Party Planning Can Be Murder - Early Book Review

 

Party Planning Can Be Murder: A Party Planner Mystery

by Kerry Schafer/Kerry Anne King

What is it about:

Wish List: pick up my pills from the pharmacy, plan my party, be there when I die…

Despite a few harrowing incidents with nervy Bridezillas, Addy Winters’ small town party planning business has been murder free – until now. But then, she’s never before been hired to throw a star-studded after-death party for a client who has their death scheduled on their calendar.

When Leno Masterson—former classmate, now legendary rocker with a flair for drama—turns up dead four days earlier than he’d planned, Addy suspects that someone helped him along. Sure, he left a melodramatic goodbye letter and his right-to-die paperwork is all in order, but even when the coroner rules natural causes, Addy isn’t buying it.

Addy’s family and friends – and Leno’s smolderingly hot brother Owen – warn her that she’s diving in over her head, and they’re right. She’s woefully unprepared for either the media onslaught or the secrets the people she thought she knew are hiding. But nothing is going to stop her from getting justice for Leno – and throwing a killer party while she’s at it.

If you love your mysteries with humor, heart, and a side of romance, this is your next must-read. Perfect for fans of Finlay Donovan and The Thursday Murder Club!

What did I think of it:

There are some authors you follow to whatever genre they decide to write next. Kerry Schafer is one of those authors. When she switched from Urban Fantasy & Paranormal Thrillers to Women's Fiction as Kerry Anne King, I followed and loved those books as well. Her next release will be by both pen names and is a Murder Mystery!

You bet I jumped on the chance to be an early/ARC reader and let me tell you I devoured this book!

I was drawn in and emotionally invested from the first chapter. I fell in love with Addy and wanted her to succeed in everything she does. (I also thought some very not nice things about her family, apart from her brother and grandmother.)

I was already enjoying myself very much with this story when Leno turns up dead and the mystery begins. And I can tell you: there's tons of things Addy has to figure out to discover what happened to Leno. I couldn't stop reading: I needed to know who or what caused Leno's death.

The writing (as with every book Kerry has written) is so good in my opinion. There's lots of humorous situations and the writing fits those perfectly.  

Voodoo Bride wants me to mention Owen: according to her Owen was the dreamiest and coolest character in the book. I myself can't say if he is indeed the dreamiest, but he for sure was a character I really didn't want to see ending up as the killer.

I'm not going to spoil the ending of course, but you can bet I want more books in what I hope will become a long series. I'll also grab the print version to hug and reread once this releases next month.

Why should you read it:

It's an awesome Mystery read!

Expected publication: March 11, 2025

Three Quick Book reviews

 

Quick Reviews

Sing by Karin Tidbeck

The biologist Petr explores the strange colony of Kiruna and meets the village outcast Aino, who seduces him unknowingly with her intoxicating singing voice. He finds comfort in her unusual way of life but soon discovers that a symbiotic relationship can be a blessing or a curse.

What did I think:

A weird, but alluring short story. I liked Aino, Petr is a bit of a tool though. I really liked the writing and the atmosphere.

Compulsory (The Murderbot Diaries #0.5) by Martha Wells

Murderbot—the sardonic, almost-homicidal, media-loving android created by Martha Wells—has proven to be one of the most popular characters in 21 st century science fiction. Everything that makes this protagonist (it would be wrong to call Murderbot a hero) beloved of fans is on display in Compulsory.

What did I think:

It's Murderbot! What's not to love?!

Relocating Christmas by Kerry Anne King/Kerry Schafer

A heartwarming Christmas mystery with a touch of magic.

Nickle Wood is not a thief, although her rap sheet begs to differ. It’s just that a lot of objects are not where they are meant to be and the universe has chosen her to move them. Christmas is absolutely the worst, with every brightly wrapped package a potential landmine.

She and her private-eye boyfriend, Hawk, have agreed: no presents. But he can’t resist giving her a little something and Nickle’s fragile trust is broken. She thought he understood the problem, but maybe he doesn’t really know her at all. Insult to injury, the gift, a beautiful pendant, clearly wants to be elsewhere.

Nickle ventures out into a Christmas Eve snowstorm, determined to relocate the pendant on her own, but when it leads her to a runaway teen and a dog sheltering together behind a dumpster, Nickle knows she’s going to need Hawk’s help to find the girl’s missing mother. Can they trust each other – and Nickle’s unusual ability – enough to work together and pull off a Christmas miracle?

