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The Journals of Octavia Hollows #4
Drop Dead Gorgeous
With a touch of her hand, Octavia Hollows can restore life. Yet, she couldn’t save the man she loved from the horrific accident that stole him from her. Octavia thought she could outrun the pain, but ghosts from the past refuse to be silenced. Out of options, she chooses to retrace her wayward journey across the country in search of answers. Surrounded by baffling mysteries of the undead, what she learns about herself along the way might become her greatest weapon.
Campsite; Middle of nowhere
Abducted by a pod of sirens claiming to hold secrets to her past, Octavia is forced into the hell that is the sequin and taffeta lifestyle of a traveling pageant circuit. But this tour is leaving a trail of deception in its wake. Stumbling onto a double homicide, Octavia must choose a side in a decades old rivalry.
Will she use her gifts to unveil the killer, if it means sacrificing her chance at freedom?
If you like snarky humor, fantastical monsters, and farm-animal sidekicks, The Journals of Octavia Hollows are the paranormal cozy mystery novellas you've been waiting for!
Campsite; Middle of nowhere
Abducted by a pod of sirens claiming to hold secrets to her past, Octavia is forced into the hell that is the sequin and taffeta lifestyle of a traveling pageant circuit. But this tour is leaving a trail of deception in its wake. Stumbling onto a double homicide, Octavia must choose a side in a decades old rivalry.
Will she use her gifts to unveil the killer, if it means sacrificing her chance at freedom?
If you like snarky humor, fantastical monsters, and farm-animal sidekicks, The Journals of Octavia Hollows are the paranormal cozy mystery novellas you've been waiting for!
117 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2019
17 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
November 26, 2019
After her abduction in the previous story Octavia is still at the mercy of a cold blooded siren who would happily see her dead. With Bacon and her new friend Squidface being held hostage and used against her Octavia didn't have much choice but to agree to travel to meet the rest of the siren pod. The last thing she's expecting is to find them running a travelling beauty pageant where they target pervy old men to feed from but it's actually a pretty perfect way for the sirens to feed without going on a killing spree.
Octavia finds herself caught up in siren politics after stumbling across a double homicide and she'll have to keep her wits about her if she wants to save her friends in time. This ends in another cliffhanger so again I was ready to dive straight into the next story.
Octavia finds herself caught up in siren politics after stumbling across a double homicide and she'll have to keep her wits about her if she wants to save her friends in time. This ends in another cliffhanger so again I was ready to dive straight into the next story.
December 5, 2019
This one picks up right where book three left off and pretty much rounds off that little mini story-arc!
It's fast-paced and entertaining and I enjoyed it a whole lot but despite providing some more insight into Octavia's powers and history, it didn't move the series story-arc on much... And there are still no Elba answers! Grrr! It ends on another gasp-inducing moment that left me in no doubt that the next two books are going to rock even if I'm getting a little frustrated at the lack of progress with Octavia's mission.
It's fast-paced and entertaining and I enjoyed it a whole lot but despite providing some more insight into Octavia's powers and history, it didn't move the series story-arc on much... And there are still no Elba answers! Grrr! It ends on another gasp-inducing moment that left me in no doubt that the next two books are going to rock even if I'm getting a little frustrated at the lack of progress with Octavia's mission.
May 31, 2019
I received an arc of this book.
I have to say for me, this book was a lot better than the last one. I felt like we had more action and we spent a lot more time in the circus life. It didn't feel rushed like last time. Wow, Octavia seems to be in for it she has so much coming her way that it is like overloading her brain or at least it has to be. I really like Octavia as a character especially when she has to use her powers to help her solve crimes. It is like really fitting for her. She is snarky but yet helpful even if she knows she shouldn't help she jumps right in. Even if that means her mission keeps getting interrupted. When she is being held by sirens she learns that they are not all bad, and she hopes they will help her learn who she is. It seems that there is more to Octavia than what meets the eye. I am excited to see what powers Octavia really has because she is full blown mystery. Bacon of course is still alive and I love how protective Octavia is over him. I want to say so much about this book but with it being short I don't want to give anything away. Pick up this series and start it you will not be disappointed.
I have to say for me, this book was a lot better than the last one. I felt like we had more action and we spent a lot more time in the circus life. It didn't feel rushed like last time. Wow, Octavia seems to be in for it she has so much coming her way that it is like overloading her brain or at least it has to be. I really like Octavia as a character especially when she has to use her powers to help her solve crimes. It is like really fitting for her. She is snarky but yet helpful even if she knows she shouldn't help she jumps right in. Even if that means her mission keeps getting interrupted. When she is being held by sirens she learns that they are not all bad, and she hopes they will help her learn who she is. It seems that there is more to Octavia than what meets the eye. I am excited to see what powers Octavia really has because she is full blown mystery. Bacon of course is still alive and I love how protective Octavia is over him. I want to say so much about this book but with it being short I don't want to give anything away. Pick up this series and start it you will not be disappointed.
May 30, 2019
Wow, what a wild ride this story was.
The characters in this story were amazing. I love meeting all these new people Octavia finds through her adventures are incredible. Plus we find out more about Octavia and her heritage.
The story-line was edge of my seat phenomenal. There was so much more that went on with a laugh out loud story. My mouth was metaphorically hanging open with the shocking cliffhanger ending. Rourke is a genius and I highly recommend this read.
