A raving fangirl for all things paranormal, supernatural, supernormal and fantastical, Lauretta writes fun Urban Fantasy, PNR and Superhero adventures with a dash of sweet romance and humour.
She's a massive fan of Young and New Adult fiction, loves a plot twist, hates cliffhangers, and always keeps her readers on their toes.
When she's not writing, Lauretta enjoys fad diets, sunshine, her two little children, weird craft projects and massive amounts of dark chocolate
ARC received from Lauretta Hignett in exchange for honest review.
⚡REVIEW⚡ This was the last instalment in Marie's story (I'm still sad about it!), and Lauretta gave her the perfect ending. I adored this book.
In the last book, Marie became aware of her true identity, and lost Peaches, the angel on her shoulder. Seeing her come to terms with life without her angel is bittersweet, and her choices to fight her instincts to be a bit of a b!tch are very much informed by what she thinks Peaches would have said. And whilst she tries hard to "lead with love", it doesn't stop her being the Marie we know and love - she's just a little more self aware. When she arrives back at Eternity, life is very different. None of her friends are there, all having been pushed away deliberately in order to isolate Marie. And seeing Marie lost without her friends, when once upon a time she would have been disgusted at the thought of having a close circle who she trusted fully and loved wholeheartedly, tugs hard on your heartstrings. She isn't prepared to accept not having her friends around her, so she goes up against Grace in order to get them back. And the chaos and carnage that ensues will have your heart in your mouth, and running through a gamut of emotions.
As readers, we were aware of Grace's identity at the end of the previous book, but seeing Marie discover it was a whole new ball game. She sees the bliss on Ronan's face and she knows she is going to have to strip him of his joy at having her back, which hurts her. And as the story progresses and she recognises the behaviour patterns that Grace is employing as similar to those of her narcissist mother, Deborah, she knows she has to do something drastic to get Ronan to see just who Grace is. And Marie does just that, with devastating results, despite how gently she tries to do it.
Of course, she wouldn't be the Marie we love if she didn't try something outlandish. But Peaches is always in her thoughts and informing some of her choices, which means nuclear war is thankfully avoided. Her second option is just as scientifically informed and utterly off the wall, with the assistance of the ever adorable Egbert. But when it comes to the final battle, Marie is fully prepared to take her on alone, before surprise arrivals see the whole gang (plus some extras) team up to finish Grace and her army of robovamps and other creatures. There is such a beauty in that - that Marie, this Sheldon-esque figure who was very much a lone wolf at the beginning of the series, with only love for her brother, is surrounded by people she loves and who love her in return. The decision she takes to finish Grace will leave you gasping - but it shows that Marie is so capable of love, and what she would do for those she does love. Her character growth is huge, but she still retains her Marie essence, as witnessed in the aftermath of the battle, and particularly so in the epilogue. The final sentences of the epilogue, incidentally, made me cry happy tears. It's a simple, funny ending that conveys so much feeling. Beautiful stuff.
The character growth is not restricted to Marie. Harriet, Thalan and Amy get their chance in the spotlight, and seeing their characters shine is wonderful, particularly Harriet and Thalan. Amy doesn't fully lose her tendency of being an absolute cow, but she gets a happy ending, which is lovely after what she's been through at the hands of both her father and then Grace.
It was a joy to see cameos from characters in other Lauretta novels. And we also have our opening into her next series. I'll let you discover who it's going to be about!
I think the Eternity College Chronicles has been my favourite series of Lauretta's ever. I loved the pop culture poured into it, with the comparisons to Big Bang Theory, Wednesday, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Scooby Doo and Supernatural being just a few. I loved how such a bombastic character, who is a heartless (to everyone except Ackie) cow, determined to be a loner, and is laser focused on her education and being the biggest brainiac possible, discovers that love is the most important lesson she could possibly learn. She doesn't lose her essence fully - and I'm so glad about that, because it makes her hilarious - but by the end she is softer, kinder and someone I think would be great to meet at the Lovecraftian for a Ronan gig. I'm hoping we get to see another snapshot of her in the next series!
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review this book!