This delightful stand alone novella continues the story of Nickle and Hawk from King’s beloved novel Other People’s Things.

What did I think:

If you paid attention you noticed this book was mentioned as a Christmas Reads and hopefully you read and enjoyed it already. If not: Go get it! It's a wonderful read as both a standalone and a continuation of  Other People’s Things! Also a great read outside of the Holiday Season, so don't wait until December to get it.

The Nothing - Book Review

 

The Nothing (The Between #3)

by Kerry Schafer

What is it about:

Vivian has one last chance to save the worlds, if she’s willing to pay the price...

There’s no rest for the weary. With the Black Gates irrevocably sealed, Vivian and Zee search for another way into The Forever in a desperate attempt to stop Aidan from her plan of ultimate destruction. But the dreamworlds are dying, the Between is growing increasingly unstable, and it’s clear they’re going to need some help.

In Wakeworld, doctors and world leaders are scrambling to determine the source of a mysterious illness that is killing healthy people in their sleep. Weston Jennings knows the truth: dreamworlds are dying and taking dreamers with them. When fate unites him with an orphaned child who has latent dreamshifting ability, he takes her through into the Between in the hope that Vivian can save her – and all of Wakeworld -- from what the child calls the Nothing.

Vivian and Zee have entered the world of the treacherous Sorcieri, who alone hold the secret of an alternate path into the Forever. But even if the Sorcieri can be persuaded to share the secret knowledge, or trusted to uphold their end of a bargain, saving the worlds can come only at the cost of unimaginable sacrifice.

What did I think of it:

This is an awesome read!

I knew things would be difficult and I knew not everyone was going to make it out in one piece, or even alive, but I still hoped and rooted for all my favorites.

What an emotional roller coaster!

Vivian and the others encounter lots of danger, difficult decisions, and heartache. There are choices to be made, sacrifices... I can tell you I shed some tears over events in this book.

Everything leads up to an edge of your seat finale that blew me away. What a great ending to a wonderful and emotional series. This series is a keeper for sure!

Why should you read it:

It's an awesome and emotional UF read with dragons and a cool penguin!

Buy from amazon

Book Review: Wakeworld

 

Wakeworld (The Between #2)

by Kerry Schafer

What is it about:

Vivian Maylor is trying to hold it together. But her attempts to build a life with the man she loves seem doomed by the dragon inside her yearning to break free. Vivian is a dreamshifter, the last line of defense between reality and the dreamworld, and the only one of her kind.

Weston Jennings also believes he is the only one of his kind. He fears his powers as a dreamshifter, and resists learning to control them. After suffering a tragic loss, Weston heads deep into the woods of the Pacific Northwest to embrace a safe life of solitude. But when a terrible mistake leads to an innocent’s death, his guilt drives him to his former home, where he encounters what he never thought he would find: another shifter.

Now Vivian and Weston must work together to defeat a new threat to the dreamworld.

What did I think of it?

This book is as awesome as the first book!

Schafer doesn't make it easy for her characters. They have to struggle and fight to get where they're trying to go. I felt for Vivian, and even more for Zee (Vivian's love interest). They get challenges thrown their way that could easily break them. Still they keep trying.

I really liked to see that Vivian has grown since the first book. There she let herself be dragged along mostly, powerless to stop what was happening to her. In this book she was starting to take control of things, not always with success, but at least she was doing everything she could to change her fate.

The story is full of twists and turns, and you have to keep paying attention to what's happening. I was on the edge of my seat and had to keep reading to see if Vivian and Zee would manage to get out alive and (mostly) well.

The ending was satisfying, but left many things open that make me eager for the next book. so I'll be picking it up soon, because I want more!

Why should you read it:

It's a wonderful (Urban) Fantasy read with dragons.

Buy from Amazon

Between - Re-Release Day Book Review (reread)

I was so excited when I heard the Between series would be re-released! This trilogy is amazing. You bet I immediately planned a reread. If you haven't read this series yet: what are you waiting for?

Here's my original review and notes on rereading.

 

Between (The Between #1)

by Kerry Schafer

What is it about:

A dragon is running amok in the town of Krebston, and only one woman can stop it...

If Dr. Vivian Maylor could have just one wish, it would be a normal life. Instead, her dreams – and not necessarily the good ones – are spilling over into her waking hours.

A badly burned teenager spontaneously combusts in the emergency room after raving about a dragon. Her mentally unstable mother vanishes without a trace. A strange woman with supernatural powers breaks into Vivian’s apartment looking for the Key to the Forever.

