With characters that you can relate to and a plotline that will make you laugh and cry, Mr. Rich is the perfect book to read if you are laying out by the pool or on the beach. Just make sure that you don’t have nosey people reading over your shoulder because the sex scenes are definitely not PG.

Continue reading “Mr. Rich by Virna DePaul” →

Demon Lights (Blackwater Lights Trilogy) by Michael M. Hughes

Demon Lights (Blackwater Lights Trilogy)

Title: Demon Lights

Author: Michael M. Hughes

Publisher: Random House Publishing Group – Hydra

Date of publication: May 23rd, 2017

Genre: Paranormal, Horror

Number of pages: 253

POV: 3rd person

Series: Blackwater Lights Trilogy

Demon Lights – Book 3

Where you can find Demon Lights: Barnes and Nobles| Amazon

Book synopsis (from Goodreads):

From the cult-favorite author of Blackwater Lights comes the finale to a dark paranormal horror trilogy in the cosmic horror vein of H. P. Lovecraft.

The world is collapsing. Governments have fallen, and anarchy reigns. Yet a greater danger looms imprisoned in ancient objects from distant space: bodiless aliens with an all-consuming thirst for freedom . . . and human blood.

They have a strong ally in Lily, a powerful sorceress, and leader of a globe-spanning cult. In an isolated compound deep in the frozen north, Lily cultivates a group of children whose paranormal abilities can be harnessed to unleash the alien apocalypse. Now she has acquired the final pieces to the puzzle: a gifted young boy named William and his mother, Ellen, whose safety is the bargaining chip Lily needs to compel the child’s obedience.

Once again, William and Ellen’s last hope is Ray Simon. Every time Ray and Lily have crossed paths, she has come out on top, and even now she is one step ahead. But this time Ray is not alone. Accompanied by Claire and Mantu—devotees of the enigmatic Brotherhood of Eleusis, who possess psychic abilities of their own—Ray sets off on a desperate mission of rescue and revenge. Only the fate of humanity itself hangs in the balance.

My review:

This is my first book that I have read from Michael M. Huges and I got to say, I really enjoyed reading Demon Lights. It struck the perfect balance between horror, science fiction, and action. I couldn’t put the book down and I think I read it within a couple of hours. Any book that engrosses me that much is a keeper. The fact that it is the 3rd book in the Blackwater Lights Trilogy didn’t dampen my enthusiasm for Demon Lights. If you have followed my blog for any length of time, you know how much I dislike picking up a book mid-series or even the end. Demon Lights could be read alone if needed to. While the past books were mentioned (and piqued my interest) but they did not overwhelm this one. Just enough background was given to understand the main characters and how they came into the situations that they were in. Then the book takes off.

Continue reading “Demon Lights (Blackwater Lights Trilogy) by Michael M. Hughes” →

Mine by A.N. Senerella

Mine

Title: Mine

Author: A.N. Senerella

Publisher: Inkitt

Date of publication: June 21st, 2017

Genre: Young Adult, Romance

Number of pages: 211

POV: Alternating 1st person

Where you can find Mine: Amazon

Book synopsis (from Goodreads):

Anika Mason—simple name. Brown hair—average color. Blue eyes—she wished they were brown. But somehow she’s attracted the attention of the new boy at high school, and he is becoming quite obsessive and possessive over her. She needs to figure out how to get rid of him, fast. But when she’s forced to lie about having a boyfriend to get him to leave her alone, she gives the name of the biggest player in the school; Brady Morrison. Not only did she not like him, but he barely knew she existed. And now she had to pretend she was dating him. Wonderful.

My review:

**There are triggers in this review. So read at your own risk**

Continue reading “Mine by A.N. Senerella” →

The Silent Corner (Jane Hawk: Book 1) by Dean Koontz

The Silent Corner: A Novel of Suspense (Jane Hawk Book 1) by [Koontz, Dean]

Title: The Silent Corner

Author: Dean Koontz

Publisher: Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine

Date of publication: June 20th, 2017

Genre: General Fiction, Mystery, Thriller

Number of pages: 464

POV:

Series: Jane Hawk

The Silent Corner – Book 1

Where you can find The Silent Corner: Amazon

Book synopsis (from Goodreads):

A dazzling new series debuts with a remarkable heroine certain to become a new icon of suspense, propelled by the singular narrative genius of #1 New York Times bestselling author Dean Koontz.

