DNF Review: Zombie Fallout by Mark Tufo

Synopsis:
It was a flu season like no other. With fears of contracting the H1N1 virus running rampant throughout the country, people lined up in droves to try an attain one of the coveted vaccines. What was not known, was the effect this largely untested, rushed to market, inoculation was to have on the unsuspecting throngs. Within days, feverish folk throughout the country, convulsed, collapsed and died, only to be re-born. With a taste for brains, blood and bodies, these modern day zombies scoured the lands for their next meal. Overnight the country became a killing ground for the hordes of zombies that ravaged the land.

This is the story of Michael Talbot, his family and his friends. This is their story a band of ordinary people just trying to get by in these extra-ordinary times. When disaster strikes, Mike a self-proclaimed survivalist, does his best to ensure the safety and security of those he cares for.

Book 1 of the Zombie Fall-Out Trilogy follows our lead character in his self-deprecating, sarcastic best. What he encounters along the way leads him down a long dark road always skirting on the edge of insanity. Can he keep his family safe? Can he discover the secret behind Tommy's powers? Can he save anyone from the zombie Queen - a zombie that seems by all accounts to have some sort of hold over the zombies and Mike himself? Encircled in a seemingly safe haven called Little Turtle, Mike and his family together with the remnants of a tattered community while not fighting each other, fight against a relentless, ruthless, unstoppable force. This last bastion of civilization has made its final stand. God help them all.
(Synopsis taken from Goodreads).

My Thoughts:
Ever since I received it in the mail, I had been looking forward to reading Zombie Fallout. My husband and I are both huge zombie buffs. We read zombie books all the time and love watching movies about zombies, especially if it's a b movie. Unfortunately, even though I was really looking forward to it, I just couldn't get into Zombie Fallout. I couldn't even finish it.

My main problem with Zombie Fallout was the main character. I couldn't connect to him at all. He was an arrogant jackass that was full of himself. Even from the first few pages, reading from his perspective drove me up the wall. He was extremely vulgar, which slightly bothered me, but it wasn't a deal breaker because I've read a lot of vulgarity in other zombie novels. It was his personality that made me think enough is enough. After about fifty pages of listening to him drone on and on about himself, and the way he treated those around him, I couldn't take it anymore. I called it quits and ended up DNF'ing the book.

If the book would have had a more relatable main character that didn't make me stabby every time I read from his perspective, I probably would have liked it. As is, I disliked it so much that I couldn't even stomach the thought of finishing it. I might have my husband read it because he has a higher tolerance than I do for unlikable characters. If he does, I will post his review as well.

I give Zombie Fallout: 1/5.

Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://www.marktufo.com/
Blog: http://zombiefallout.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mark-Tufo-133954330009843/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/zombiefallout
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2990843.Mark_Tufo

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review. 

99 Days by Katie Cotugno

Synopsis:
Day 1: Julia Donnelly eggs my house my first night back in Star Lake, and that’s how I know everyone still remembers everything—how I destroyed my relationship with Patrick the night everything happened with his brother, Gabe. How I wrecked their whole family. Now I’m serving out my summer like a jail sentence: Just ninety-nine days till I can leave for college, and be done.

Day 4: A nasty note on my windshield makes it clear Julia isn’t finished. I’m expecting a fight when someone taps me on the shoulder, but it’s just Gabe, home from college and actually happy to see me. “For what it’s worth, Molly Barlow,” he says, “I’m really glad you’re back.”

Day 12: Gabe got me to come to this party, and I’m actually having fun. I think he’s about to kiss me—and that’s when I see Patrick. My Patrick, who’s supposed to be clear across the country. My Patrick, who’s never going to forgive me.
(Synopsis taken from Goodreads).

My Thoughts:
With all of the hype surrounding 99 Days, I expected to be blown away by it. It seemed like every time I logged onto Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, or Instagram, someone was talking about it. Unfortunately, the hype monster got me on this one. I ended up being disappointed. It was just okay. There was nothing that stood out to me about it. 

There was one thing that bothered me quite a bit about 99 Days. I could not stand the main character. She was extremely immature. Some of the decisions she made, along with the way she treated her friends, and especially the guys around her, made me want to smack the crap out of her. I just wanted to yell at her to grow up, and stop being such a jerk. However, I did love the supporting characters. I think I would have enjoyed the book more if it was from one of their points of view.

