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Debbiereadsbook (1636 KP) rated Killing Me Softly (To Love a Psycho #3) in Books
Oct 2, 2025
oh so deadly!
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is book 3 in the To Love A Psycho, and you CANNOT read it as a stand alone, you MUST )MUST MUST MUST!!!!) read the previous two books before this one.
I'm going to be very vague in this review, and try really hard not to give spoilers!
Kenny and Aaron, these two have not had it easy and it's really only fitting that the last book is quite possibly the worse for them!
I did not, absolutely never, ever, see that one coming at me! I don't read reviews before I read a book, but I will read them after I've read a book and before I write my review. I just want to see whether other readers felt as I did and I'm pleased to say, many were blindsided just as much as me!
Jack has been a side character who grew on me greatly. I loved that Aaron and Jack were able to become friends. They really both love Kenny, if not in the same way.
It's dark and oh so deadly, I had to keep putting it down and come back to it. I had to catch my breath, almost, before the next thing was thrown at these two, and someone else died!
I'm gonna wrap up. If you like your books twisted and deeply psychological, one for you. It pushed me to my very limits but I'm glad I read them!
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is book 3 in the To Love A Psycho, and you CANNOT read it as a stand alone, you MUST )MUST MUST MUST!!!!) read the previous two books before this one.
I'm going to be very vague in this review, and try really hard not to give spoilers!
Kenny and Aaron, these two have not had it easy and it's really only fitting that the last book is quite possibly the worse for them!
I did not, absolutely never, ever, see that one coming at me! I don't read reviews before I read a book, but I will read them after I've read a book and before I write my review. I just want to see whether other readers felt as I did and I'm pleased to say, many were blindsided just as much as me!
Jack has been a side character who grew on me greatly. I loved that Aaron and Jack were able to become friends. They really both love Kenny, if not in the same way.
It's dark and oh so deadly, I had to keep putting it down and come back to it. I had to catch my breath, almost, before the next thing was thrown at these two, and someone else died!
I'm gonna wrap up. If you like your books twisted and deeply psychological, one for you. It pushed me to my very limits but I'm glad I read them!
5 full and shiny stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
Make Them Cry (Pretty Deadly Things #2)
8.0
Rate It
Book
They called her curvy. They called her worthless. They never expected her to fight back. ...
Debbiereadsbook (1636 KP) rated Imagine (Black Raven #4) in Books
Dec 27, 2018
too much action but still good.
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
After THAT kiss on Halloween, Leo and Ace have been avoiding the issue.Or rather, Leo has, and it's all Ace has on his mind. Sent together with a team of Black Raven agents undercover on a gambling cruise liner's maiden voyage, they are thrown into the thick of things, with so much left unsaid.
This is book 4 in the Black Raven series, but you don't need to have read the other three for this to make sense, they can all be read as stand alone novels. Books one and three are five star reads from me, though.
But this one?? Not so much and I've no idea why! And ya'll know how much that pains me so! maybe it will come as I write this up.
Leo is emotionally stunted after the death of her father on 9/11. She doesn't wanna talk to Ace about what happened on Halloween but she has been thinking about it. Ace is her best friend, has been since they started working together. That kiss, though, changes everything for them both. Ace wants to move the relationship on, but they have a job to do first. Feelings for your partner cannot get in the way of a job. But they have a way of worming in, and Leo can see those feelings in Ace's eyes, even if he doesn't want her to see.
Told mostly from Leo and Ace's point of view, we also get some of the bad guy in a couple of places, and in the other two books I've read in this series, I loved that. Those bad guys are deeply twisted, and were difficult to read, but it's more of less why I gave those two books 5 stars: the connection I had to the minds of those bad guys. But something didn't quite work here, for me. While clearly insanely greedy (cos it's all about the money) and a lot screwed in the head (cos a LOT of people will die) I didn't feel any connection to the bad guy at all. That makes ME sound a lot twisted in my head, but I think you know what I mean. There seemed to be no background as to WHY (other than the money) the bad guy was doing this, what made them want to blow up a brand spanking new ship, and kill all those people? I needed some background and I didn't get it.