I very much need to be dead.

These are the chilling words left behind by a man who had everything to live for but took his own life. In the aftermath, his widow, Jane Hawk, does what all her grief, fear, and fury demands: find the truth, no matter what.
People of talent and accomplishment, people admired and happy and sound of mind, have been committing suicide in surprising numbers. When Jane seeks to learn why she becomes the most-wanted fugitive in America. Her powerful enemies are protecting a secret so important so terrifying that they will exterminate anyone in their way.
But all their power and viciousness may not be enough to stop a woman as clever as they are cold-blooded, as relentless as they are ruthless and who is driven by a righteous rage they can never comprehend. Because it is born of love.

My review:

I had an ultimate fangirl moment when I saw that The Silent Corner was available for review on NetGalley. See, I am a huge Dean Koontz fan. Huge. I started reading his books in my sophomore year of high school, Ticktock was the book, and I was hooked. I have read every single book of his up to The Husband. Then I stopped. I had two children almost back to back, moved 3 times and honestly, didn’t have the time to read. In 2011, I got my first Kindle and started reading again. I missed reading his books (mine got lost in one of the moves we had). So when I saw The Silent Corner for review on NetGalley, I applied. I was not expecting to be selected and when I got the email that I had been selected, I got up and did a happy dance.

I wasn’t disappointed in The Silent Corner. It was everything that I have come to expect from his books. Plenty of intrigue, action and a hint of paranormal. From the beginning of the book, I was hooked in because I had to find out what Jane was doing and how she was going to do it. Believe me, when a book does that to someone, it is worth reading and keeping (I am talking my SO into buying me the hardcover when it is published).

From the opening scene to the end, which was really creepy, I was kept on my toes. You never knew where the story would end up or what Jane would do. I loved it. Normally, I don’t like it when the author plays mind games or switches to other characters point of views. But in this book, it worked and it helped build the story up to the climax and when the two main storylines intertwined.

What I liked about this book is how realistic it was. What was happening to these people on that scientist’s Hamlet list….that could happen. It is possible that some nut with a God complex could design something like what is outlined in the book and then use it in the same way. As with all of his other books, there is a hint of truth running through it and it makes you think….what if?? Could it really happen??

The end of the book was pretty intense. All of the storylines were brought together in a way that ended all but the main one. Doing that also left the book wide open for book 2….which I will be waiting with bated breath to come out.

How many stars will I give The Silent Corner: 5

Why: Great plot lines, great characters, and overall a great book

Will I reread: Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends: Yes

Age range: Adult

Why: Violence and language

**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**

Vanishing Act by A.M. Madden

Vanishing Act

Title: Vanishing Act

Author: A.M. Madden

Publisher: Random House Publishing Group – Loveswept

Date of publication: June 20th, 2017

Genre: Romance

Number of pages: 312

POV: Alternating 1st person

Where you can find Vanishing Act: Amazon

Book synopsis (from Goodreads):

In this captivating standalone romance from the USA Today bestselling author of Stone Walls, Hollywood’s hottest actor meets his dream woman: a free spirit who has no idea who he is.

After personal heartbreak and professional setbacks, Landon Price is running on empty. If he doesn’t take a break from the public eye soon, he’ll risk becoming another cautionary tale in a town that’s full of them. So in between film projects, Landon asks his agent to clear his schedule and then he simply . . . vanishes. Renting a discreet home on a remote Hawaiian beach for the summer, Landon begins to recharge. And in the process of finding himself, he meets a beautiful, feisty local who challenges everything he thinks he knows.

Zara Jobert has no interest in being a conquest for a cocky playboy from the mainland—even one with undeniable charisma and movie-star good looks. So she’s pleasantly surprised when the handsome newcomer’s persistent advances mellow into cozy banter and sneakily seductive intimacy. When Landon reveals his true identity, Zara’s hurt that he lied, but she doesn’t care that he’s famous. Unfortunately, not everyone feels the same way. And falling for Landon might come with a heartbreaking choice—between Zara’s old life, and a new love.

My review:

I was pleasantly surprised by Vanishing Act.  I wasn’t expecting to do be sweet as it was or for it to get as emotional as it did.  Maybe I have been jaded by the last few books that I have read because I honestly went into Vanishing Act expecting it to be a boy meets girl, boy and girl have hot explosive sex for chapters and chapters and maybe some action or drama is thrown in. Instead, what I got, was a well-written book that explored grief, how it affects people in different ways and of course love.

