Book Reviews – Page 29 – Sassy Reviews

April 12, 2025

Two Times Dead

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Two Times Dead 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Clifton Nixon ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Only a few books have the ability to hook readers from the very first page, and Two Times Dead by Clifton Nixon is definitely one of them. The story centers around Quinton Laurence LeBaugh, better known as Quint. As a teenager, Quint met Whitney, a key figure who introduced him and his friend Stan to a series of questionable activities in pursuit of easy money. Whitney took it upon himself to “train” the boys, often disappearing for brief periods and returning with new money-making schemes.

From selling MJ to being involved in boat theft and other illicit ventures, Quint and Stan followed Whitney’s lead. Amidst all this, Quint had fleeting relationships with a few girls—until he met Sherrie. With her, everything felt different, almost magical. But can Quint earn the trust of Sherrie’s father? And what will happen when the shadows of his past come knocking again?

This story is truly gripping with no dull moments throughout. The language is clear and easy to follow, and the narration flows effortlessly. Quint is a compelling character whose journey keeps you invested. If you’re looking for a thrilling, fast-paced read, pick this one up without hesitation.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

April 11, 2025

The Ten Worst People in New York

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Ten Worst People in New York 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Matt Plass ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“The Ten Worst People in New York” by Matt Plass is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you hooked from start to finish. The story kicks off when Ricky Talon, host of the Talon Tonight show, releases a controversial list naming the “The Ten Worst People in New York.” The individuals featured on this list are not only humiliated but also deeply unsettled.

Among them is businessman Luca Benedetti, who ends up kidnapped. Luca had a troubled history with his tenant, Emily Garner. When she refused to move out of his apartment, he released cockroaches into the unit, forcing her to leave. He also harassed nine-year-old Danny Araya, a child suffering from polio. After Luca was found dead with an apparent suicide note, detectives begin to question whether his death is mere coincidence or a direct consequence of Talon’s infamous list.

Another person on the list, Councilor Tyrell Dixon, is later found dead as well. FBI Special Agent Alex Bedford is shaken by the discovery. Partnered with Agent Pat Coombs, the two launch a full-scale investigation. They interrogate Ricky Talon, trying to uncover whether there’s a deeper connection between the victims and the names he exposed.

Suspicion intensifies with the arrival of British filmmaker Jacob Felle, who quickly becomes a prime suspect. As the body count rises, one question remains: who will be the next target—and why?

This is a refreshingly unique thriller. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot, which moves at a brisk pace with no dull moments. The author has done a brilliant job crafting a tense, suspenseful narrative. I couldn’t put it down.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

April 10, 2025

Bloodline

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Bloodline 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: William Grace ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
If you enjoy stories that blend fantasy with reality, this book is a must-read. The story follows Jackie Thornton, whose mother is preoccupied with her own life and a string of new men. Jackie, however, deeply misses her Uncle Jack—the one person who truly cared for her.

Haunted by nightmares from her past, Jackie grapples with memories of her time as a sniper in the Marine Corps—one of only seven women, known as the Widow Maker, the Bad Bitch, and a deadly shooter. Although Uncle Jack’s body was never found, Jackie is certain he’s dead. When Uncle Jack came back to her, he told her about a letter in the possession of her boss, Wayne DeRusser. When Wayne hands her the bloodstained letter, Jackie learns a startling truth: like Uncle Jack, she is a Servant of the Absolute. A hidden war is raging between the Servants of Life and the Servants of Death.

As secrets of her bloodline unfold, Jackie encounters Charles Arthur Floyd—a legendary outlaw resurrected to protect her.

To find out what fate has in store for Jackie, dive into this gripping tale.

The author’s writing style is captivating, and the cover art is visually striking. Both Jackie and Uncle Jack are well-developed, compelling characters. The plot is intense and kept me hooked from start to finish—I simply couldn’t put it down.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

April 10, 2025

A Change in the Dark

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: A Change in the Dark 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Ike Triplett ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“A Change in the Dark: Poetry that Lights a Path” by Ike Triplett is a compelling and thought-provoking collection. It encourages readers to reflect on their surroundings and see familiar things from a fresh perspective. Through its verses, the book gently nudges us toward personal growth and self-correction.

In the poem “Just a Touch,” the narrator longs for the comforting touch of a loved one. He wants to have a love that would never leave him no matter how many times he screws up.

The poem “Love” delves into the intensity of this emotion, illustrating how it can drive us to act in unexpected ways. At times, we may even hurt others to protect the ones we love.

The book’s language is accessible, making its messages easy to grasp. The title aligns beautifully with the theme, and overall, this collection invites us to pause, reflect, and consider the changes we can make in our own lives.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4.5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

April 10, 2025

Try Dying

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Try Dying 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Clifton Nixon ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Try Dying by Clifton Nixon is a gripping murder thriller that hooks you from the start. The story revolves around private investigator Bart Rezco, a man weighed down by the collapse of two careers and two failed marriages. Despite his setbacks, Bart finds solace and a renewed sense of purpose in his daughter, Marleen — a child he hadn’t always been present for but now cherishes deeply.

Over the years, Bart has made plenty of enemies. Most notably, he defected from Houston Mayor Jeffery Westermann’s reelection campaign to support the opposition — and complicated matters further by falling in love with the mayor’s wife, Kaye. Bart dreams of a fresh start with Kaye and hopes to free her from Jeff’s grasp, all while trying to be the father Marleen deserves.

But trouble is never far. Bart’s mentor, Malcolm Hodge, devises a plan that could shake up the mayor’s world. What would happen when the mayor wants revenge?

The story is fast-paced and packed with suspense, keeping you on the edge of your seat right to the final page. The title is fitting, the cover design is eye-catching, and the plot flows seamlessly. A definite page-turner you won’t want to put down.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

April 9, 2025

Slave of Bad Luck

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Slave of Bad Luck 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Sasha Krupenych ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
The protagonist of the story is Jessica Kyles. After a mysterious accident, she finds herself trapped in a gorge that leads to the crypt of the powerful Valtess family. Taken captive and handcuffed by them, all she wants is her freedom. When she’s dragged into a courtroom, she has no idea what crime she’s accused of—or who has accused her.

Jessica is sentenced to serve the Valtess family for a week, after which she’ll be set free. During her time there, she meets a young girl named Ayselle, who was sold into slavery. Jessica attempts to rescue her, but their escape fails, and Jessica is branded as a slave.

Lord Miguel, son of Lord Kaor Valtess, is intrigued by Jessica’s fearless nature. Her defiance fascinates him. But what will happen when rumors begin to swirl about a possible affair between the noble lord and his slave?

This gripping fantasy tale is packed with suspense and unexpected twists. If you enjoy thrilling stories with strong characters and emotional depth, this book is a must-read. The writing style of the author is amazing. The character of Jessica will stay in my mind for a long time. I couldn’t put it down—it kept me hooked until the very last page.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

April 8, 2025April 8, 2025

The Trip Between the Two

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Trip Between the Two 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Megan Leyman ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“The Trip Between the Two” by Megan Leyman is a compelling and thought-provoking read. The story follows Max, a part-time sales assistant who has always felt like a woman trapped in a man’s body.

Haunted by desires deemed unacceptable by his family, Max once tried on women’s clothing and was harshly reprimanded by his mother. Though the yearning within him only grew stronger, he chose to live a seemingly ordinary life to avoid conflict with his loved ones. Then, one day, everything changed—Max transformed into Luna.

Seven years later, Luna lives as her mother’s daughter. She has found happiness in this new identity, finally pursuing her long-held dream of becoming a graphic designer. Now running a small design business, she’s thriving both personally and professionally. Yet, with two contrasting realities behind and ahead of her, Max—now Luna—navigates a world of emotional complexity and self-discovery.