When I was reading the book, the plot was enjoyable. However, there was nothing that set it apart from the hundreds of other YA contemporary romances out there. It followed the usual predictable formula. Girl has something bad in her life happen, she grows close to a boy she normally wouldn't have a friendship with, discovers she might have feelings for him, yada yada, yada. I found myself knowing what was going to happen in the end after about fifteen percent into the book.


Despite having a great cast of supporting characters, they couldn't save this book. It was predictable and boring, with an immature main character. I don't think I will read any of Katie Cotugno's other books in the future. Hopefully one day I will learn to not always believe the hype.

I give 99 Days: 2/5.

Want to know more about this author?
Website: http://katiecotugno.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/katiecotugno
Tumblr: http://katiecotugno.tumblr.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiecotugno/

I received this book for review from the publisher, via Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.

Misbehaving by Tiffany Reisz

Synopsis:
Wanted: Adventurous, open-minded man willing to try anything…

As a popular sex blogger, Beatriz gets paid to have orgasms. So being on deadline the week of her sister’s wedding isn’t as rough as it sounds. There’s just one hitch: Bea’s assignment is to write a review of a sex position manual, but she doesn’t have a plus one to play with.

The good news: Ben, the one who got away back in college, is also attending stag--and he's as temptingly gorgeous as ever.

The bad news: Ben turned down Bea’s offer of graduation night sex five years ago.

The best news: He’s not planning on making the same mistake twice. 

A red-hot retelling of Much Ado About Nothing for people who love Shakespeare but thought his plays could use a few more sex scenes. 
(Synopsis from Goodreads).

My Thoughts:
Misbehaving by Tiffany Reisz started my love for erotica. It also started my love for her books. I loved Misbehaving so much that I marathoned the rest of her books. From the time I read Misbehaving, it took me a little over two weeks to read everything else she has ever written. I barely came up for air (and food, and bathroom breaks of course). Since then, Tiffany Reisz has become one of my favorite authors, and Misbehaving is the book that started all of that. 

I'm not even sure where to begin with my review of Misbehaving to be honest with you. I loved every single second of it. Usually I don't like short stories, but this one pulled me in right away. It had the perfect balance of a little bit of mystery, humor, and jaw dropping sexiness that leaves the reader wanting more. The sex scenes were extremely sexy. Since reading Misbehaving, I've read a lot of erotica, and I still think that Tiffany Reisz writes the best sex scenes out of any that I have read.

Misbehaving changed the way I read. It ignited my love of erotica. It also made me enjoy short stories, which is something that I never thought would happen. I can't wait for Tiffany Reisz to write more books. I am caught up with her current backlist, and will surely devour anything else that she writes in the future.

I give Misbehaving: 5/5.

Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://www.tiffanyreisz.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/littleredridingcrop/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tiffanyreisz
Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/user/tiffanyreisz
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4480131.Tiffany_Reisz

I received this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review.

Battle of the Beasts by Chris Columbus and Ned Vizzini

Synopsis:
Since the siblings' last adventure, life in the Walker household is much improved—the family is rich and the Wind Witch is banished. But no Walker will be safe until she is found, and summoning her to San Francisco brings all the danger that comes with her and puts the Walkers in the crosshairs of a mysterious journey through Denver Kristoff's books. As the Walkers travel from ancient Rome to World War II to Tibet, they'll be tested in ways that cut deeper than before, by Denver Kristoff, the Wind Witch, and each other.
(Synopsis taken from Goodreads). 

My Thoughts:

If you've been following my reviews for a few years, you know that I absolutely hated the first House of Secrets book. There were very few redeeming qualities in it. At first, I was very iffy about whether I wanted to continue the series or not. When I got a chance to read the second book on Edelweiss, I figured that I didn't have much else to read, so I would give it a try. I'm so glad I did.

Battle of the Beasts was a welcome change from the first House of Secrets book. The character's seemed like they had a lot of character development that the reader didn't get to see between the first and second books. They were more mature, which made reading the book a lot more enjoyable. I didn't want to pull my hair out at some of the things that they did. I also loved that the author brought back some of the minor characters. I wasn't expecting that at all, and it was a pleasant surprise.