Continue reading “Vanishing Act by A.M. Madden” →

I Knew You Were Trouble (Oxford: Book 4) by Lauren Layne

I Knew You Were Trouble (Oxford, #4)

Title: I Knew You Were Trouble

Author: Lauren Layne

Publisher: Random House Publishing Group – Loveswept

Date of publication: June 13th, 2017

Genre: Humor, Romance

Number of pages: 215

POV: 3rd person

Series: Oxford

Irresistibly Yours – Book 1

I Wish You Were Mine – Book 2

Someone Like You – Book 3

I Knew You Were Trouble – Book 4

Where you can find I Knew You Were Trouble: Amazon

Book synopsis (from Goodreads):

New York City’s hottest bachelors are stirring up trouble in this fun, flirty Oxford Novel, as a love triangle forces a feisty beauty to choose between winning back Mr. Right or giving into Mr. Wrong.

Taylor Carr has it all—a sleek job in advertising, a stunning Manhattan apartment, and the perfect man to share it with Bradley Calloway. Even after Bradley dumps her for a co-worker on move-in day, Taylor isn’t worried. She’ll get her man eventually. In the meantime, she needs a new roommate. Enter Nick Ballantine, career bartender, freelance writer—and longtime pain in Taylor’s ass. Sexy in a permanent five-o’clock-shadow kind of way, Nick knows how to push Taylor’s buttons, as if he could see right through to the real her.

Nick’s always trying to fix people, and nobody could use a good fixing more than Taylor. Sure, she’s gorgeous, with mesmerizing silver eyes, but it’s her vulnerability that kills him. Now that they’re shacking up together, the chemistry is out of control. Soon they’re putting every part of their two-bedroom apartment to good use. Then Taylor’s ex comes crawling back to her, and Nick figures she’ll jump at the chance to go back to her old life—unless he fights for the best thing that ever happened to him.

My review:

I really enjoyed reading I Knew You Were Trouble….even though it was book 4 in the Oxford series. Reading books out-of-order from the series that they are in usually annoy me. Unless they are standalone and I Knew You Were Trouble is definitely stand alone. While the other people from the other stories are in the book, they do not overwhelm the book with their stories. Instead, Taylor and Nick’s story is allowed to follow its own path.

What really made this book enjoyable to me was that the author took the time to have Nick and Taylor build up their relationship by starting the story almost a year before their relationship took off. You got to see them both grow into their feelings for each other. Honestly, on that, I didn’t think that they would. They were like oil and water and there was always verbal fallout when they got together. You did get to see a softer side of Nick and Taylor when her aunt died but that was the only niceish interaction until  Bradley chickening out and breaking up with her by letter (who even does that????) scene.

I liked Taylor but I didn’t like how cool she was with Nick. You could feel the sexual tension every time they were together, regardless if they were in relationships or not. There was one point in the book, before the trench coat scene, where I kinda wanted to reach through my Kindle and shake her. Why? Because she was fighting her attraction to him and I thought she was being stupid. So I was pretty happy when the trench coat scene happened. I am going to say that I think that she could have handled Bradley showing up unexpectedly at her apartment a bit better. Look what happened. A huge misunderstanding that almost cost her the man that she needed.

I love Nick. He was such a wise guy and kept Taylor on her feet. He also was the only one who was there for her when her aunt died and then again in different parts of the book. It didn’t take me long to see that he was falling for her (I think I figured that out before he did). Another thing I liked about him was that he was a nice guy. A genuinely nice guy who got hurt pretty bad by his ex. So I wasn’t surprised at his reaction to Taylor’s news. Honestly, I wouldn’t have expected him to act any other way.

I was a little taken aback by certain events involving Taylor and Nick. Honestly, I didn’t see Taylor’s news happening and but, like I said above, I could see what Nick reacted the way he did. I just think that maybe a week was too long but then again, Nick needed time to process what he was told. He did make it right but I was so afraid that he was too late. Of course, the book wouldn’t have had its happy ending if he didn’t but still I worried.

The end of the book and the epilogue was perfect. Not going to give anything away but I loved…..well you need to read the book to find out what I loved about the epilogue (haha).

How many stars will I give I Knew You Were Trouble: 4

Why: Sweet romance with likable characters that had oodles of sexual tension

Will I reread: Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends: Yes

Age range: Adult

Why: Sex and language

**I received a free copy of this book and volunteered to review it**

Alpha Grayson (Alpha: Book 3) by Midika Crane

Title: Alpha Grayson

Author: Midika Crane

Publisher: Inkitt

Date of publication: June 11th, 2017

Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal

Number of pages: 213

POV: Alternating 1st person

Series: Alpha

Alpha Landon – Book 1

Alpha Kaden – Book 2 (review here)

Alpha Grayson – Book 3

Alpha Jasper – Book 4

Alpha Malik – Book 5

Where you can find Alpha Grayson: Amazon

Book synopsis (from Goodreads):

A rebellion to take down the Alphas has begun…

Lexia has been an unwilling member of the Vengeance Pack since she was kidnapped by Alpha Kaden at the age of thirteen. Previously a member of the Discipline Pack, she now plans an uprising to take down the Alphas and unify the 13 Packs.

But Fate has other plans for her. Lexia finds her mate in Alpha Grayson, from the Pack of Freedom; a man whose silver eyes leave Lexia without control over her carnal desires. But their romance becomes secondary when Cyprian, an evil source with magical powers, puts them both in grave danger on his mission to ignite a war.

Will Lexia and Grayson stand against Cyprian and prevent his schemes from coming to pass? Will they ever be able to consummate their newly found love?

My review:

When Inkitt approached me to review the 3rd book in the Alpha series, I was thrilled. I had enjoyed reading Alpha Kaden. Like I said in my review of Alpha Kaden, I enjoyed that this was an unwerewolf story (not phrased like that). What I mean is that I enjoyed that while it was understood that everyone in this series is a werewolf, they rarely shift but they keep their werewolf abilities and sense. It is a breath of fresh air.

So I was a little disappointed when I read the book. While the plot, itself, was fairly easy to follow, I didn’t like all the twists and turns that it took. I also didn’t like that a whole new pack and another set of characters were introduced almost halfway through the story. While it went in line with the plot, it was still very hard to follow. If the author had kept to maybe two Alpha’s and the main bad guy, I would have been fine with it. But everything else, in my opinion, was not needed.

Lexia, I didn’t like. She was either hot or cold and there was no in between with her. What I mean by that is that either she hated the Alphas and wanted to overthrow them or she was working with them and mated to one. I kinda wanted to say “Make up your freaking mind, girlfriend”. Her reaction when she found out that Grayson was her mate was pretty bad too. Poor guy’s ego had to have been shot.

While Grayson came across as this totally mysterious, hot Alpha in Alpha Kaden, he came across as totally different in this book. I don’t know exactly how to explain how he was different but he wasn’t like he was in the other book. Which disappointed me.

The romance in this book really wasn’t there. While it had the fire of Alpha Kaden, it fizzled out and when they did come together, I didn’t see the mad chemistry that was wonderfully exhibited in Alpha Kaden. Again, disappointed me.

Also what bothered me were the many twists to the plot. Normally, I wouldn’t complain but I counted 3 major ones. I got turned around by the end of the book because the plotline was not the same as the book started out with.

The end of the book was left open for book 4. All the major plotlines were wrapped up but there were a couple there were not. Regardless of how I feel about this book, I think that the series is different and I can’t wait to read book 4

How many stars will I give Alpha Grayson: 2.5 (rounded up to 3 for Goodreads/Amazon)

Why: Fizzling romance, unlikable heroine, the hero was not the same person as in other books and too many twists in the plotlines.

Will I reread: No but I will read other books by the author

Will I recommend to family and friends: No

Age range: Adult

Why: Violence and sex

**I received a free copy of this book and volunteered to review it**

Hard Stick (Breakaway: Book 1) by L.P. Dover

Title: Hard Stick

Author: L.P. Dover

Publisher: Random House Publishing Group – Loveswept

Date of publication: June 13th, 2017

Genre: Suspense, Romance

Number of pages: Unknown

POV: Alternating 1st person

Series: Breakaway

Hard Stick – Book 1

Blocked – Book 2 (expected publication date: October 31st, 2017)

Where you can find Hard Stick: Amazon

Book synopsis (from Goodreads):

He carries a big stick. And he’s not afraid to use it.