And when a bookstore-owning artist named Zee, who Vivian knows from her dreams as a sword-wielding warrior, delivers a message from her deceased grandfather, Vivian finally acknowledges the truth: she is the last living Dreamshifter, responsible for guarding the doors between dreaming and waking.

Aided by Zee and an improbable dream penguin, Vivian ventures into the Between – a treacherous maze that lies between dreaming and waking – on a quest that will bring her face-to-face not only with her worst nightmares, but also the darkest parts of her self.

What did I think of it:

This is a beautiful read.

I will confess I had expected this to be a cool Urban Fantasy read. What I didn't expect was to be taken on a roller coaster ride of emotions. This story frustrated me, made me feel worry, anger and hope. Vivian is a very likable heroine and I couldn't help cheering her on and screaming at her in total frustration at times. The things that happen to her are new and scary for her and I think Schafer did a wonderful job in showing how this affects Vivian.

It might not surprise anyone when I tell you I fell in love with Poe, the penguin Vivian encounters in the Dreamworld. He's a great character and brought a lot of emotion to the story without even being able to speak.

The story itself is really beautiful and intricate. There are lots of things going on that Vivian has to figure out and I was curious to find out where it all would lead. The ending leaves a lot open for the sequel, but not in a frustrating way. instead I was left feeling satisfied for now while looking forward to read book two as soon as it releases.

Notes on rereading:

I really love how Vivian struggles with what's happening, it makes her so relatable. So often the heroine just rolls with all the weirdness that's happening as if it's normal. I really appreciate seeing a heroine who stumbles, and makes mistakes, because all this is weird, scary, and new. 

I didn't mention it in my original review, but next to Vivian there are a couple of other viewpoint character of which Zee was my favorite. You bet I'll pick up book two for a reread soon!  

Why should you read it:

It's a beautiful and emotional Urban Fantasy read.

Buy Between here

Teasing on a Monday - Between

 

This absolute pearl is re-releasing tomorrow! Go get it!

This was not a dream. And if she wasn't in Wakeworld or Dreamworld, then this had to be Between.

(end of chaper 7, Between by Kerry Schafer)

---------

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, previously hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: - Grab your current read - Open to a random page - Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) - Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their  TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Dead Before Dying - Book Review (repost)

 

Dead Before Dying (Shadow Valley Manor #1)
by Kerry Schafer

What is it about:
In this supernatural thriller, shot through with biting wit, Maureen Keslyn checks herself in to Shadow Valley Manor to recuperate and rehabilitate from her last job. There, she runs afoul of the stern director and makes friends with some of the other residents, mostly older, all harboring either a secret or a grudge. With secrets of her own, like why she has her own Federal Agent checking up on her, and how she injured herself in the first place, Maureen fits right in, even as she sticks out like a thorn.

But Shadow Valley isn't just for rest. Maureen is working undercover, seeking to find and eradicate whatever forces are picking off the residents (and staff) at a grisly clip. With her resources dwindling one death at a time, and unnatural forces seething to rise up once more, Maureen's experience fighting the supernatural will be her only hope to destroy a clever and powerful evil and her only chance at surviving it.

She'll need people as paranoid as she is from the sheriff, to the undertaker's daughter, to a cook whose knife skills in the kitchen could prove deadly out of it if she is going to bring rest to the weary, and peace to the dead...

What did I think of it:
I love Kerry Schafer's The Between books, so when I heard about this new series I had to get my trotters on it.

And this is an amazing read!

I loved Maureen from the start and once I read the first few pages I almost couldn't put it down. If not for the fact I had appointments to keep, I would have finished this book in one sitting, it's that engaging.

Maureen meets some really cool people, and some rather nasty people as well, but all were interesting. As one death after another happens I was totally invested in Maureen and her unlikely allies getting to the truth of things.

The writing and story are fast paced and kept me on the edge of my seat. There's also lots of humor to keep you entertained as well. I reached the ending of this book much too soon in my opinion. I want to read much, much more about Maureen.

Why should you read it:
It's a witty and awesome Supernatural Thriller.


Buy from Amazon

Dead Before Dinner - Book Review

 

Dead Before Dinner (Shadow Valley Manor #3)

by Kerry Schafer

What is it about:

Veteran paranormal investigator Maureen Keslyn never asked for life to be easy-for her, nothing is more invigorating than hunting down and ending a dangerous paranormal adversary. Fortunately, life at Shadow Valley Manor tends to be a little more...interesting...than the experience at your average retirement community.

