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Hanging Chads
First there was Michael. Then came Jason and Freddy. And now, there is...Maddy?
Maddy Sommers is a romantically hopeful young woman who only wants to find her soul mate. But through an abusive upbringing and living under the pressure of a patriarchal society she develops a bit of a nasty streak towards sadistic men which leads her to follow in her family's secretive and violent footsteps.
"Hanging Chads" is an emotional rollercoaster of tragedy, drama, romance, societal discussion, and biting humor which takes the reader on Maddy's compelling journey from birth to her first true love.
But will she be able to pull herself up out of the darkness when her prince finally comes along?
First there was Michael. Then came Jason and Freddy. And now, there is...Maddy?
Maddy Sommers is a romantically hopeful young woman who only wants to find her soul mate. But through an abusive upbringing and living under the pressure of a patriarchal society she develops a bit of a nasty streak towards sadistic men which leads her to follow in her family's secretive and violent footsteps.
"Hanging Chads" is an emotional rollercoaster of tragedy, drama, romance, societal discussion, and biting humor which takes the reader on Maddy's compelling journey from birth to her first true love.
But will she be able to pull herself up out of the darkness when her prince finally comes along?
314 pages, Paperback
Published May 25, 2022
4 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 27, 2025
This book was amazing. I don't typically gravitate towards this genre yet it still held my attention throughout the story. The ending really captured me as the story really makes you root for Maddy. Towards the last couple of chapters, I found myself genuinely happy for Maddy.
Though, that said, this book is not immune from criticism. Personally, they were details I could overlook, but I know they could be turn-offs for people. One main problem I found was the lack of subtly. It does not follow the "show, don't tell" principal. Like when she found out how racist her biological parents were. It was outright stated what Maddy thought instead of being implied. Or when Joe was making a compromise with her biological parents, and made a reference to media they both like. Instead of leaving the reason that Maddy loved the reference implied and letting the audience figure out it's a showcase of their bond, we get told outright that it highlights their close relationship.
Another one was that there were "and everyone clapped" moments within the book. They weren't realistic moments where that would happen. The bar scene made sense for that to happen.The restaurant scene did not make sense, nor would it be realistic.
Though, I feel the pros far outweigh the cons. The writing style was perfect. Its informal style perfectly reflected Maddy's personality. It felt intimately tied to Maddy. It felt like we were really seeing the world from her perspective despite being written in third person. It also allowed for humor to be written into the story that not only fit Maddy and her style of talking, but also did not feel out of place.
As the book continued, the author got better at creating hooks. It got harder to put down the book as it just kept getting interesting. It really leaves you connecting pieces and wondering what will happen next.
Overall, I would recommend this book. Despite its faults, I still adore the story and Maddy as a character. Though, this review is probably a little biased. I met this author at a convention, and he was super sweet. I tried not to hold back, but maybe take this review with a pinch of salt.
Though, that said, this book is not immune from criticism. Personally, they were details I could overlook, but I know they could be turn-offs for people. One main problem I found was the lack of subtly. It does not follow the "show, don't tell" principal. Like when she found out how racist her biological parents were. It was outright stated what Maddy thought instead of being implied. Or when Joe was making a compromise with her biological parents, and made a reference to media they both like. Instead of leaving the reason that Maddy loved the reference implied and letting the audience figure out it's a showcase of their bond, we get told outright that it highlights their close relationship.
Another one was that there were "and everyone clapped" moments within the book. They weren't realistic moments where that would happen. The bar scene made sense for that to happen.The restaurant scene did not make sense, nor would it be realistic.
Though, I feel the pros far outweigh the cons. The writing style was perfect. Its informal style perfectly reflected Maddy's personality. It felt intimately tied to Maddy. It felt like we were really seeing the world from her perspective despite being written in third person. It also allowed for humor to be written into the story that not only fit Maddy and her style of talking, but also did not feel out of place.