The author’s writing is engaging, and the cover design is visually striking. The title is well-chosen, reflecting the story’s core theme of duality. Max’s journey adds a unique layer to the narrative, making this book a standout. It’s a moving exploration of identity, acceptance, and the bravery it takes to live one’s truth. This is a read that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

April 6, 2025April 6, 2025

The Mysterious House

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Mysterious House 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Trevor Rodgers ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“The Mysterious House” by Trevor Rodgers is a spine-chilling and gripping tale. Set in a century-old house filled with countless locked doors—none of which have ever been opened—the story weaves mystery and horror in equal measure. But this is no ordinary house. Legend has it that every October night, a madman enters and drags his victims inside, never to be seen again.

The story follows three kids—Buddy, Carl, and Jake—who venture into this haunted mansion. Tragedy strikes when Carl dies inside, and as Buddy and Jake attempt to escape, the doors slam shut behind them. Trapped, they discover that the house has twisted on its side. Behind each locked door are the souls of past victims, and only the madman holds the key to their release. The horror deepens when the boys realize they’re standing in an abandoned graveyard.

This tale is sure to give readers goosebumps. Trevor Rodgers’ writing is smooth and engaging, making the book truly unputdownable. The pacing is tight, the atmosphere is intensely spooky, and the setting is masterfully crafted. The title fits perfectly, and the eerie world within these pages is both terrifying and fascinating.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

April 6, 2025

Soulbound: Destiny’s Move

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Soulbound: Destiny’s Move 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Amanda Albery ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
“Soulbound: Destiny’s Move” by Amanda Albery is a captivating and intense read. The story centers around Olivia Ryan, who leads a quiet, secluded life in the Appalachian Mountains of East Tennessee.

However, her peace is shattered when old nightmares resurface—dark visions that seem to foreshadow tragic events. The people around her are haunted by an unbearable loss. One of the most chilling visions involves Savannah, whose body is found brutally battered, her lifeless eyes staring into the moonlight. When Savannah was found dead, Olivia was scared to see her mutilated body. Death seems to stalk Olivia’s dreams and her town alike.

After her parents perish in a plane crash during an anniversary trip to Vegas, Olivia is left with a sizable inheritance. Her mother once joked that Olivia had no hormones—but that assumption is proven wrong when she meets Nikolas Riggs and Tristan Rilz. Both men awaken intense feelings within her, and she finds herself caught in a pull between them and the dangerous world they inhabit.

This story had me hooked from the very first page. The pacing is excellent, the characters are well-developed, and the setting is vividly brought to life. The title fits perfectly, and the cover is visually appealing. I couldn’t put it down until I turned the last page.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon

April 5, 2025

A Journey of Perspective

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: A Journey of Perspective 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Dune Stewart ✍️
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🚀 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
A Journey of Perspective by Dune Stewart is a compelling and heartfelt read. Through this book, the author shares poetic reflections on themes such as depression, anxiety, body image, and the lifelong quest for identity.

The poem Lost Brother is dedicated to Kirby, someone the author considered a brother. His sudden, unexplained departure leaves a deep ache, made even more painful by the realization that he won’t be coming back.

In My Dreams paints a vivid picture of a girl dancing in a white dress in a small apartment. She’s in love with the author, and through her, he finds a renewed sense of purpose.

Staying Comfortable encourages readers to step out of their comfort zones. It reminds us that exploring new environments can shift our focus outward, helping to quiet the inner voice of self-criticism.

This book is a beacon of hope for those who feel lost. It gently assures readers that healing, though it may seem distant, is always possible. With a blend of emotions—grief, love, loss, self-worth—Stewart’s work offers space for introspection and invites readers to pursue clarity and peace in their lives.

The author’s writing style is simple yet impactful, making it easy to connect with. I found myself relating deeply to many of the emotions expressed throughout the book.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

★ Book Is Available On Amazon