Right now, though, even she has to admit that things are getting out of hand. The bizarre murder of one of her elderly residents is only the beginning. How is she supposed to focus on tracking down the killer when there's a spider loving middle-schooler underfoot? Worse, she's acquired an unwelcome roommate-an elderly woman with dementia and a penchant for walking through walls.

Maureen is ever resourceful, but the death count keeps rising despite her best efforts and the help of her team. With the life of a child hanging in the balance, Maureen is forced to take extraordinary measures-but will they be enough? 

What did I think of it:

I've been a big fan of Maureen ever since reading Dead Before Dying, so I was very excited when I heard there would be a book 3. And then I got an ARC from Kerry Schafer!

And what a ride!

Maureen is barely out of prison where she landed after events in the previous book when she has to deal with murder and other serious business. But Maureen might not be the youngest and have a tricky hip, she isn't easily defeated. 

I was on the edge of my seat and had to keep reading to find out what was going on and if Maureen would save the day without too much damage. And anyone taking a good look at the cover of this book, might understand when I tell them this story gave me serious heebee jeebies at times. 

The story changes view between Maureen and one other character, giving you some insides in things happening that Maureen isn't aware of. I loved both viewpoints, although Maureen is totally the hero of the book in my opinion. 

All in all this is an amazing read and you bet I'll get my trotters on the print when I can.

Why should you read it:

It's an awesome Urban Fantasy read with a really cool lead character.

buy from amazon

Dead Before Dying - Get it Now for Free!!!

The Dead Before Dying e-book is free until the end of the month. So go get this awesome book now!

Maureen is totally amazing!


Dead Before Dying (Shadow Valley Manor #1)
by Kerry Schafer

Sidelined by an on the job injury, veteran paranormal investigator Maureen Keslyn reluctantly accepts an assignment at Shadow Valley Manor, an upscale retirement facility where someone—or something—is picking off residents and staff at a grisly clip.

With her resources dwindling one death at a time and unnatural forces on the loose, Maureen’s experience fighting the supernatural provides her only hope to destroy a clever and powerful evil before everybody in the manor—and the town—winds up dead. Together with a ragtag team that includes the local sheriff, the undertaker's daughter, and the facility cook whose knife skills in the kitchen could prove deadly out of it--Maureen is on a mission to bring rest to the weary, and peace to the dead...


Get it from Amazon


This alert is brought to you by a piggy who has the previous paperback, the e-book, and will get his greedy trotters on the new paperback!

The Nothing - Book Review

The Nothing (The Between #3)
by Kerry Schafer

What is it about:
When people in Wakeworld begin dying in their sleep, Vivian Maylor travels through an increasingly unstable Between on a quest to stop the mysterious epidemic. Although she has no love for the dark magic of the Sorcieri, they hold the only hope of stopping the disaster. Vivian has one chance to save the worlds – if she can persuade the Master of the Sorcieri to share his secrets, and if she is willing to sacrifice everything she loves…

What did I think of it:
Did you ever love a series so much you both wanted to read the last book and didn't want to read it, because then it would officially mean it was over? That's how I felt about this series. And the longer you wait to pick up that last book the harder it gets, because that means you should reread the previous books, and when you do you get all angsty about reading that last book all over again.

But I finally sat down, reread the previous books and dove into The Nothing.

And this is an awesome read!

I knew things would be difficult and I knew not everyone was going to make it out in one piece, or even alive, but I still hoped and rooted for all my favorites.

What an emotional roller coaster!

Vivian and the others encounter lots of danger, difficult decisions, and heartache. There are choices to be made, sacrifices... I can tell you I shed some tears over events in this book.

Everything leads up to an edge of your seat finale that blew me away. What a great ending to a wonderful and emotional series. This series is a keeper for sure!

Why should you read it:
It's an awesome and emotional UF read with dragons and a cool penguin!


Buy from bookdepository

Wakeworld - Book Review (repost)

Wakeworld (The Between #2)
by Kerry Schafer

What is it about:
Vivian Maylor is trying to hold it together. But her attempts to build a life with the man she loves seem doomed by the dragon inside her yearning to break free. Vivian is a dreamshifter, the last line of defense between reality and the dreamworld, and the only one of her kind.

Weston Jennings also believes he is the only one of his kind. He fears his powers as a dreamshifter, and resists learning to control them. After suffering a tragic loss, Weston heads deep into the woods of the Pacific Northwest to embrace a safe life of solitude. But when a terrible mistake leads to an innocent’s death, his guilt drives him to his former home, where he encounters what he never thought he would find: another shifter.

Now Vivian and Weston must work together to defeat a new threat to the dreamworld.

What did I think of it:
I loved Between, the first book in this series, and preordered Wakeworld as soon as it was possible. Still it took me a while to find the time to pick it up.

I'm very glad I finally found that time though, because this is yet another winner.

Schafer doesn't make it easy for her characters. They have to struggle and fight to get where they're trying to go. I felt for Vivian, and even more for Zee (Vivian's love interest). They get challenges thrown their way that could easily break them. Still they keep trying.

I really liked to see that Vivian has grown since the first book. There she let herself be dragged along mostly, powerless to stop what was happening to her. In this book she was starting to take control of things, not always with success, but at least she was doing everything she could to change her fate.

The story is full of twists and turns, and you have to keep paying attention to what's happening. I was on the edge of my seat and had to keep reading to see if Vivian and Zee would manage to get out alive and (mostly) well.

The ending was satisfying, but left many things open that make me anxious and eager for the next book. I will most certainly get my trotters on the next book when it releases, because I want more!

Why should you read it:
It's a wonderful (Urban) Fantasy read with dragons.


Buy from bookdepository

Between - Book Review (repost)

In celebration of the Release of World Tree Girl I decided to repost my reviews of other books by Kerry Schafer this week.


Between (The Between #1)
by Kerry Schafer

What is it about:
Vivian Maylor can’t sleep. Maybe it’s because she just broke up with her boyfriend and moved to a new town, or it could be the stress of her new job at the hospital. But perhaps it’s because her dreams have started to bleed through into her waking hours.

All of her life Vivian has rejected her mother’s insane ramblings about Dreamworlds for concrete science and fact, until an emergency room patient ranting about dragons spontaneously combusts before her eyes—forcing Viv to consider the idea that her visions of mythical beasts might be real.

And when a chance encounter leads her to a man she knows only from her dreams, Vivian finds herself falling into a world that seems strange and familiar all at once—a world where the line between dream and reality is hard to determine, and hard to control…

What did I think of it:
This is a beautiful read.

I will confess I had expected this to be a cool Urban Fantasy read. What I didn't expect was to be taken on a roller coaster ride of emotions. This story frustrated me, made me feel worry, anger and hope. Vivian is a very likable heroine and I couldn't help cheering her on and screaming at her in total frustration at times. The things that happen to her are new and scary for her and I think Schafer did a wonderful job in showing how this affects Vivian.

It might not surprise anyone when I tell you I fell in love with Poe, the penguin Vivian encounters in the Dreamworld. He's a great character and brought a lot of emotion to the story without even being able to speak.

The story itself is really beautiful and intricate. There are lots of things going on that Vivian has to figure out and I was curious to find out where it all would lead. The ending leaves a lot open for the sequel, but not in a frustrating way. instead I was left feeling satisfied for now while looking forward to read book two as soon as it releases.

Why should you read it:
It's a beautiful and emotional Urban Fantasy read.


Buy from bookdepository

World Tree Girl - Release Day Book Review

World Tree Girl (Shadow Valley Manor #2)
by Kerry Schafer

What is it about:
The girl with the full-body tattoo of a world tree is not just another runaway. She's dead, for starters, and her veins are emptied of blood and oozing a strange, jelly-like substance. To Maureen Keslyn, seasoned paranormal investigator, former FBI agent, new owner of the Shadow Valley Manor Retirement Home, this isn’t just a corpse. It’s a sign that the Medusa, a dangerous paranormal hybrid, is on another killing spree.

Maureen and her team—Jake, the local sheriff, Matt, the Shadow Valley Manor cook with knife skills that extend beyond the kitchen, and eighteen-year-old Sophronia, who has an uncanny affinity for ghosts—are determined to hunt down and eliminate the creature.

Their case is complicated by the ghost of Maureen’s former partner, Phil Evers, who refuses to cross to the other side, and his very much alive daughter Jillian, who shows up demanding to know how Maureen inherited the Manor. When Sophronia uses her power to try to help Phil across, a huge spirit storm blows up at Shadow Valley Manor, and she disappears. With the life of one of their own in deadly peril, Maureen and the team have a ticking clock to find Sophronia and bring down the Medusa.

What did I think of it:
I pre-ordered this book as soon as it was available, but release day drew near and still no word from bookdepository that they would start to ship anytime soon. Luckily the awesome Kerry Schafer offered me a digital review copy so I could read the book early while waiting for my print copy to arrive.

And this is yet another great read!
There will be book hugging once my print copy arrives.

While this book is perfectly readable as a standalone, I'm going to tell you to get your hands on Dead Before Dying first, because you will want all the Maureen you can get!

Maureen sure knows how to find trouble, and when she doesn't find it, it manages to find her.

I was on the edge of my seat and couldn't put the book down. I had to find out if the Medusa was indeed on a killing spree, who was involved, and if Maureen would be in time to rescue those she loves.

I will confess I did want to scream at Maureen from time to time to be more resolute to those people who bothered her. She was being much too polite in my opinion. I would have lost my temper and booted them out of my manor if I was her.

That aside this is a wonderful, action-packed and suspenseful read. Maureen is awesome, but the other characters are all really cool as well. I especially loved Mac and Sophronia, but Jake and Matt are also great.

And the ending! Wow! I need the next book! Let there be a next book!

All in all I loved this book and will keep an eye out for news on this series and anything else Kerry writes.

Why should you read it:
It's a really cool and suspenseful Paranormal read


Buy from bookdepository

Dead Before Dying - Book Review (repost)

Tomorrow it's the release day of World Tree Girl, the second book in the Shadow Valley Manor series, so I'm reposting my review of Dead Before Dying today.

Check back tomorrow for my review of World Tree Girl


Dead Before Dying (Shadow Valley Manor #1)
by Kerry Schafer

What is it about:
In this supernatural thriller, shot through with biting wit, Maureen Keslyn checks herself in to Shadow Valley Manor to recuperate and rehabilitate from her last job. There, she runs afoul of the stern director and makes friends with some of the other residents, mostly older, all harboring either a secret or a grudge. With secrets of her own, like why she has her own Federal Agent checking up on her, and how she injured herself in the first place, Maureen fits right in, even as she sticks out like a thorn.

But Shadow Valley isn't just for rest. Maureen is working undercover, seeking to find and eradicate whatever forces are picking off the residents (and staff) at a grisly clip. With her resources dwindling one death at a time, and unnatural forces seething to rise up once more, Maureen's experience fighting the supernatural will be her only hope to destroy a clever and powerful evil and her only chance at surviving it.

She'll need people as paranoid as she is from the sheriff, to the undertaker's daughter, to a cook whose knife skills in the kitchen could prove deadly out of it if she is going to bring rest to the weary, and peace to the dead...

What did I think of it:
I love Kerry Schafer's The Between books (even though I still haven't read the last book, because I don't want the series to be over), so when I heard about this new series I had to get my trotters on it.

And this is an amazing read!

I loved Maureen from the start and once I read the first few pages I almost couldn't put it down. If not for the fact I had appointments to keep, I would have finished this book in one sitting, it's that engaging.

Maureen meets some really cool people, and some rather nasty people as well, but all were interesting. As one death after another happens I was totally invested in Maureen and her unlikely allies getting to the truth of things.

The writing and story are fast paced and kept me on the edge of my seat. There's also lots of humor to keep you entertained as well. I reached the ending of this book much too soon in my opinion. I want to read much, much more about Maureen.

Luckily there will most likely be a sequel, so I'll be keeping an eye out for that!

Why should you read it:
It's a witty and awesome Supernatural Thriller.


Buy from bookdepository

I Wish You Happy - Book Review

I Wish You Happy
by Kerry Anne King

What is it about:
Told with warmth and wit, I Wish You Happy explores the sometimes-dark complexity of relationships, the transformative power of friendship—and the magic of hope.

Rescuing abandoned animals is easier for Rae than attempting relationships with people. According to her therapist, she lacks a dimmer switch—her energy is either full-intensity on or off. Lately, she’s been opting for off.

But the switch flips back on when Rae’s car collides with a cyclist, leaving the rider fighting for her life. After discovering the crash was a suicide attempt, Rae invites the victim—emotionally and physically fragile Kat—into her home. Soon, Rae finds herself opening up, not just to friendship but also to the possibility of love with Cole, the crisis worker assigned to Kat’s case.

However, Kat’s pain threatens to overshadow Rae as their codependent friendship deepens. When disaster strikes again, Rae is desperate to help Kat heal, but the plan backfires, putting at risk Rae’s tenuous connections and forcing her to confront the most difficult challenge of all— embracing her own happiness.

What did I think of it:
I'm usually not into Contemporary Fiction, but Kerry Anne King is the alter ego of Kerry Schafer, so I just had to give this book a try.