As the book continued, the author got better at creating hooks. It got harder to put down the book as it just kept getting interesting. It really leaves you connecting pieces and wondering what will happen next.
Overall, I would recommend this book. Despite its faults, I still adore the story and Maddy as a character. Though, this review is probably a little biased. I met this author at a convention, and he was super sweet. I tried not to hold back, but maybe take this review with a pinch of salt.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2025
I met this author at a local HorrorCon that I went to on a whim really, and he did NOT disappoint! We chatted for what must of been 30 mins and I ended up buying the complete first three instances of Maddy as well as some others from him! I wanted to give Mr. CLOUSE. A honorable mention here! Now, for the actual review…
This first instance of Maddy “F*CKING” Sommers was a JOY to read! It had character development, it had drama, it had romance, gore and HORROR to boot in MY opinion! The only instances I put this first book down, is when I was passing out from sleep or having to do tasks at work. I would then come RIGHT back to it and get immersed all over again. The pace was great and the chapter lengths would grand! This first book takes you through Maddy’s child hood, all the way upto her love life. I am already starting the second book as I type this! This book gets a BIG FAT 5 stars from me and a ton of A+++’s! I 100% recommend this book!!!
This first instance of Maddy “F*CKING” Sommers was a JOY to read! It had character development, it had drama, it had romance, gore and HORROR to boot in MY opinion! The only instances I put this first book down, is when I was passing out from sleep or having to do tasks at work. I would then come RIGHT back to it and get immersed all over again. The pace was great and the chapter lengths would grand! This first book takes you through Maddy’s child hood, all the way upto her love life. I am already starting the second book as I type this! This book gets a BIG FAT 5 stars from me and a ton of A+++’s! I 100% recommend this book!!!
November 16, 2022
This book is an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish with strong character development. The author mixes drama, romance, politics, humor and a large amount of gore into a steaming black kettle and what emerges is Maddy. She is a romantically hopeful young woman who really hates abusive men and decides to take them out herself all while spewing profanity and covered in blood. It is rumored that this is the first of a trilogy and I'm looking forward to what the author has Maddy do next.
March 19, 2023
Book 1, the story shows Madeline's (Maddy) childhood and she becomes who she is in the present: she grows up with a creepy and toxic family and this spirals into a destructive adult life. But her childhood doesn't have to control what she can change when meeting the right person. The story is hard-hitting at times and suspenseful.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 13, 2023
I really enjoyed this opening chapter to the Hanging Chads series. It had what I was looking for in a horror comedy. It was well written and did everything that I was hoping for. The author does a great job in telling the story. I enjoyed this a lot.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 4, 2023
Easy and fun vigilante gore. This first installment is a coming of age journey of a young woman who becomes a much needed moral compass in a world full of chads.
October 28, 2024
I don't typically read this genre or write reviews, but I thought this was a great read! The character development is great, and it took no time at all to get hooked. I finished the book in 24 hours.
October 13, 2024
First of all I just need to flex a bit that I met the author at a horror convention and he was so cool and even autographed my book!! (It is now one of my most prized possessions as my only autographed novel, so freaking cool!!) But I was sold as soon as I heard “female vigilante killing shitty men” and holy crap I was not let down.
I love the brutal creativity of the kills, and without spoiling let’s just say Maddy sure knows how to celebrate the Fourth of July lol.
The character development of not only Maddy but her family is great, and as shitty as her parents are, she sure has a badass aunt and uncle to make up for it.
The only thing I will say is that these books do get political, so if you’re a Trump lover or some right wing extremist fuck-nut you’re not gonna like this one😂
I love the brutal creativity of the kills, and without spoiling let’s just say Maddy sure knows how to celebrate the Fourth of July lol.
The character development of not only Maddy but her family is great, and as shitty as her parents are, she sure has a badass aunt and uncle to make up for it.
The only thing I will say is that these books do get political, so if you’re a Trump lover or some right wing extremist fuck-nut you’re not gonna like this one😂
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews