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Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated The Pawn and the Puppet (Book 1) in Books
Aug 10, 2023
Comes with some pretty heavy trigger warnings so please check before reading.
105 of 235
Kindle
The Pawn and the Puppet (Book 1)
By Brandi Elise Szeker
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Emerald Lake Asylum is not a place most desire to go. Nineteen-year-old, Skylenna, however, made a promise that she must keep. Once hired, she only has one purpose—prove to the council that barbaric treatments, such as waterboarding, scalding baths, and beatings, are no longer the answer. But that all takes pause when she meets the source of terror in the asylum. A patient with a split personality—on one side, he’s the bloodthirsty genius, Dessin. On the other, a hidden persona that is buried deep in his subconscious.
When Dessin is caught in an attempted cell break, he faces execution if Skylenna can’t bring out his core personality and reveal his humanity. She has ninety days to save his life, and the only way to do that is to let him consume her into his world of moves, counter-moves, and master puppeteering.
With each passing day, their bond deepens, a forbidden attraction forming against her best judgments. Little by little, Skylenna uncovers the sinister secrets of his past that turned him into the monster everyone else fears. And Dessin proves to have one weakness despite the terrifying, indestructible persona he presents to the world: her.
I can and will only ever review a book based on how I find it! I never read the drama surrounding it or the author so here goes. Was I hooked? Yes. Did I enjoy the world building ? Yes. Did I find the characters interesting? Yes. So this is why it’s a 5⭐️ for me I didn’t want to put it down I really can’t wait for book 2.
105 of 235
Kindle
The Pawn and the Puppet (Book 1)
By Brandi Elise Szeker
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Emerald Lake Asylum is not a place most desire to go. Nineteen-year-old, Skylenna, however, made a promise that she must keep. Once hired, she only has one purpose—prove to the council that barbaric treatments, such as waterboarding, scalding baths, and beatings, are no longer the answer. But that all takes pause when she meets the source of terror in the asylum. A patient with a split personality—on one side, he’s the bloodthirsty genius, Dessin. On the other, a hidden persona that is buried deep in his subconscious.
When Dessin is caught in an attempted cell break, he faces execution if Skylenna can’t bring out his core personality and reveal his humanity. She has ninety days to save his life, and the only way to do that is to let him consume her into his world of moves, counter-moves, and master puppeteering.
With each passing day, their bond deepens, a forbidden attraction forming against her best judgments. Little by little, Skylenna uncovers the sinister secrets of his past that turned him into the monster everyone else fears. And Dessin proves to have one weakness despite the terrifying, indestructible persona he presents to the world: her.
I can and will only ever review a book based on how I find it! I never read the drama surrounding it or the author so here goes. Was I hooked? Yes. Did I enjoy the world building ? Yes. Did I find the characters interesting? Yes. So this is why it’s a 5⭐️ for me I didn’t want to put it down I really can’t wait for book 2.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated High Moor in Books
Jun 22, 2024
123 of 220
Kindle
High Moor ( book 1)
By Graeme Reynolds
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When John Simpson hears of a bizarre animal attack in his old home town of High Moor, it stirs memories of a long forgotten horror. John knows the truth. A werewolf stalks the town once more, and on the night of the next full moon, the killing will begin again. He should know. He survived a werewolf attack in 1986, during the worst year of his life.
It's 1986 and the town is gripped in terror after the mutilated corpse of a young boy is found in the woods. When Sergeant Steven Wilkinson begins an investigation, with the help of a specialist hunter, he soon realises that this is no ordinary animal attack. Werewolves are real, and the trail of bodies is just beginning, with young John and his friends smack in the middle of it.
Twenty years later, John returns to High Moor. The latest attack involved one of his childhood enemies, but there's more going on than meets the eye. The consequences of his past actions, the reappearance of an old flame and a dying man who will either save or damn him are the least of his problems. The night of the full moon is approaching and time is running out.
But how can he hope to stop a werewolf, when every full moon he transforms into a bloodthirsty monster himself?
I absolutely loved this book! It was good old hammer horror vibe werewolf fun with a little twist of some modern tales. So interesting and gory the characters were brilliant from the “goodies” to the “baddies”. I didn’t want to put it down best werewolf book I’ve read for a long time. Highly recommend!
Kindle
High Moor ( book 1)
By Graeme Reynolds
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When John Simpson hears of a bizarre animal attack in his old home town of High Moor, it stirs memories of a long forgotten horror. John knows the truth. A werewolf stalks the town once more, and on the night of the next full moon, the killing will begin again. He should know. He survived a werewolf attack in 1986, during the worst year of his life.
It's 1986 and the town is gripped in terror after the mutilated corpse of a young boy is found in the woods. When Sergeant Steven Wilkinson begins an investigation, with the help of a specialist hunter, he soon realises that this is no ordinary animal attack. Werewolves are real, and the trail of bodies is just beginning, with young John and his friends smack in the middle of it.
Twenty years later, John returns to High Moor. The latest attack involved one of his childhood enemies, but there's more going on than meets the eye. The consequences of his past actions, the reappearance of an old flame and a dying man who will either save or damn him are the least of his problems. The night of the full moon is approaching and time is running out.
But how can he hope to stop a werewolf, when every full moon he transforms into a bloodthirsty monster himself?
I absolutely loved this book! It was good old hammer horror vibe werewolf fun with a little twist of some modern tales. So interesting and gory the characters were brilliant from the “goodies” to the “baddies”. I didn’t want to put it down best werewolf book I’ve read for a long time. Highly recommend!
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Malice ( Book 1) in Books
Mar 23, 2024
56 of 220
Book
Malice ( Book 1)
By Heather Walter
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Once upon a time, there was a wicked fairy who, in an act of vengeance, cursed a line of princesses to die. A curse that could only be broken by true love’s kiss.
You’ve heard this before, haven’t you? The handsome prince. The happily ever after.
Utter nonsense.
Let me tell you, no one in Briar actually cares about what happens to its princesses. Not the way they care about their jewels and elaborate parties and charm-granting elixirs. I thought I didn’t care, either.
Until I met her.
Princess Aurora. The last heir to Briar’s throne. Kind. Gracious. The future queen her realm needs. One who isn’t bothered that I am Alyce, the Dark Grace, abhorred and feared for the mysterious dark magic that runs in my veins. Humiliated and shamed by the same nobles who pay me to bottle hexes and then brand me a monster. Aurora says I should be proud of my gifts. That she . . . cares for me. Even though a power like mine was responsible for her curse.
But with less than a year until that curse will kill her, any future I might see with Aurora is swiftly disintegrating—and she can’t stand to kiss yet another insipid prince. I want to help her. If my power began her curse, perhaps it’s what can lift it. Perhaps together we could forge a new world.
Nonsense again. Because we all know how this story ends, don’t we? Aurora is the beautiful princess. And I—
I am the villain.
This was a lot better than I expected. For a different spin on Maleficent this was pretty decent and different to what I thought it would be. You certainly fall in love with Alyce.
Book
Malice ( Book 1)
By Heather Walter
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Once upon a time, there was a wicked fairy who, in an act of vengeance, cursed a line of princesses to die. A curse that could only be broken by true love’s kiss.
You’ve heard this before, haven’t you? The handsome prince. The happily ever after.
Utter nonsense.
Let me tell you, no one in Briar actually cares about what happens to its princesses. Not the way they care about their jewels and elaborate parties and charm-granting elixirs. I thought I didn’t care, either.
Until I met her.
Princess Aurora. The last heir to Briar’s throne. Kind. Gracious. The future queen her realm needs. One who isn’t bothered that I am Alyce, the Dark Grace, abhorred and feared for the mysterious dark magic that runs in my veins. Humiliated and shamed by the same nobles who pay me to bottle hexes and then brand me a monster. Aurora says I should be proud of my gifts. That she . . . cares for me. Even though a power like mine was responsible for her curse.
But with less than a year until that curse will kill her, any future I might see with Aurora is swiftly disintegrating—and she can’t stand to kiss yet another insipid prince. I want to help her. If my power began her curse, perhaps it’s what can lift it. Perhaps together we could forge a new world.
Nonsense again. Because we all know how this story ends, don’t we? Aurora is the beautiful princess. And I—
I am the villain.
This was a lot better than I expected. For a different spin on Maleficent this was pretty decent and different to what I thought it would be. You certainly fall in love with Alyce.
Dream a Little Dream (To Love a Psycho #1)
9.0
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Book
His student. His obsession. His undoing. “Aaron Jones was a spark in the dark. Beautiful....
Dark MM Romance Contemporary Psychological Thriller
Hunter's Barbs (Prime Omegaverse #5)
6.0
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Book
She dreamed of dragon fire. A feline's claws claimed her fate. For twenty-three years, Aria...
Omegaverse Dark Post-Apocalyptic Erotica Romance Non Con
Merissa (13555 KP) rated A Phoenix Reborn at Christmas (An MM Monster Christmas #4) in Books
Nov 7, 2025
A PHOENIX REBORN AT CHRISTMAS is part of the MM Monster Christmas series. These can be read as standalones, but I would still recommend you read them in order, simply because they are all fun reads.
In this one, Percival has been raised by his uncle after his family were murdered by ice sorcerers. And let's just say, his uncle isn't the most compassionate of men. So, it's no surprise that Percival has his own 'moments'. And none more so than when he's in Leo's bakery. These two definitely rub each other the wrong (not fun) way! Everything changes when an ice sorceress tries to kill Percival. He wakes with no memories, but knows Leo is the only one he can trust.
This was a great read that kept me turning the pages. Percival and Percy both have redeeming qualities, so I was more than happy when the two personalities combined. As for Leo, he is just a cinnamon roll who is more than capable of standing up for himself. It was fun meeting up again with the family and their partners, and I loved how they all had their part to play. Now, I just need to know what's going on with Jas!!! I mean, come on. You can't leave me hanging like that! And those pie baubles? Where can I get one of them?
A seasonal read that was a page-turner. Definitely recommended by me.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 7, 2025
In this one, Percival has been raised by his uncle after his family were murdered by ice sorcerers. And let's just say, his uncle isn't the most compassionate of men. So, it's no surprise that Percival has his own 'moments'. And none more so than when he's in Leo's bakery. These two definitely rub each other the wrong (not fun) way! Everything changes when an ice sorceress tries to kill Percival. He wakes with no memories, but knows Leo is the only one he can trust.
This was a great read that kept me turning the pages. Percival and Percy both have redeeming qualities, so I was more than happy when the two personalities combined. As for Leo, he is just a cinnamon roll who is more than capable of standing up for himself. It was fun meeting up again with the family and their partners, and I loved how they all had their part to play. Now, I just need to know what's going on with Jas!!! I mean, come on. You can't leave me hanging like that! And those pie baubles? Where can I get one of them?
A seasonal read that was a page-turner. Definitely recommended by me.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Nov 7, 2025
LearnEnglish Kids: Playtime
Education and Entertainment
App
Read and watch fun animated songs and stories to help your child develop in key areas in English:...
Bad, Dad, And Dangerous Anthology
Rhys Ford, TA Moore, Bru Baker and Jenn Moffatt
8.0
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Book
Bad, Dad, and Dangerous Anthology When the kids are away, the monsters will play. School’s out...
Paranormal Romance MM MF
Fiete Cars
Education and Games
App
In Fiete Cars the children are the master builders. In this app kids can create their own car game....