And right in the first few pages Kerry hooked me when Rae gets upset at her therapist when the therapist says something demeaning about Rae's dead pet rat. If there's one thing I understand and which makes me relate it's someone being sad about the death of a beloved pet and how hurtful it can be when others don't understand.

From that moment on I was invested in what happened to Rae and I wanted her to be happy.

Rae is a very sensitive person who is trying very hard to survive in a world that's often too hard for her. I recognized the need to want to do the right thing, but not always having the energy for it. And Rae is taking it a step further: she feels responsible for the happiness and well being of others and thinks her own happiness is less important.

This observation and the above blurb may make you think this is a very serious book. But although it certainly is about serious issues this book is fun and heartwarming as well. Remember the the dead rat? I loved the storyline that dealt with the aftermath of his passing. It was awesome, funny and touching.

As the story unfolds Rae gets forced to make important decisions for herself and she learns a lot about herself, the people around her, and what friendship should be about. I will tell you that this book made me laugh, sniffle, grumble, and smile.

If you like Contemporary Fiction (or if you are usually on the fence, like me) I can really recommend this book. It's a wonderful read.

Why should you read it:
It's a beautiful and touching Contemporary Novel.


Buy from Amazon

Dead Before Dying - Book Review

Dead Before Dying
by Kerry Schafer

What is it about:
In this supernatural thriller, shot through with biting wit, Maureen Keslyn checks herself in to Shadow Valley Manor to recuperate and rehabilitate from her last job. There, she runs afoul of the stern director and makes friends with some of the other residents, mostly older, all harboring either a secret or a grudge. With secrets of her own, like why she has her own Federal Agent checking up on her, and how she injured herself in the first place, Maureen fits right in, even as she sticks out like a thorn.

But Shadow Valley isn't just for rest. Maureen is working undercover, seeking to find and eradicate whatever forces are picking off the residents (and staff) at a grisly clip. With her resources dwindling one death at a time, and unnatural forces seething to rise up once more, Maureen's experience fighting the supernatural will be her only hope to destroy a clever and powerful evil and her only chance at surviving it.

She'll need people as paranoid as she is from the sheriff, to the undertaker's daughter, to a cook whose knife skills in the kitchen could prove deadly out of it if she is going to bring rest to the weary, and peace to the dead...

What did I think of it:
I love Kerry Schafer's The Between books (even though I still haven't read the last book, because I don't want the series to be over), so when I heard about this new series I had to get my trotters on it.

And this is an amazing read!

I loved Maureen from the start and once I read the first few pages I almost couldn't put it down. If not for the fact I had appointments to keep, I would have finished this book in one sitting, it's that engaging.

Maureen meets some really cool people, and some rather nasty people as well, but all were interesting. As one death after another happens I was totally invested in Maureen and her unlikely allies getting to the truth of things.

The writing and story are fast paced and kept me on the edge of my seat. There's also lots of humor to keep you entertained as well. I reached the ending of this book much too soon in my opinion. I want to read much, much more about Maureen.

Luckily there will most likely be a sequel, so I'll be keeping an eye out for that!

Why should you read it:
It's a witty and awesome Supernatural Thriller.

Support The Nothing!

Kerry Schafer (awesome author, owner of the random penguin, and patient listener when I bug her about zombies) is running a kickstarter campaign to be able to publish the third book in her Between trilogy.

I love the first two books, and really want to read the last book, so I'm asking you to head over to the kickstarter page and read all about Kerry's books. And if they sound cool: Support The Nothing!


Find out more here

Wakeworld - Book Review

Wakeworld (The Between #2)
by Kerry Schafer

What is it about:
Vivian Maylor is trying to hold it together. But her attempts to build a life with the man she loves seem doomed by the dragon inside her yearning to break free. Vivian is a dreamshifter, the last line of defense between reality and the dreamworld, and the only one of her kind.

Weston Jennings also believes he is the only one of his kind. He fears his powers as a dreamshifter, and resists learning to control them. After suffering a tragic loss, Weston heads deep into the woods of the Pacific Northwest to embrace a safe life of solitude. But when a terrible mistake leads to an innocent’s death, his guilt drives him to his former home, where he encounters what he never thought he would find: another shifter.

Now Vivian and Weston must work together to defeat a new threat to the dreamworld.

What did I think of it:
I loved Between, the first book in this series, and preordered Wakeworld as soon as it was possible. Still it took me a while to find the time to pick it up.

I'm very glad I finally found that time though, because this is yet another winner.

Schafer doesn't make it easy for her characters. They have to struggle and fight to get where they're trying to go. I felt for Vivian, and even more for Zee (Vivian's love interest). They get challenges thrown their way that could easily break them. Still they keep trying.

I really liked to see that Vivian has grown since the first book. There she let herself be dragged along mostly, powerless to stop what was happening to her. In this book she was starting to take control of things, not always with success, but at least she was doing everything she could to change her fate.

The story is full of twists and turns, and you have to keep paying attention to what's happening. I was on the edge of my seat and had to keep reading to see if Vivian and Zee would manage to get out alive and (mostly) well.

The ending was satisfying, but left many things open that make me anxious and eager for the next book. I will most certainly get my trotters on the next book when it releases, because I want more!

Why should you read it:
It's a wonderful (Urban) Fantasy read with dragons.

Top Pearls 2013 - part 2

Today the second and last part of my and Voodoo Bride's Top Pearls 2013 list.
Here are another 12 books that we really enjoyed reading this year, and that I can advice to anyone looking for an awesome read.


Shards & Ashes - Anthology
This anthology with Dystopian YA stories is a must read for anyone who loves Dystopian YA.

Ashes by Ilsa J. Bick
A really cool, grim and realistic Post Apocalyptic YA read.

Five Golden Rings by Jeffe Kennedy
This BDSM romance isn't just a perfect read for the Holidays. It's a hot and delightful story any time of the year.

Between by Kerry Schafer
A beautiful Paranormal story about dreams, penguins and dragons.


Cold Blooded by Amanda Carlson
The best book yet in a very enjoyable and entertaining Urban Fantasy series.

Omens by Kelley Armstrong
A Paranormal thriller that keeps you reading. Armstrong proves she can do a lot more than write about werewolves.

The Coldest Girl in Coldtown by Holly Black
An amazing, gritty, and grim YA about vampires. A must read for anyone who loves YA and vampires.

Runemarks by Joanne Harris
This YA Fantasy is cool and full of suspense and magic.


(Deadly) Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock
A really suspenseful Paranormal YA about werewolves and the human nature.

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
A hauntingly beautiful YA read.

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa
An awesome Post Apocalyptic YA with vampires

Rising Darkness by Thea Harrison
A dark and intense Paranormal Romance.



And that's my list of Top Pearls for 2013!

I hope you will have a wonderful New Year's Eve, and I wish you lots of happiness and awesome reads for 2014!

The Dream Runner - Book Review

The Dream Runner (Dream Wars #1)
by Kerry Schafer
ebook, novella

What is it about:
What if you could order a custom dream? Any kind. Dark and twisted, sweet, sensual, or redemptive. For the right price, a dream runner will deliver one to your doorstep.

Jesse Davison skipped town the week she turned sixteen, with nothing but the clothes on her back and her father's vintage Indian Scout motorbike. She swore never to return to the town where in one night of tragedy she lost everything she ever loved.

When news of her estranged mother's death calls her home, she hopes for some time to sort out ten years of tangled emotions. But Jesse’s job doesn’t exactly allow personal days. She’s been forced into service as a runner by the Dream Merchant to pay back a debt for her own dream of revenge, and there are always orders to fill.

Struggling to figure out her mysterious inheritance is more than enough to get a girl down, and things get even worse when the man Jesse loathes—ex-boyfriend Will Alderson—shows up. But she soon discovers the person she’s been running from might just be the one she should be running towards. Too bad she’s been dreaming of killing him for the past ten years.

What did I think of it:
I fell in love with Kerry Schafer's Between, so when I was asked if I wanted to read and review The Dream Runner I jumped at the chance.

And it turned out Kerry Schafer wrote another story I could fall in love with.

The Dream Runner is the first in a series of 3 novellas and as such isn't a complete story: there are story lines left open. But that didn't stop this story from capturing me.

Schafer's writing is beautiful, and the story she tells in this novella is filled with darkness, heartbreak and hope. It touched me and made me hunger for more.

The idea of someone bringing customized dreams to those who ask for them is very intriguing, and i couldn't help wondering what dream I'd ask for if I had the opportunity to ask for my own customized dream.

All in all this is a beautiful story that temptingly hints at what is yet to come in the other two novellas. You can bet I will be getting my trotters on both of them, because I want more.

Why should you read it:
It's a well written, beautiful Urban Fantasy novella.


Buy from Amazon