On the ice, I’m Kellan Carter, powerhouse enforcer for the Charlotte Strikers. Off the ice, I’m just a regular guy. The last thing I want is to get mobbed by a bunch of groupies who are only after me for my fame and money. My ideal woman knows how to enjoy a little good, clean fun—and maybe some not-so-clean fun too. That’s the kind of girl I’d never let go.

When Kristen Robinson, the gorgeous, down-to-earth bartender I’ve been crushing on, agrees to let me take her out, I’m thrilled. We have an amazing night together, culminating in the most electrifying kiss of my life—and that’s it. Kristen tells me we can’t see each other again, but I know that kiss meant as much to her as it did to me. What I don’t know is that Kristen has a dangerous secret. . . .

I’ve proved to Kristen that she can trust me with her body and her heart. But when her past comes back to haunt her, I need to prove that she can trust me with her life. And I might have to get my hands dirty after all.

My review:

I had to sit back for a few minutes after reading this book because it totally is not what I expected. From the cover (which I am definitely not complaining about, I love abs) and the blurb, I thought it was going to be a light romance centered around hockey. And you know what, I was going to be OK with that because I have read and reviewing some pretty heavy books lately. Instead, I read a book that took me in the other direction. Now, I am not complaining about it (see my rating at the end of the review) but man, I wish that there was more of a hint in the blurb. Because this book is so much more than a hockey romance. I am going to add suspense and intrigue to my tags and to the genre group above.

I felt awful for Kristen. She had a boyfriend who was obsessed with her. He had people watching her and if her best friend, Cole, would come over….he would show up. She was crippled with fear until the night where she decided, with Cole’s help, that she was leaving. And then the unthinkable happened. The boyfriend ran Cole off the road when he was on his motorcycle….killing him. That’s when she disappeared and the FBI, who was aware of her boyfriend but couldn’t pin anything on him, put her in the witness protection program and then faked her death so she could be free….once and for all. Now, if that had happened to me, I would have issues with men and trust. Which she did but still.

I liked Kellan. He was just an ordinary guy. Well, ordinary if you consider that he was the captain of the Charlotte Strikers and was a buff, badass with a temper. What I liked was that he was 100% believable as the hero of this story. He was an ordinary guy who got the girl, learned her secrets and vowed to protect her. He was so alpha male, it wasn’t even funny and I loved it. I also liked that his issues were more true to life than the other books that I have read. His mother and himself had bad blood and guess what, she deserved his hate. Normally, you wouldn’t hear me say that but that woman was unbelievable. She did come through for him, though, when it counted and I guess that matters (still don’t like her).

The romance part of this book was off the chart. The chemistry between Kristin and Kellan was burning hot and when they did have sex, it burned a hole in my Kindle. Just kidding, but if it had been real, there would have been smoke coming off the sheets. When the romance turned to love (no Instalove here, it took a month or so), poor Kristin fought it so hard. Kellan didn’t and I liked that. He was one with his feelings but Kristin, understandable, wasn’t.

I also couldn’t get enough of the storyline with Kristin’s ex. He had to have been the slimiest, disgusting character that I have ever read. I will admit that I did guess about his connection to Kellan. I actually guessed it pretty early in the book, when they started dating. But it didn’t take away from the book. I will also say that he, the ex, got what was coming to him and I cheered when everything went down.

I loved the ending and yes, I ugly cried through it.

I can’t wait until I read Blocked (I just got the e-ARC from NetGalley). It is going to be Dallas’s story and I hope that it is as good as Kellan’s.

My questions for the next book:

Will Dallas get a girlfriend?

Will we see more of Kellan and Kristin?

What about the skating rink, will there be more scenes there?

How many stars will I give Hard Stick: 4

Why: Great storyline and great characters. I was a bit surprised that this was more romantic suspense than romantic sports but it did not take away from how good the book was

Will I reread: Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends: Yes

Age range: Adult

Why: Sex, violence, and language

**I received a free copy of this book and volunteered to review it**

Addicted to the Duke (Imperfect Lords: Book 1) by Bronwen Evans

Addicted to the Duke (Imperfect Lords, #1)

Title: Addicted to the Duke

Author: Bronwen Evans

Publisher: Random House Publishing Group – Loveswept

Date of publication: June 13th, 2017

Genre: Historical Romance

Number of pages: 260

POV: 3rd person

Series: Imperfect Lords

Addicted to the Duke – Book 1

Where you can find Addicted to the Duke: Amazon

Book synopsis (from Goodreads):

A lovestruck lady charms the Duke of her dreams during an expedition on the high seas in this sexy, swashbuckling novel from USA Today bestselling author Bronwen Evans.