Lauretta does it again! What a ride! I felt as though I was on a runaway train, my adrenaline off the charts! And the emotions! Oh my glory! And the action! Insanely brilliant! And the scheming! No... not only Marie. Best I get to explain...
Marie, who's cocky, who doesn't suffer fools, who believes she's always correct, who's also super smart, has warded herself against pain. Blocking everything and everyone out, except for her little brother. Not surprising, seeing as her mother is a controlling, narcissistic, manipulative fiend, who made her life a living hell. So Marie erected a buffer to protect herself. The wall that Marie had cemented firmly, almost impregnably, cracks wide open. Like pulling a brick out a crumbling wall, one at a time, Lauretta gently, slowly, tenderly exposes the true Marie, the kind, humaine, one who*gasp* feels her emotions Marie, while keeping her snark at full hilt. Her character has grown in leaps and bounds, her character has been so beautifully crafted by Ms Hignett, I was an emotional mess with this acknowledgement, "I found love—first with Ackie, my baby brother, who was the thin edge of the wedge, the one who cracked open my heart. Then, with my bestie Harriet, who was the purest soul I’d ever met, along with Egbert, the adorable dork, and Thalan, who was fun and feisty and loved me exactly the way I was. And finally, Ronan, who I annoyed into loving me so much that he was willing to overlook the fact that I was a vampire".
She has support from all of them, no questions asking, mostly.... Her boyfriend Arin is the sweetest boyfriend on the planet, always there for Marie, whatever she does or concocts, he stands by her. In his eyes she can do no wrong "you are doing the right thing, because you always do the right thing.” So says Arin, but Marie does concoct the weirdest schemes. And for her friends, for these awesome characters, she would do whatever it takes to protect them. Which she does, in her Marie harebrained, unhinged way. Which is precisely WHY I adore her so much! Lauretta has taken her trauma and abuse, handled it with care and delicacy, in an amazingly realistic way. Magic and supernaturals aside, it's the realism with which this author captures the emotions that pierce my heart. As wacky as Marie is, one can't help loving her, wanting her to get a break, spurring her on, even cheering her, sometimes ludicrous, outrageous ideas, just wanting her to win. This time, the stakes were super high, her adversary is just as smart, just as cunning. And even more deadly.
From the beginning of the book, I was glued to the pages, as Ms Hignett put me through my paces, throwing in the unexpected many times. She even gave me the coolest redemption arc, no, not Marie, Amy! Did I love the turnaround of Amy! The author pulled a genius move, from a braty, nasty, quite revolting so and so, to a very likeable and extremely funny Amy. Ok, maybe not funny funny, after what she'd been through she could hardly be a comedienne, but I couldn't help giggling at the banter she and Marie exchanged. As they fight together to end a threat, they both end up with unexpected realisations. Lauretta gives each character a vulnerability, then props them up, gives them strength, gives them hope and reason even when everything is stacked up against them. I literally did a first pump for Amy and Harriet when they finally confronted the person who almost ruined their lives. Harriet, OMG, EVOLVED Harriet is so awesome, I need her story, pretty please....
This book and series, as with all of Lauretta's works, is not "just a story", Lauretta tackles issues that are pertinent, issues some shy away from, but always with a realistic sympathetic touch. She breathes fun into her books, she draws you in with the unusual characters and pops in the most delightful humour amidst the drama and tension. Lauretta is a master at wrapping everything up beautifully, in a gorgeous bow, every time.The ending, especially the final sentence, made my heart swell with joy. I'll miss my unhinged Marie but I'm sure I'll see her pop up again. I'm sooooo looking forward to the next book, a tantalising snippet Lauretta drops, about Rose, and I'm shouting "yes please!"