The plot was action packed. There was never a dull moment. At times, it was so tense that I wanted to jump up and down and tell at the characters that they could survive this, and that's a feeling that I've only ever gotten a few times while reading. It comes with the feeling that you know you're reading a really good book. My favorite scene was the one with the coliseum. It was action packed and kept me on the edge of my seat. I had no idea what was going to happen.

Battle of the Beasts ends on a surprising cliffhanger. I was not expecting it at all. It should be interesting to see where the story goes from here. I will definitely be reading the final book in the trilogy as soon as it is released. Even though I was hesitant in the beginning, I'm so glad I continued on with this trilogy.

I give Battle of the Beasts: 4/5.

Want to know where to buy this book?

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Book Depository

Half Price Books

I received this book from the publisher, via Edelweiss, in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review. 

Flyaway by Helen Landalf

Synopsis:
Stevie Calhoun knows how to take care of herself. It’s not like her mom hasn’t disappeared before. So why is Aunt Mindy making such a big deal of it now? It’s not like Mom’s reallydoing meth. Stevie makes sure of that. Whatever. She’ll go home with Aunt Mindy if it will keep her from calling Child Protective Services—but it doesn’t mean she’ll stay. Mom will come back. Mom always comes back. And Stevie will be there when she does. But when Stevie meets Alan—frustrating and fascinating and so-different-from-everyone-she-knows Alan—and she starts helping out at the bird rehab center, things begin to look different. Even the tutoring and the ridiculous outfits Aunt Mindy’s forcing her into might not be so bad. Not that Stevie would say it out loud. She can’t. Because how can anything be good if it doesn’t include Mom?
(Synopsis taken from Goodreads).

My Thoughts:
I saw Flyaway for the first time at the library and immediately knew that I had to read it. The beautiful pink cover drew me in right away. The author was nice enough to send me a copy for review, which I am thankful for. After reading it, I have mixed feelings. 

Even though I am an adult, I read a lot of young adult books. Sometimes I love them, sometimes I don't. This was a case of the latter. I think that if I would have read this as a teenager, I would have loved it. However, as an adult, and having been through some of the situations that Stevie goes through, I just wanted to shake her, and tell her to get out of the situation she was in because it was going to end in heartbreak. 

On the other hand, thinking back to what I was like when I was a teenager, I would have loved this book. It's edgy, and heartbreaking. I almost wish that the teenage version of myself had this book to read, a it would have helped me understand and deal with things to come. It deals with serious issues that a lot of YA books won't touch, which makes it a great, informative read for teens. It portrays things in a realistic light, and doesn't sugar coat anything, which is something that I think teens really need (trying to be vague so I don't spoil things for those that want to read it). 

Even though Flyaway wasn't as enjoyable to me as I thought it would be, I think teens could really benefit from reading it. I will definitely be recommending that my local high school libraries add it to their selection of books. I recommend this book to teens from ages thirteen to sixteen.

I give Flyaway: 3.5/5.

Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://www.helenlandalf.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hlandalf
Twitter: https://twitter.com/helenlandalf
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/518966.Helen_Landalf

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way compensated for this review. 

Purr Therapy by Kathy McCoy, PhD.

Synopsis:
Cats aren't a typical choice for animal-assisted psychotherapy, but Timmy and Marnia are anything but typical. 

Research has found that petting a cat can lower blood pressure and a cat's purr is thought to help heal body tissues and bones. But not just any cat can be a therapy cat, after all, such animals need to be friendly with strangers and willing to be touched, petted and held by unfamiliar people. They have to be tolerant ofloud voices and angry shouting, emotional distress, and sudden movements. It's a tall order for any animal, but a particular challenge for a cat. 

In "Purr Therapy," psychotherapist and cat lover Dr. Kathleen McCoy shows how two very special cats rose to this challenge, how they helped wounded souls to heal and how they taught even her lessons in mindfulness, joyful living, and compassion. She also shows readers how animal-assisted psychotherapy works and gives them an intimate and moving inside look at how Timmy and Marina worked with patients, how their double role as animal companions and cotherapists changed lives, and how, after their untimely deaths, the grief shared by those who knew and loved them led to even more growth and healing. 
It's no surprise that there is a tidal wave of cat fanciers growing: even the internet prefers cats. No dog site has reached the proportions of the most popular cat sites case in point: the mega-star Grumpy Cat who has over 2 1/2 million followers! More than an internet trend, this very active market is exploding through cat video contests and festivals that are claiming the passions of millions who will benefit from and love "Purr Therapy."
(Synopsis taken from Goodreads.)