This book is HEAVY on the agents work. A little bit too much for me, I think. I got lost when they were running around the ship cos I have no idea what half of those ship terms meant!
AND!! It's only the first part of Leo and Ace's story. They are Happy For Now, and I do hope they get their Happy Ever After in the next book. Ain't gonna be plain sailing for them I know that much!
So, because on the lack of connection to the bad guy, and because of the heavy action (which gives me the WHY I didn't enjoy this one quite so much) . . .
4 stars, still a really good read, just not on a par with books one and three.
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
After THAT kiss on Halloween, Leo and Ace have been avoiding the issue.Or rather, Leo has, and it's all Ace has on his mind. Sent together with a team of Black Raven agents undercover on a gambling cruise liner's maiden voyage, they are thrown into the thick of things, with so much left unsaid.
This is book 4 in the Black Raven series, but you don't need to have read the other three for this to make sense, they can all be read as stand alone novels. Books one and three are five star reads from me, though.
But this one?? Not so much and I've no idea why! And ya'll know how much that pains me so! maybe it will come as I write this up.
Leo is emotionally stunted after the death of her father on 9/11. She doesn't wanna talk to Ace about what happened on Halloween but she has been thinking about it. Ace is her best friend, has been since they started working together. That kiss, though, changes everything for them both. Ace wants to move the relationship on, but they have a job to do first. Feelings for your partner cannot get in the way of a job. But they have a way of worming in, and Leo can see those feelings in Ace's eyes, even if he doesn't want her to see.
Told mostly from Leo and Ace's point of view, we also get some of the bad guy in a couple of places, and in the other two books I've read in this series, I loved that. Those bad guys are deeply twisted, and were difficult to read, but it's more of less why I gave those two books 5 stars: the connection I had to the minds of those bad guys. But something didn't quite work here, for me. While clearly insanely greedy (cos it's all about the money) and a lot screwed in the head (cos a LOT of people will die) I didn't feel any connection to the bad guy at all. That makes ME sound a lot twisted in my head, but I think you know what I mean. There seemed to be no background as to WHY (other than the money) the bad guy was doing this, what made them want to blow up a brand spanking new ship, and kill all those people? I needed some background and I didn't get it.
This book is HEAVY on the agents work. A little bit too much for me, I think. I got lost when they were running around the ship cos I have no idea what half of those ship terms meant!
AND!! It's only the first part of Leo and Ace's story. They are Happy For Now, and I do hope they get their Happy Ever After in the next book. Ain't gonna be plain sailing for them I know that much!
So, because on the lack of connection to the bad guy, and because of the heavy action (which gives me the WHY I didn't enjoy this one quite so much) . . .
4 stars, still a really good read, just not on a par with books one and three.
**same worded review will appear elsewhere**
Darren (1599 KP) rated The Devil's Rejects (2005) in Movies
Nov 28, 2019
Verdict: Big Improvement
Story: The Devil’s Rejects starts as the Firefly family have been dubbed ‘The Devil’s Rejects’ by the media see their house surrounded by a vengeful police force led by Sheriff Wydell (Forsythe), with a massive shootout on the ranch. Mother Firely (Easterbrook) is captured, while Otis (Moseley) and Baby (Zombie) escape turning to Captain Spaulding (Haig) for shelter.
Otis and Baby find shelter in a motel, taking a family hostage, while they wait for the showdown with the Sheriff, giving them a chance to continue their murderous way.
Thoughts on The Devil’s Rejects
Characters – Captain Spaulding still runs his house of horrors away from the house, despite being part of the house, he must go on the run to meet the other members of the Fireflies, which sees him showing a much nastier side than we have seen before. Otis is the most twisted member of the family, he will punish anybody, he doesn’t care about anybody and will show his sadistic side too often. Baby is the youngest member of the family, she has grown up in this environment, acting like it is just second nature to her, she enjoys the punishment even turning it into a game at times. Sheriff Wydell is determined to capture and kill the whole Firefly family after they killed his brother, he will break a few rules along the way to make sure it gets done.
Performances – Sid Haig, Bill Moseley and Sheri Moon Zombie have helped develop their characters to have a much darker side to them, which shows us more about how sadistic they are meant to be through the film. William Forsythe brings us a strong police figure that clearly shows the vengeful side he is going through in the film.
Story – The story here follows the events of the first film, the Firefly family have been discovered and are now on the run from a vengeful sheriff that wants the whole family dead for what they did to his family member. Where this story improves on the original comes from seeing just how the fireflies are able to react to a threat, we get a glimpse of their sadistic side, but instead of it just them being twisted, we get to see them dealing with a relentless cop that isn’t going to let them get away with their crimes. The story is constructed better too because we don’t just have random clips like we had in the first film, which shows how the film can be put together to give us a better story.
Action/Horror – This is much more action back with shoot outs going on between the two sides, while the horror is still there when the fireflies get to step into their sadistic ways.
Settings – The film uses the settings to show how the Fireflies can go on the run from the law, we see the back country motels which they would hide out in and the connections of other shady business they would know.
Special Effects – The effects in the film show the gore being done by the family, it shows the wounds looking brutal and real through the film.
Scene of the Movie – The escape.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – It still doesn’t give us any likeable figures in the fight.
Final Thoughts – This is an improvement on the first film, it does give us a more rounded figures in the Firefly family and shows us just how capable they are when pushed against the wall.
Overall: Sick Improvement.
Otis and Baby find shelter in a motel, taking a family hostage, while they wait for the showdown with the Sheriff, giving them a chance to continue their murderous way.
Thoughts on The Devil’s Rejects
Characters – Captain Spaulding still runs his house of horrors away from the house, despite being part of the house, he must go on the run to meet the other members of the Fireflies, which sees him showing a much nastier side than we have seen before. Otis is the most twisted member of the family, he will punish anybody, he doesn’t care about anybody and will show his sadistic side too often. Baby is the youngest member of the family, she has grown up in this environment, acting like it is just second nature to her, she enjoys the punishment even turning it into a game at times. Sheriff Wydell is determined to capture and kill the whole Firefly family after they killed his brother, he will break a few rules along the way to make sure it gets done.
Performances – Sid Haig, Bill Moseley and Sheri Moon Zombie have helped develop their characters to have a much darker side to them, which shows us more about how sadistic they are meant to be through the film. William Forsythe brings us a strong police figure that clearly shows the vengeful side he is going through in the film.
Story – The story here follows the events of the first film, the Firefly family have been discovered and are now on the run from a vengeful sheriff that wants the whole family dead for what they did to his family member. Where this story improves on the original comes from seeing just how the fireflies are able to react to a threat, we get a glimpse of their sadistic side, but instead of it just them being twisted, we get to see them dealing with a relentless cop that isn’t going to let them get away with their crimes. The story is constructed better too because we don’t just have random clips like we had in the first film, which shows how the film can be put together to give us a better story.
Action/Horror – This is much more action back with shoot outs going on between the two sides, while the horror is still there when the fireflies get to step into their sadistic ways.
Settings – The film uses the settings to show how the Fireflies can go on the run from the law, we see the back country motels which they would hide out in and the connections of other shady business they would know.
Special Effects – The effects in the film show the gore being done by the family, it shows the wounds looking brutal and real through the film.
Scene of the Movie – The escape.
That Moment That Annoyed Me – It still doesn’t give us any likeable figures in the fight.
Final Thoughts – This is an improvement on the first film, it does give us a more rounded figures in the Firefly family and shows us just how capable they are when pushed against the wall.
Overall: Sick Improvement.
Jennifer Roup (9 KP) rated The Wife Between Us in Books
Dec 27, 2017
#GritLit Domestic Thriller Must Read
The premise of this book is captivating.
At first I think it's clear: A man left his wife for his assistant and the ex-wife is left devastated. The new bride is carried away in the new lavish lifestyle her husband-to-be is creating for her and she barely notices the subtle clues that someone is stalking her, watching her every move.
Nellie is cute, bubbly and everything that Vanessa used to be. The ex wife, Vanessa, is a recovering alcoholic living with her aunt, wondering how Richard could leave her. So she sets up on a mission to find out what Nellie has that she doesn't and to find a way to seek revenge.
If the book would have wrapped up after the first major twist in the middle of the book, I would have been impressed but the hits and twists just kept coming so it was impossible to put down.
I think the twists and turns, plus the creepy narration from an unreliable character who is clearly losing her mind were all great. I was really hooked at first. But by the end, there was just too much going on.
It's fast-paced, creepy and so vivid that you may start to think you're even being stalked too...
It's very much like The Couple Next Door, My Husband's Wife and Lie to Me and and similar thrillers. Twisted, interesting and really great characters but just a little too drag towards the end. Still recommend it though!
At first I think it's clear: A man left his wife for his assistant and the ex-wife is left devastated. The new bride is carried away in the new lavish lifestyle her husband-to-be is creating for her and she barely notices the subtle clues that someone is stalking her, watching her every move.
Nellie is cute, bubbly and everything that Vanessa used to be. The ex wife, Vanessa, is a recovering alcoholic living with her aunt, wondering how Richard could leave her. So she sets up on a mission to find out what Nellie has that she doesn't and to find a way to seek revenge.
If the book would have wrapped up after the first major twist in the middle of the book, I would have been impressed but the hits and twists just kept coming so it was impossible to put down.
I think the twists and turns, plus the creepy narration from an unreliable character who is clearly losing her mind were all great. I was really hooked at first. But by the end, there was just too much going on.
It's fast-paced, creepy and so vivid that you may start to think you're even being stalked too...
It's very much like The Couple Next Door, My Husband's Wife and Lie to Me and and similar thrillers. Twisted, interesting and really great characters but just a little too drag towards the end. Still recommend it though!
Jamie (131 KP) rated Naja (volumes 1-5) in Books
Jun 4, 2017
An underwhelming and strange assassin mystery
What a shame. The comic had an interesting concept and started off pretty well but in the end was really lacking. Naja is a badass to be certain, but she has almost no personality. She was the stereotypical ruthless femme fatale and not much more than that. The other assassins from Zero’s organization were genuinely interesting and the fights were memorable. I just wish I could have cared more about Naja. The plot drags for the first few volumes and I had wished for a little more from the story.
I ended up regretting that wish.
The more that was revealed, the more it just seemed like torture porn. The sad part is, even after some traumatic experiences from Naja’s past was revealed, I didn’t find myself feeling much more for her character.
The comic crashed and burned spectacularly with the final volume honestly leaving me feeling rather angry and disgusted. It seemed to me that the story was almost like a twisted retelling of Romeo and Juliet, tragic star crossed lovers each hailing from rival families with a sprinkling of incest. It was disturbing in the worst way possible and I honestly wish I hadn’t finished the series off.
On the bright side, the art style is modern and edgy and very easily one of the best aspects of the comic. The action sequences are fast and bloody and were fun to read. Overall I can’t recommend this one given the weak story, but Bengal’s art is definitely something to admire.
I ended up regretting that wish.
The more that was revealed, the more it just seemed like torture porn. The sad part is, even after some traumatic experiences from Naja’s past was revealed, I didn’t find myself feeling much more for her character.
The comic crashed and burned spectacularly with the final volume honestly leaving me feeling rather angry and disgusted. It seemed to me that the story was almost like a twisted retelling of Romeo and Juliet, tragic star crossed lovers each hailing from rival families with a sprinkling of incest. It was disturbing in the worst way possible and I honestly wish I hadn’t finished the series off.
On the bright side, the art style is modern and edgy and very easily one of the best aspects of the comic. The action sequences are fast and bloody and were fun to read. Overall I can’t recommend this one given the weak story, but Bengal’s art is definitely something to admire.
Midge (525 KP) rated The Couple in Books
Feb 12, 2019 (Updated Feb 14, 2019)
Brilliant And Dark
THE COUPLE is a debut psychological thriller by Sarah Mitchell and I absolutely loved it! I adore novels that are written in two time periods, namely the past and present, like this one.
The characters were very difficult to warm to, especially the main character Claire, who became rather irritating, annoying and dis-likeable during the story.
Claire, who works for the Immigration Service is newly engaged after a whirlwind romance. Her fiance, Angus, is a hotel entrepreneur and they are looking to buy their perfect home together. When Claire views a house and meets Mark, the fellow who is selling the house, she finds that he resembles a former lover, a man for whom she still has feelings. Claire is drawn to him and Angus starts to behave very suspiciously, but can Claire trust either of them or herself?
For me, Sarah Mitchell’s writing is captivating and extremely well structured. This book is full of twists and turns and I really enjoyed it. The novel moved along at an intense speed and I loved how dark and twisted it was. The character development was brilliant and apart from most of the characters themselves, I liked everything about this book. THE COUPLE held my interest from start to finish and the way in which Sarah Mitchell brought everything to a conclusion was just fabulous. I loved it and it has left me eager to read more from this author.
I would recommend THE COUPLE to anyone who likes this genre.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Sarah Mitchell for a free ARC of this book in exchange for a voluntary, honest review.
The characters were very difficult to warm to, especially the main character Claire, who became rather irritating, annoying and dis-likeable during the story.
Claire, who works for the Immigration Service is newly engaged after a whirlwind romance. Her fiance, Angus, is a hotel entrepreneur and they are looking to buy their perfect home together. When Claire views a house and meets Mark, the fellow who is selling the house, she finds that he resembles a former lover, a man for whom she still has feelings. Claire is drawn to him and Angus starts to behave very suspiciously, but can Claire trust either of them or herself?
For me, Sarah Mitchell’s writing is captivating and extremely well structured. This book is full of twists and turns and I really enjoyed it. The novel moved along at an intense speed and I loved how dark and twisted it was. The character development was brilliant and apart from most of the characters themselves, I liked everything about this book. THE COUPLE held my interest from start to finish and the way in which Sarah Mitchell brought everything to a conclusion was just fabulous. I loved it and it has left me eager to read more from this author.
I would recommend THE COUPLE to anyone who likes this genre.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Sarah Mitchell for a free ARC of this book in exchange for a voluntary, honest review.
Molly J (Cover To Cover Cafe) (106 KP) rated If I'm Found (If I Run #2) in Books
Feb 25, 2019
A long time fan of Ms. Blackstock, I was excited to pick up this book. I wasn't disappointed, that was for sure! From first page to last, I was on the edge of my seat, devouring the suspense long in to the night. The rush of anticipation was strong with this book!
Casey, Dylan, and all the secondary characters are complexly created and I loved that. They need to be for their roles in the plot line. Reading this story transformed me into Casey for the duration of the book. I felt all her emotions, all her fears, all her hopes as if they were my own. That was powerful! Just when I thought I knew what was coming, Ms. Blackstock twisted the story up and left me in awe, thinking about the twist.
Ms. Blackstock once again created a story that is filled with messages from God, characters that are jaw droppingly awesome, and a story line that packs an incredible punch! If you love the anticipation of finding out what happens next, the heart pounding, jaw dropping need to find the clues and reach the end, then this book is for you. However, I must warn you, you'll want the next book instantly, like I do, and you'll be deeply saddened to know it's a long wait! I am looking forward to going back and reading book 1, to see where Casey began. Definitely a fantastic 4 star worthy book.<a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/booklookblogger-review-im-found-terri-blackstock-giveaway/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
Casey, Dylan, and all the secondary characters are complexly created and I loved that. They need to be for their roles in the plot line. Reading this story transformed me into Casey for the duration of the book. I felt all her emotions, all her fears, all her hopes as if they were my own. That was powerful! Just when I thought I knew what was coming, Ms. Blackstock twisted the story up and left me in awe, thinking about the twist.
Ms. Blackstock once again created a story that is filled with messages from God, characters that are jaw droppingly awesome, and a story line that packs an incredible punch! If you love the anticipation of finding out what happens next, the heart pounding, jaw dropping need to find the clues and reach the end, then this book is for you. However, I must warn you, you'll want the next book instantly, like I do, and you'll be deeply saddened to know it's a long wait! I am looking forward to going back and reading book 1, to see where Casey began. Definitely a fantastic 4 star worthy book.<a href="http://cafinatedreads.com/booklookblogger-review-im-found-terri-blackstock-giveaway/"; target="_blank">This review was originally posted on Cafinated Reads</a>
Billie Wichkan (118 KP) rated The Shadow Reigns (Witch-Hunter, #2) in Books
May 22, 2019
The second part of the Witch-Hunter series.
The world has been thrown into darkness by the Shadow Witch's revolution. The witch-hunters are scattered, but still strong. The race is now on to gather allies and win the war.
New enemies will arise; loyalties will be pushed to the limit. And an important question will be answered: can a witch-hunter that practices magic ever be trusted, or will he be persecuted?
It is said that 'love conquers all', but this twisted love must stay secret, locked away with the past.
The Shadow Reigns is the sequel to book 1 The Shadow Rises in K.S. Marsdens the witch hunter trilogy.
In the second instalment of the Witch-Hunter trilogy we find the world dealing with the catastrophic aftermath of the witches revolution. The remaining witch-hunters and the army form an alliance to plot the downfall of the powerful Shadow Witch and her followers.
I really like what the author has done with the plot twists in this one.
Hunter is embracing his newly realized anti-magic abilities. Hunter and his companions are searching for MMC survivors.
I found this one witty but also gritty.
The characters are so engaging and can just picture them in my mind.
The story and plot so well done and kept me on the edge of my seat!
Loved also the descriptive imagery of the landscape and also the magic.
Such a wonderful book.
Highly recommend reading!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The world has been thrown into darkness by the Shadow Witch's revolution. The witch-hunters are scattered, but still strong. The race is now on to gather allies and win the war.
New enemies will arise; loyalties will be pushed to the limit. And an important question will be answered: can a witch-hunter that practices magic ever be trusted, or will he be persecuted?
It is said that 'love conquers all', but this twisted love must stay secret, locked away with the past.
The Shadow Reigns is the sequel to book 1 The Shadow Rises in K.S. Marsdens the witch hunter trilogy.
In the second instalment of the Witch-Hunter trilogy we find the world dealing with the catastrophic aftermath of the witches revolution. The remaining witch-hunters and the army form an alliance to plot the downfall of the powerful Shadow Witch and her followers.
I really like what the author has done with the plot twists in this one.
Hunter is embracing his newly realized anti-magic abilities. Hunter and his companions are searching for MMC survivors.
I found this one witty but also gritty.
The characters are so engaging and can just picture them in my mind.
The story and plot so well done and kept me on the edge of my seat!
Loved also the descriptive imagery of the landscape and also the magic.
Such a wonderful book.
Highly recommend reading!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
KarenRC (6 KP) rated Faceless (DI Rosalind Kray, #1) in Books
Jul 23, 2018
This is the first on a new series from Rob about DI Roz Kray. She has just returned to work after horrific attack that left her physically and mentally scarred and her husband dead, so she is desperate to prove that she is ready to get stuck back in. The first case she is called to is at a flat where other residents have complained of a smell. What she finds is the decomposed body of a young woman who has been killed in a horrific way that leaves them all confused and starts the ball rolling on an investigation that will challenge Roz more than she could have imagined.
Elsewhere the killer is plotting their next move and we are given an insight into their twisted thoughts and the meticulous planning behind the killings. They are not random and the killer has a very clear and well rehearsed system which Roz and her team are going to have to work to try and figure out.
The switching narratives between Kray and the killer is done very well and keeps the story moving along at a lightning fast speed.
I loved the setting in Blackpool, a place not far from me, but was surprised to find part of it set in the Trafford Centre, which is literally up the road from me! Always seems to make stories feel more 'real' to me if I know the setting well!
This was my first book by Rob and it won't be my last. I loved the writing, how the story was paced and am looking forward to hearing more from Roz very soon!
Elsewhere the killer is plotting their next move and we are given an insight into their twisted thoughts and the meticulous planning behind the killings. They are not random and the killer has a very clear and well rehearsed system which Roz and her team are going to have to work to try and figure out.
The switching narratives between Kray and the killer is done very well and keeps the story moving along at a lightning fast speed.
I loved the setting in Blackpool, a place not far from me, but was surprised to find part of it set in the Trafford Centre, which is literally up the road from me! Always seems to make stories feel more 'real' to me if I know the setting well!
This was my first book by Rob and it won't be my last. I loved the writing, how the story was paced and am looking forward to hearing more from Roz very soon!