HOO BOY was this was a firecracker of a finale, and damn if I wasn't hanging on the edge of my seat the entire time. Yep Ms Hignett did it again in spectacular style, balancing perfect humour with heart-rending emotional scenes that literally put me through the wringer time and time again until the final chapter. Now I always hate coming to the end of one of this authors series, because she has this phenomenal gift of making me connect with her characters so much that I hate to let them go, and Marie is just one more character that Lauretta has introduced me to making me love, flaws and all, breaking my heart a little saying goodbye. And that is why this author is one of my absolute favourites, not only can she blindside me every time with something out of left field, she makes me live each and every single sentence, hitting hard while effortlessly making me laugh and cry (sometimes at the same time.) And this is why I love her so much. I can't wait to see what comes next.
Just when Marie thinks everything is going her way and looking up, she gets a reality check. Big time. Looking forward to a new year at school after finally getting Ackie away from the toxic mess that is their mother, Marie arrives back in Eternity college to find the Nestmistress has broken cover. Worse still Marie not only recognises her, she has her claws in everyone she loves. But to expose her, Marie will have to dig deep and bring those she loves back together.
AHH Marie my little evil genius extraordinaire, how much have I loved this character from the get go when I met her in the previous series. It's been an absolute joy to watch this character developing, growing and becoming self aware with each book. From someone who always thought she'd be better off alone to realising her strength comes from those she loves and them some warmed my heart no end. Yeah she can be unhinged, her thought process off the charts but my god was her character one of my favourite by this authors to date. Yeah I'm always gonna love this one, not only because she never did build her iron man suit to take over the world, but did everything in her power to save it without one.
Each and every one of Marie's friends I love because they are special in their own ways. Harriet, Thalan, Egbert are just the cherry on top of Marie's emotional layer and in all the right way. They all have something that brings out the best in herand themselves when they are all together. Harriet a humble witch,who I never underestimated. Thalan my snappy comeback queen, a siren who's voice should never be silenced. And my absolute gorgeous cinnamon roll Egbert, who's the innocent of all innocent humans unaware of anything supernatural. Yes I love them all. Crying right now saying goodbye to them 😭
I've absolutely loved this chaotic journey and mess of emotions that is my dear, dear Marie, vampire evil genius who is more than meets the eye. I really hope to see her in future books, because she is definitely one of my favourites. All the stars to the moon and back ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Highly recommend 😁
I’m sad to see this series come to a close, but how immensely satisfying a close it is!
Marie’s character and personality has seen so much growth over the course of these books. Possibly more than any previous MFC, which is saying something from an author who knows how to give a well developed character, with bells on. Marie starts out as an egocentric, know-it-all control freak, who cares about nothing and no one, beyond her little brother. Dare I say it, but she could actually be more than a little irritating, but at the same time, you couldn’t help but love her, and knew that there had to be hidden depths. Well those depths are no longer hidden! Over time we’ve seen Marie develop friendships, gain a boyfriend, learn how to trust, to accept and give love, and even how to let go of those controlling tendencies…at least some of the time!
Now comes the final battle for Marie. The prophecy that she would be forced to destroy someone she loves has not yet come to pass. Now she is up against Grace, the evil vampire nest mistress, who isn’t a vampire at all, and that prophecy is at the forefront of her mind, as she realises that all those she loves have a target on their back, because of their connection to her.
The story has plenty of tension, lots of devious, evil plotting and danger, but Marie is determined to save everyone no matter what…she just needs to remember that her friends don’t want her to stand alone to save them. She is also capable of a fair bit of devious plotting herself. Marie shows a new side to herself, that helps others not only rise to the challenge she sets them, but to surprise her too.
I have loved every element of this book. Loved seeing everyone becoming their best selves and seeing how Marie actually helped them to achieve that…even as she also becomes the best version of herself.
I’m looking forward to the promised new series, but hope that we will see more of Marie, Harriet and the others in the future.
Nothing makes me happier than a beloved character from a related series making a cameo, and if you want to put an even bigger smile on my face, make it one of my favourites! (Okay, okay, I know I have too many favourites in Lauretta’s library! ) Needless to say, One Big Bite was off to a cracker of a start for me, and the rest of the book certainly didn’t disappoint.
Marie is feeling very alone when, strangely, none of her friends have returned to Eternity College. Harriet is being cagey, Thalan isn’t picking up his phone, and Egbert’s room is inhabited by some weird guy. Ronan has good news, but he’s not acting like himself. Even therapist Rose is missing. The only one present is Amy, but when the Nestmistress’s plans become obvious and there’s no one else to help, Marie will have to take what she can get.
