#BookReview Celebrity Chef Zombie Apocalypse by Jack Strange

 

Jack Strange is, yet again, the master of the comedic horror genre.

“Having a dead chef as a front man would be a television first…” – a quote that perfectly summarizes this entire book in a nutshell.

I’m always impressed by Jack Strange – he is a unique writer that is easily able to attract an audience’s attention. His mixture of horror and comedy somehow works and draws me back to his work each and every time.

Some of the humor in this book really killed me – a pair of marigolds to get rid of the smell of rotting, human flesh? I always plant marigolds in my garden, and I know they are VERY strong smelling, so this made me chuckle. Even some of the comments said by the characters come off in a hilarious manner – most seem to be said with a hint of sarcasm (or pure stupidity on the character’s part), but it’s so good! It’s my type of dry yet dark humor, and I love it!

I also loved that Henderson is one of our main characters. He’s a cat. An undead cat, but still a cat! It’s something I don’t see very often (animals being main characters or having a personality that isn’t some weird talking/animated animal plotline), which adds some points to this read.

The insanity of this plot is exceptional and outstanding! It’s unique, strange and oddly satisfying. I would have never come up with like this! Zombies, celebrity chefs, a zombie cat, and R rated mischief? It’s a must read for those readers who are looking for something different that they have never come across before! That’s one of the best parts about Jack Strange’s writing – he’s so incredibly creative!

If I had to put this book in specific genres, it fits in many. Horror, comedy, satire, political satire, and fantasy are all shelves I could put this book on. There’s sex, gore, and sarcasm galore ridden throughout this novel. Even when the action is at it’s highest point, there’s a few fantastic one liners that will have you laughing and cringing all at the same time.

My cons are as followed:
1. My own personal con is the font was small in the version I received. Does that affect my scoring? Heck no! Was I slightly annoyed? Yeah. Is this a reason to not read the book? Nope! But I’m gonna include it as a way for Jack Strange to “improve” in his future writing endeavors!

Overall, this book is a true masterpiece! It’s clever, ingenious and seriously funny. I highly recommend this book to fans of horror, comedy and satire. You’re not going to be able to find another book like this unless it’s from Jack Strange’s catalogue.

Four out of five stars.

I received a free copy of this book from the author Jack Strange in exchange for an honest review.

 

Purchase this book on Amazon:

Amazon.com – CCZA

Amazon.ca – CCZA

 

Find out more about this book on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30120566-celebrity-chef-zombie-apocalypse

Or find out more about Jack Strange on his website: http://www.jack-strange.co.uk/

While you’re at it, why not give us both a shout out on Twitter if you read this review? @JackStrange11 & @ReviewAlholic

 

Comment below with your favourite horror novel!!

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#BookReview The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger

 

I first read this book in my first year of high school for a book report (we could choose ANY book we want, and I was obsessed with the film version of this novel at the time). Since it’s been…well, years…it’s about time I finally give this book a review to add it to my collection!

This book was super popular and a sequel has come out (which is currently sitting on my to-read shelves waiting for me to dig into it) in recent years. For those who don’t know about the first book in this series, we are following Andrea (or Andy) who gets a job at a famous, fashion magazine (similar to Vogue) which is run by the insane workaholic Miranda Priestly. Andrea believes this is the step she needs to get into her journalism career! A job at a high end fashion magazine! But, as we all know, nothing is ever that simple.

The movie is not the same as the book, but I like the think the quality of both are insanely good! Despite being different in plot, tone and character personalities, both works were fantastic! If you haven’t read the book, I highly suggest it. It’s unique and dramatic!

Andrea’s journey involves her changing (and sometimes growing) along the way, as she encounters all of the antics of being in the fashion world: uptight assistants, overbearing bosses, deadlines, insomnia, and work/life balance.

This book is in it’s own niche market – it became really popular, but it’s not for everyone. The humor is a type of special, especially since you are following Andrea’s life fall apart. For me, it’s a five star book! It’s interesting to watch the plot spiral out of control as your begging the author to give Andrea some type of happiness in the end. But honestly? It’s kind of how life is – not perfect. Andrea is NOT perfect and she’s definitely not the most likable character, but I grew to like her knowing all of the horror she was going through.

Five out of five stars!!

 

Did you enjoy this review? Check out another you might enjoy! #BookReview Intricate Deceptions by Jennifer Rayes

Comment below – what was your thoughts on the book?
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#BookReview The Pawn by Skye Warren

The Pawn by Skye Warren is a dark, erotica novel.

I found this book in the A Love Thing anthology that Tamsen Parker told me about! It was free on Amazon at the time, so I was definitely down for some free reads.

This book was not for me, but it was definitely a good book. This is another story that is unique and not something I have ever read before, so I really wanted to review it (despite it not being my favourite book ever. This could surely be someone else’s book!).

The storyline for this novel made me feel kinda gross and weird (creepy Uncle alert, that really made me feel gross). There are some darker and touchy material in this book to be aware of. It’s not for the light hearted! But it is an erotic novel, for those who are interested.

Skye Warren is incredible at writing, to make me feel for these characters when I was feeling “off” about the story. I wanted to finish reading it, because she is so talented. Plus, when you mix in the crime drama, greed, and an alpha male you know this story will be mind blowing.

Essentially, Avery auctions off her virginity to Gabriel, and she is his. This is much darker than the normal trope, which made it intriguing. It felt like a big game (hence, “The Pawn” as the title), with changes in power and chemistry throughout. Skye weaves the erotic content, the intensity of the novel and the light hearted parts beautifully, making this story so freaking intense it’s unbelievable. There is a sequel coming out, so be aware of that.

Overall, this book was not for me but it was really intriguing! I think Skye Warren is an excellent author who should not be missed if you love romance, erotica or dark storylines.

 

Comment below with your most recent read!

Did you enjoy this review? Check out another you might enjoy! #BookReview On The Edge of Scandal by Tamsen Parker

Check out more by Skye Warren: http://www.skyewarren.com/

Use the hashtags #BriarsReviews and #ThePawn to chat about this review on twitter with me! @ReviewAlholic

#BookReview Cutter by Thomas Laird

To say I’m now obsessed with Thomas Laird and this series is an understatement. This book is just WOW.

I’ve always had a fondness for a good crime novel/television show/film. My love of Bones, Kathy Reich’s novels, 19-2, Chicago Fire/PD/etc, NCIS, Hawaii Five-O, and so many others are all stapled on my book shelf and DVD collection. What’s always hard though, is finding a REALLY good book – and Thomas Laird made one.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I am desperate to get more of these novels. I don’t know how Thomas Laird did it, but for me he made a hit. Yes, there were some slower parts of this book that dragged on, but when the book gets moving, it moves FAST. I love our lead and his romantic interest Natalie, and their little family side plots. I love the relationship between the department, and I love the side chapters of the killer. It’s all fantastic!!

The chapters involving the killer show how sadistic this killer is, and it was a very interesting twist. Most of the novels or shows I’ve seen don’t give much insight into the killer until the end! Yet this book does it just perfectly – a little hint of what the person is doing, but nothing to give away who it is.

This book is definitely close to R rated. There are some gruesome descriptions and some explicit sex/rape scenes – so this book isn’t for the light-hearted. But it is an excellent crime story!! These brutal scenes fit in with the narrative and help tell the story – they aren’t just in there for shock factor or to make the book seem “sexy” like some crime novels have done. These aren’t passionate sex scenes, they are brutal and show how horrible the killer is.

Our lead character is a bit…interesting. He’s a tough guy and uses some rough language, but it doesn’t take away from the story. It seems to be more of a character development issue if anything. Reading other reviews people didn’t like that part of the story, but for me it just highlighted what type of character he is. Not everyone is sunshine and roses in police departments, unfortunately. Just like everything other job in this world – no one is perfect and uses G-rated language all the time.

One thing I’m furious about – the ending. It was on a cliff hanger and MY GOODNESS DO I HATE CLIFFHANGERS. Knowing that I probably won’t be able to find the second book in this series anytime soon makes it worse… Even with that cliffhanger though, the book was a definite recommended read from me. It’s a spectacular crime drama that hits all the notes it needs to.

Overall – this dark, twisted crime novel is everything I wanted it to be and more. What a great fast paced thriller!

Five out of five stars.

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads.

 

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#BookReview Twisted Reasons by Geza Tatrallyay

 

One Word: Wow!

Twisted Reasons by Geza Tatrallyay was an epic, suspenseful thriller that kept me hooked at every turn!

This thriller novel follows an international story revolving around stolen uranium – trailing across Russia, Vienna, Georgia, and other beautiful landscapes. While I don’t know much about those areas or the atomic bombs, I found Geza’s retellings to be enough to get me really hooked to the story. Mix in Geza’s skill of weaving a beautiful story, epic character arcs and the suspenseful twists and turns and you’ve got one awesome novel!

DISCLAIMER: There were some R rated scenes in this novel (both sexual and horrific in nature), so if you are not comfortable with brutal topics, this book might not be for you.

My pros: The chapters are short (which makes it great for little caffeine breaks for this reviewer!), relatable characters who grow over the novel, epic twists and turns (some I saw coming, but I’ve watched too many soap operas), incredible descriptions (landscapes, history, etc), and the story comes to a “close”. There is a sequel, but I like when a book can be it’s own entity and have an ending.

My cons: The cover is boring. I am the type of person who will pick up a book because the cover looks cool (yeah, I know, don’t judge a book by it’s cover but some covers are just SO awesome), so I might have skipped over this book. Luckily, I didn’t, because this book is a real gem and a must read for those who love suspense and thrills!

Overall, this book was intense and awesome. I really enjoyed it and I want to read more! I liked it more than most famous/popular thriller novels are out there. It felt more real and not “typical”. While it does have a “typical” story line – thriller, suspense, mystery, politics, war – it felt unique by the way Geza wrote it. He knows his material, he is clearly a very talented writer, and he makes characters we get invested in. Most stories follow the same old, same old path with the same story arc – Geza made this feel different, and I really enjoyed it. That being said, I will definitely be picking up the sequel!

Five out of five stars!!

I received a free copy of this book from the author Geza Tatrallyay in exchange for an honest review.

 

Check out more books by Geza on his website: www.gezatatrallyay.com

Check out this book (Twisted Reasons) the first in the series on Amazon:

Twisted Reasons (#1) on Amazon.com

Twisted Reasons (#1) on Amazon.ca

Check out the sequel (Twisted Traffick) on Amazon:

Twisted Traffick (#2) on Amazon.com

Twisted Traffick (#2) on Amazon.ca

Stay tuned for the third book in the series, coming June 2018!!!

Give Geza and myself a shout-out on Twitter if you read this review! @GezaTatrallyay & Briar’s Reviews – @ReviewAlholic

#BookReview Anita – A Heroine of Two Worlds by Liz Gavin

Anita by Liz Gavin is an awesome, short story that will leave you breathless.

I downloaded this book free from a newsletter I was sent, and man was I blown away! I am really annoyed that this is a “standalone” (currently…) because the ending was the worst cliffhanger EVER!

This book was a time travel, romance novel – and O-M-G was it addicting. The 76 pages felt way to short for this wonderful world Liz was building. The book is unique (with a lead who is a historian with a PhD) and it really hit all the notes I wanted it to. The historian finds a locket and can travel through time, and then some romantic shenanigans occur to make this story wild and lusty!

Overall, I LOVED it! I want more by Liz Gavin immediately and more in this series ASAP! This author is one to watch for sure.

Five out of five stars.

 

What is your favourite indie book? Comment below!

Did you enjoy this review? Check out another you might enjoy! #BookReview Poetry for Strangers by Elisabeth Sharp McKetta

Give me a shou tout on twitter using the hashtags #BriarsReviews and #Anita if you read this review!

Check out Liz Gavin on her website http://www.lizgavin.com/ or twitter @LizGavin_author

#BookReview Men in Kilts by Katie MacAlister

Men in Kilts is a sweet, silly, romance novel that will keep you giggling!

I have always had a strong bond with Katie MacAlister and her books. Her and a few other authors were “there for me” when my Dad was sick, and by them I mean their books. This was one of those books that kept me laughing during a really tough, emotional time. Because of that, my ties to this book are probably a little stronger than they need to be. So, thank you to Katie for writing this book and thank you to luck for letting me find it during my time of need.

Katie is fantastic for silly, light hearted comedy within her romances. This book is probably one of the goofiest, and it had me actually giggling along with every fun comment. The relationships were stereotypical (minus the fact of the kilts and Scottish men), but that didn’t bother me to much. The humour is what set this book out among all of the other romances I was reading at the time.

Are there “negative” points to this book? Yeah.
1. It’s full of humor. That means, if you are looking for a serious, romance novel this isn’t for you. It’s full of slapstick and lighthearted humor, so reader beware!
2. The villain is dull, but this is a romance novel and not an action/adventure (at least in my mind).

My pros:
1. It’s funny! Some of the scenes are a little wild with it’s humor, but it worked for me.
2. It’s not just a “fall in love, the end” kind of books. There is some plot mixed in with the sex scenes and romantic antics.
3. The book doesn’t take itself too seriously, so it’s easy to read and to have a good time.

Overall, this book is a nice “getaway” book. It’s fun and doesn’t focus on all of the negatives in life. I had gone back to it in Summer 2017 and I still enjoyed it, I just never got around to marking it down.

Five out of five stars.

 

Comment below with your favourite Scottish-based book!

Did you enjoy this review? Check out another you might enjoy! #BookReview In The Company of Vampires by Katie MacAlister

Use the hashtags #BriarsReviews and #MenInKilts to start a conversation about this book on twitter! @ReviewAlholic

Find Katie MacAlister on her website http://www.katiemacalister.com/ or twitter! @KatieMacAlister

Want to read this book? Purchase it on Amazon:

Amazon.ca Men in Kilts

Amazon.com Men in Kilts