My Thoughts:
I love cats. I have a cat named Sir Pig, and he is my world. Every time there is a book about cats on NetGalley, I request out for review because I know I am going to love it. I definitely ended up loving Purr Therapy. It's my favorite cat book that I've read so far this year.

From the first time he was mentioned, I had a feeling I was going to fall in love with Timmy, Kathy McCoy's first cat that she used in her psychotherapy program. He was sweet, loving, gentle, and funny. He reminded me a lot of my Sir Pig. I loved all of the cats in this book, but Timmy was my favorite. I learned a lot about cats when I read Purr Therapy. As a cat owner, it was very insightful. I identified a lot with Katy as she went through the multiple stages of owning a cat.

When I read Purr Therapy, I had just finished taking an Intro to Psychology class, and was starting Abnormal Psychology. Therefore, I found the psychotherapy aspect of thus book especially fascinating. It taught me about different situations that I might go through as a psychologist, and how to react in certain situations. I think that after reading this book, I would definitely try animal therapy if I were to become a therapist.

I loved Purr Therapy so much. It made me laugh, and cry at times. It's a very heartwarming book that tugs at the reader's emotions in a way that is completely unexpected. I recommend this book to anyone that loves animals.

I give Purr Therapy: 5/5.

Want to know more about the author?
Website: http://www.drkathymccoy.com/
Blog: http://www.drkathleenmccoy.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drkathymccoy
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrKathyMcCoy
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+DrKathyMcCoy/posts
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-mccoy-0956a38

I received this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way for this review.

Seth's review of Keep Mars Weird by Neal Pollack

Synopsis:
Several hundred years in the future, a depopulated Earth has become a tolerant, progressive paradise. What could be better—or duller? Meanwhile, Mars is home to New Austin, a freewheeling human colony fabled to make Las Vegas look like a meditation retreat. After breaking the polite laws of Earth, earnest schoolteacher Jordan Kincaid finds himself forced to relocate. It’s either life on Mars or life behind bars.

But what promised to be Xanadu is more like Blade Runner . . . only with more waiting in line. Trend-chasing hipsters and obnoxious tourists have swarmed into New Austin at the expense of poverty-stricken locals, all overseen by a greedy megamogul bent on transforming the city into a gentrified nightmare. When a sexy but sinister heiress seduces Jordan, he finds himself on the wrong side of a literal real-estate rebellion, as the filthy rich and dirt poor battle for control of the next hot neighborhood. Forget about keeping it weird, someone’s got to keep Mars from becoming a hell off Earth.

(Synopsis from Goodreads.)

Seth's Thoughts:

I picked this book up not knowing what it was about. I admit though, that I have a science fiction addiction. I also like alternate future fiction as well. When both of those are combined I just can't help myself. Keep Mars weird is just such a story. Sometime in the past of the story Earth was able to colonize Mars. In the process there was quite a bit of conflict on Earth. This led to the population of the Earth being regulated to one billion people. Everyone on Earth has 'enough'. Enough food, enough room, enough health care. Nothing more. Societal classes are all but done away with on Earth.

Having said that, the story revolves around Jordan Kincaid. He was born on Earth, and was brought up in the mindset that everyone gets enough. Shortly into the story he gets shipped off to Mars and finds out that some people have more 'enough' than others. There is plenty of fun poking at the expense of socialists and capitalists alike. The story focuses on the struggles that Jordan and his friend face when confronted with an entirely different society than what they grew up with. I look forward to reading more in this series. I'm hoping it's a series anyways. I'll have to check with my wife as she's the one in charge of the books in the house.

Seth gives Keep Mars Weird: 4/5.

Want to know more about the author?

Website: http://www.nealpollack.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nealpollack
Twitter: https://twitter.com/nealpollack
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/41185.Neal_Pollack

I received this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. Neither Seth nor I were compensated in any way for this review.