Their relationship is a weirdly satisfying one as they help each other realise some truths about themselves. Still, they’re never going to be besties! Can Marie and Amy get the gang back together and defeat the immortal Nestmistress before she destroys everything?
There are some big emotional moments in this story, and it’s heartwarming to see them all go through major realisations and become the best versions of themselves. We get Marie’s signature snark, which brings the humour and lightens the mood, along with big battles, teamwork, evil genius and possible nuclear destruction.
Deborah’s story is wrapped up nicely, though I probably would have been happy if she’d gotten a little more of the karma she was owed. Rose’s disappearance, along with her brief appearance, brings a sense of mystery, which we now know is going to lead into Lauretta’s next adventure …..and I am SO excited for it!
All in all, this was the perfect end to Marie’s story. I couldn’t have asked for a better finale.
It's a new semester and everyone should be returning after break. When Marie gets back to Eternity College, it's like a ghost town. Harriett is taking care of her mom, Thalan isn't answering her calls, and Egbert isn't in his room. The only person left is Ronan and he has a big secret he wants to share with Marie. But this secret is about to rock Marie's world in the worst way possible. Now, Marie must not only save Ronan, but everyone she loves from the nestmistress and her twisted games before she takes over the college for her crazy scheme. Marie is such a trip. Who else starts with the literal nuclear option and has to work backwards from there? She makes a big realization about herself in this book, with the help of Amy of all people. I did miss the angel on her shoulder, but Marie definitely knows what the angel would say. Amy definitely surprised me in this book as well! I have spent so long disliking her that it was quite the shock! Once again, the Scooby gang really came to the rescue and we got to see Harriett's full potential. I know the next series is about Rose, but I would love to read more about Harriett in the future (hint hint Lauretta). Once again, I absolutely devoured this book. Every time I get one of Laurett's books I can't put it down. This book was quite the rollercoaster for the reader and the characters. All of Marie's friends, esp Ronan, go through a boatload of emotional turmoil as well as having to battle literal demons, again. This book was full of everything you love from Lauretta - action, snark, banter plus an HEA for Marie and her family. What a way to the end the series! Even her mother got what she deserved. I can't wait for Rose's series to get here.
After a quick kidnap and questioning of a Supernatural VIP in Bellingham, Washington, Marie returns to Eternity college for registration. However the town is dark, desolate and abandoned, like a ghost town. All of her Scooby friends are gone, out of town on odd types of invented issues. Ronan is still in residence, but hes bemused, bewitched, and beguiled by the mysterious return of his beloved wife Grace. Marie has positive proof that the nefarious nestmistress is still alive and continuing her evil subjugation of the entire city of Eternity. Ancient vampires, new vampires, and robo-vampires rage and rampage on the grounds of the college. Marie embarks on a quick trip to rescue and rally her friends; Amy (yes Amy, though maybe shes more of a frenemy) Harriet, and Thalan. Lukas waits for them at Opulentous House. Sweet Egbert Pomeranian returns on his own, eager to help, because she is his "Dear Marie". Ackie is safe, carried in by Arin and Kinya guards while they plan. The Scooby Group is back together and ready to fight for their lives and possibly the world!! With powerful partners, they engage evil enemies. Blasts, blood and bombs fly through the air and the portal to hell. Can Marie et al defeat the near immortal nestmistress and her filthy followers? Will some or all of the Scooby Friends have their HEA?? This is book 6 and the fascinating final book in Marie's series (The Eternity College Chronicles)! Lauretta Hignett is beautiful, bewitching, and brilliant, in person and in her writing. Both she and her books have been described as a little bit Buffy The Vampire Slayer, a little bit Wednesday, and a whole lot of Big Bang Theory!!!!! 5 Stupendous Stars.