Alexander Sylvester Bracken, Duke of Bedford, has a mission: sail to the Mediterranean and track down Lady Hestia Cary’s missing father. It is a straightforward task, but for two rather vexing complications. First, the sea holds painful memories; second, for her own safety, Hestia is to accompany him. As Alex battles the demons of his past, he must also resist Hestia’s surprisingly skillful attempts at seduction. After all, Alex has sworn to leave her untouched, and he intends to honor that vow—until he can properly ask the Earl’s blessing.

Ever since His Grace rescued Hestia from the arms of a Turkish pirate six long years ago, her heart has belonged to Alex. So when he agrees to help find her father, Hestia is thrilled. Although Alex tries to hide it, there’s passion in his eyes—and a frisson of desire in the air—whenever they meet. On board ship, miles from home, Alex won’t be able to deny her any longer. But with scoundrels lying in wait, she may not live to tell the tale of her conquest.

My review:

Do not judge Addicted to the Duke by its cover. Why you ask? Well because the cover doesn’t do this book any justice. While it is nice to look at, and who doesn’t like a bare-chested man who is in the process of ripping his shirt off, I do think that the cover should have included Hestia. Normally, I am like “No women on the cover” but Hestia earned a spot in my heart because of everything that she went through and how she loved Alex unconditionally. Actually, thinking about it, maybe Hestia should have been featured instead of Alex. Just saying…

Continue reading “Addicted to the Duke (Imperfect Lords: Book 1) by Bronwen Evans” →

The Halloween Children by Brian James Freeman and Norman Prentiss

Title: The Halloween Children

Author(s): Brian James Freeman, Norman Prentiss

Publisher: Random House Publishing Group – Hydra

Date of publication: June 13th, 2017

Genre: Horror

Number of pages: 189

POV: Alternating 1st person and 3rd person

Where you can find The Halloween Children: Amazon

Book synopsis (from Goodreads):

The Halloween Children are watching—they’re always watching in this chilling novel of suburban horror from Bram Stoker Award winner Norman Prentiss and Brian James Freeman of Cemetery Dance Publications.

The accommodations at Stillbrook Apartments aren’t exactly glamorous, but they’re quiet, affordable, and well maintained. The handyman is usually available to help with a leak or a broken bulb, his wife and two adorable kids often tagging along. When occasion dictates, the neighbors gather to wish each other well and spread the requisite holiday cheer. Everything’s very nice. Very normal.

But as Halloween approaches, strange occurrences are happening all around Stillbrook. The children tell disturbing stories, bizarre noises bleed through the walls, and one abandoned unit is found to be inhabited by something sinister—something that’s no longer alive.

For the safety of the tenants, the Halloween party has been canceled. There will be no decorations or masks, no candied apples or witch’s brew. But without treats to divert the Halloween Children, they have no choice but to play some very nasty tricks.

My review:

The Halloween Children left me going “What happened that night” after I read it. I am not one to spook when reading horror books unless they are about zombies and then forget it, but this one had me jumping at the house settling, BK snoring and my cats being kitty brats. The book is told from Harris and Lynn’s point of view with some chapters being told from the investigator’s and honestly, that is what made the creepiness factor go way up.

I was genuinely creeped out from the first chapter when the investigator was speaking to Harris about what exactly happened that night. There is plenty of foreshadowing but it isn’t until the very last chapters when it is revealed who did what. Now, I know that the kids were involved but I really wasn’t expecting….well you need to read the book.

I really can’t get into the story, as much as I want to, because if I do I will unintentionally give away some of the plots. Let’s just say that everything that you read up until the end of the book is not what you think. Because I was very surprised when certain facts were revealed. And honestly, it made the creepiness factor of the book go up.

Now I know that this is a short review but like I said in the previous paragraph, I can’t really write about what happened. You really need to go read the book!!

How many stars will I give The Halloween Children: 4

Why: Creepy book that kept me up at night. There is a twist in the plot that I didn’t see coming at the end and it made the book even creepier.

Will I reread: Yes

Will I recommend to family and friends: Yes

Age range: Adult

Why: Violence and language

**I chose to leave this review after reading an advance reader copy**