After everything that has happened, Marie thinks things are going well. She is now responsible for Ackie, her mother is basically out of the picture, and she’s looking forward to the new year in school. But things aren’t always going the way she expects. When she gets back to college, none of her friends are there but Ronan’s dead wife, Grace, has reappeared. Supposedly she had escaped from the vampires that had capture her but was suffering from amnesia. The main problem with that, is Marie recognizes her as the nestmistress who was creating vampires joined with tech. Teaming up with the only paranormal available, Harriett’s cousin Amy, Marie sets out to find out what happened to her friends and stop Grace. Each of her friends has a different reason for not being back at school, so they have to locate each one and get them back. This book has action, mystery, surprises, suspense, humour and everything you could ask for. It is a quick, easy read and I loved every word. I started out this series disliking Marie, enjoying the books, but I really didn’t like her. She definitely grew on me, as she grew in the series and now, she’s one of my favourites. Definitely recommend this book and series along with anything Lauretta Hignett has written.
Whoa!! What a fantastic finish to this awesome series, and what an emotional (and sometimes scary) ride. I have a book hangover, I wasn’t ready to leave Marie and her band of merry misfits behind, but it was such a great sense of closure, and the knowledge that this amazing author will put out another spin off series soon will keep me going.
This finale had it all, evil battles, redemption arcs, found family at the heart of it all, and the epic battle with everyone playing their part. There were times I had my heart in my throat, panic setting in, feeling Marie’s pain, and other’s too, and I started to genuinely worry about the outcome. It was a satisfying resolution (no spoilers here) of the situation with the nest mistress (Grace 😵💫) and the hellmouth too.
As always Lauretta’s writing style flows so well that I find myself halfway through the book in no time, but yawning and realising it is past midnight and I need to sleep to be a productive adult 😂. So I did, then I powered through the second half the next day 😎. Just adored this series, as I have all her others, they just go from strength to strength. Another 5⭐️ read for me, if I could give it higher I would 😉.
The final book in Marie’s series and WOW!! What an amazing finale. Marie returns to Eternity College for the new semester, after finally ensuring that her brother is now safe from their mother. Things do not feel right, and she soon finds that her friends have not returned to college. The evil psychopathic nest mistress has been pulling strings to hurt everyone that Marie loves. Marie doesn’t even have the angel on her shoulder anymore. The nest mistress is building an army of vampires who have to obey her, and cannot die. Marie has to rescue her friends and then work out how to defeat someone who cannot die. This was a brilliant end to the series. I was worried for a while, but of course (spoiler!) everything worked out in the end. Marie’s character has really developed over the series. Harriet is truly awesome, and even Amy is rescued. I am sad to see the last of all of the characters, but will look forward to a new series.
I received an ARC which in no way influenced my review.
Summer is over and it's time to get back to school. Akie is going to stay with a neighbor so he can stay home where he is comfortable. Harriet is helping her mom Thalan is on a road trip and Egbert is visiting his mom and now it's time to come back for a new semester. When Marie arrives on campus everything is off then Ronan hits Marie with a huge surprise his wife Grace is alive and home, upon meeting her Marie knows she is really the vampire nestmaster and immortal. Marie's friends are not back yet and they should be. Marie loses it when she figures out they are all in trouble and sets out to get everyone safe. Marie has the fight of her life coming and she will need her friends to survive. The final battle is here read now to see if good will overcome evil. I am sad that this is the final book in the series I love Marie and her friends.
What a fantastic finale to Marie’s story! It’s hard to talk about the plot without giving away spoilers, but suffice to say, it’s fast-paced and packed with all those satisfying resolutions you’ve been waiting for.
As always, the characters are brilliant, and seeing how they’ve developed throughout the series has been one of the highlights. There are some deep and thought-provoking themes woven throughout, but they’re handled in a way that’s entertaining without ever trivialising them.
And the banter is A1! Any story by Lauretta is guaranteed to be highly entertaining, with the perfect balance of entertainment, humour and heart. A thoroughly enjoyable read and a brilliant way to bring Marie’s story to a close.
Well, this author has done it again! While I am sad this series is at an end, it was a wonderful ride getting to know Marie, Ronan, Hannah, and all the other characters in this series. On to the book, Marie is going back to college, but there is a strange eeriness to the campus, and all her friends are missing in action. And, of course, Marie won’t stand for that. LOL! This is another wild ride with Marie coming to understand herself better, making sure all her friends are safe, and trying to save the world. I so enjoyed this, and I know fans will love this conclusion. Now, I’m excited to see what’s up with Rose! Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
What an incredible end to a fantastic series. This book starts and gets you right in the feels from the get go, Marie has had so much growth from the beginning when she was a loner to now having the best friendships, so when she returns to Eternity and no one is anywhere to be seen and she feels lonely it catches you off guard. Marie facing Grace all alone, trying to get Ronan to see the truth is no walk in the park. The unease of what Grace is planning is perfectly written, building tension and seeing how Marie handles herself as the new version of her. It was great to see some past characters making an appearance. It’s made me want to do a whole re read from Imogen. This series was just perfection as always!
I have loved reading this series and was dreading reading this book because I know it is the last book in the series. I can definitely say that it hasn't disappointed me either. I absolutely love reading Lauretta' books because they have everything that you need. Mystery, intrigue, violence and some romance thrown in for good measure. Marie is up against it though in this book because Grace, the long lost wife of the hot and broody Ronan has returned and she is the evil bitch from hell. Now the Scooby Gang have got to get to solving the mystery and how to combat the evil forces. But if we know one thing from Marie is that she is resourceful and when she puts her mind to it nothing is impossible, especially with the Scooby Gang with her.
This book is SO DAMN CLEVER. The creative insults, the ingenious contraptions, the similes so sharp and the banter so snarky - the whole big, messy, chaotic, surprising and life-affirming amazingness that is Marie Shipton's final chapte is so freaking good you'll want to devour it all over again.
You honestly can't go wrong with a Lauretta Hignett series, they all leave you with a giant smile on your face and a 'What the heck just happened?' book hangover that lasts for days.
So sad that this one's over, but the next series... ah, it's going to be just as awesome. Bring it on!
This finale was so very satisfying to read, baddies you love to hate, redemption arcs aplenty and all storylines coming together neatly in the final reveals. This is quite an emotional book, it looks at loneliness, manipulation and most importantly, leading with love. It was a pleasure to read and a fitting end to Marie's current story - there was even a teaser for the next series set in this world which is super exciting! If you haven't started the series yet I heartily recommend it as well as the other stories set in this world.
This is one amazing series ender! Marie and her friends are pushed to their extreme limits right away, and it only gets more exciting from there. It was wonderful to see them all fight against what's been done to them while they figure out how to take out the vampire nestmistress.
I tore through this book faster than any others in this series. I'm sad it's over because I love these characters, but - like with other characters written in this world - I'm sure we'll see them again!
Wow, what a perfect finale for Marie! I absolutely tore through this book, Marie’s series has had me hooked from book one and I have loved every second of it. Starting from the big reveal in the last book Lauretta’s incredible mix of characters and insane brand of humour make it impossible to put her books down once you start reading. So sad to say goodbye to them but can’t wait to see what madness comes with the next series! Light on bad language and no spice, recommend to everyone!!
Marie is now facing her final challenges and it’s everything on the line. Getting Her PhD for once is not her top priority. Friends, family and love can take a person (demon) a long way. Lauretta has artfully made Marie’s emotional journey so relatable and do we see the student transition to the teacher? Loved meeting Marie and her friends and can’t see what is in the future for Rose.
Overall, I was a little disappointed by this serie. I wanted so much Rowan to be the live interest and not this big brother… Are n is nice but I didn’t either love or hate him. Grace was a great villain. Bonnie was obvious as the side kick villain. Ackie and Debbie add a little drama, Falon was great and Eckbert too.
This book was written superbly yet still made me want more. I loved all the endings that the author had but I also loved how you get the hint of the next series to come. And we got a Guest star of .Imogen so that was great.
What a wonderful ending to this series! It was fast paced, emotional, hilarious, and a rollercoaster ride. I fell in love with these characters and am sad to see this series end, but it was perfect!