The characters in this story were amazing. I love meeting all these new people Octavia finds through her adventures are incredible. Plus we find out more about Octavia and her heritage.
The story-line was edge of my seat phenomenal. There was so much more that went on with a laugh out loud story. My mouth was metaphorically hanging open with the shocking cliffhanger ending. Rourke is a genius and I highly recommend this read.
May 30, 2019
I first met Octavia in How The Dead Lie and for me she was running scared, from who she was and what she could do. She felt like there was death all around her and she did not want it affecting anyone else in her life so she shut them out. There is so much character growth in DDG, she not only comes to terms with who and what she is but she accepts and embraces it and through this process you see her really mature mentally, emotionally and supernaturally. She realizes that she is worthy of love and to be loved. It is then she can start to harness her true potential and become the Necromancer Siren she was meant to be. This book is full of humor and omg moments, but it is the quite acceptance that really got me with this book. The recognition of seeing herself in Clayhari and discovering that is not what she has to be any longer. Watching Octavia grow, mature and come into some amazing powers has been such an amazing ride. DDG is currently my favorite in this series, since the beginning she has been on a journey of discovery, not only to discover who murdered Elba but also where his body disappeared to, never once knowing it would include discovery of herself. Once of her biggest discoveries is that family is much more than just blood, it is the people you CHOOSE to add to your life and make time for as in Dina and the Coven. The author has knocked it out of the park with this book, it is a must read and just so emotionally attentive to where everyone is on this journey. The characters are complex and yet you can relate to their circumstances and feelings, they pull you in for this wild ride. I could not set this book down, I read it in one sitting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 17, 2019
This novella serial is laugh out loud funny, snarky, sweet and at times it will bring a tear to your eye. I have loved meeting all of the quirky people Octavia has encountered on her journey. Her mission keeps getting interrupted, but she is always willing to help when she’s needed.
This book has her dumped into a group of sirens that are running a con on rich men. They put on a pageant that lures the men in and then feed on the poor unsuspecting guys. Octavia isn’t going to let them continue this ruse, even if the poor unsuspecting men are pigs. They have locked up her snugly little bacon and taken her phone, but she will stop the sirens and get her undead pig back!
Again Octavia gets to interact with some pretty comical characters. My favorite in this one was a tie between comically large boob job and Clayhari. They were both pretty funny in their own way. But the end of this one had me shed a tear or two. I won’t post spoilers, but If you’re keeping up with this series, the ending my have you sniffling too.
Another 5 star installment for this Octavia Hollows novella!!
This book has her dumped into a group of sirens that are running a con on rich men. They put on a pageant that lures the men in and then feed on the poor unsuspecting guys. Octavia isn’t going to let them continue this ruse, even if the poor unsuspecting men are pigs. They have locked up her snugly little bacon and taken her phone, but she will stop the sirens and get her undead pig back!
Again Octavia gets to interact with some pretty comical characters. My favorite in this one was a tie between comically large boob job and Clayhari. They were both pretty funny in their own way. But the end of this one had me shed a tear or two. I won’t post spoilers, but If you’re keeping up with this series, the ending my have you sniffling too.
Another 5 star installment for this Octavia Hollows novella!!
June 11, 2019
After finishing Book Three, I couldn't get my hands on this next installment fast enough. Rourke had left me hanging in the best way and I NEEDED to know what was going to happen with Octavia and Bacon.
This story picked up where the previous one ended and reminded me how much I disliked Arroyo and her minions. I did absolutely love that Octavia's spunky attitude and humor were on full display from the start of this one. I adore her character. She makes me laugh constantly.
This book had all of the incredible humor blended with action, as well as the return of a familiar face dear to my heart.
The only thing I would improve in this particular version of the book would be the editing. There were several mistakes throughout the book, and I don't recall this being a problem in the previous books. I really like how quickly each book has been released in this series, but this one may have needed another round of proofing/edits. However, it didn't take away from the fun and excitement of Octavia's story, and I am already eager for the next book to continue her adventure.
This story picked up where the previous one ended and reminded me how much I disliked Arroyo and her minions. I did absolutely love that Octavia's spunky attitude and humor were on full display from the start of this one. I adore her character. She makes me laugh constantly.
This book had all of the incredible humor blended with action, as well as the return of a familiar face dear to my heart.
The only thing I would improve in this particular version of the book would be the editing. There were several mistakes throughout the book, and I don't recall this being a problem in the previous books. I really like how quickly each book has been released in this series, but this one may have needed another round of proofing/edits. However, it didn't take away from the fun and excitement of Octavia's story, and I am already eager for the next book to continue her adventure.
May 30, 2019
This is my favorite book in this series so far. Octavia is forced to look at her past and her present and make some hard choices. And what a great choice she makes. I love watching characters grow and develop over the course of a book or, as in this case, a series. Octavia is such a relatable character. I think everyone can see a piece of themselves in her. That's one part of what makes her so amazing and makes Stacey Rourke such a fantastic author. And then there is ham and pineapple pizza. *facepalm* I don't ever want this series to end. The storytelling is so top notch. I love learning more about who Octavia is. And holy powerful, Batman!! She kicks some serious tail feathers. Plus, Bacon. We can't forget about Bacon. I love that pig. I also love the twists and turns in this one. There is so much that I never saw coming. Not to mention that it is laugh out loud funny. I can't wait to see what happens next.
May 30, 2019
My favorite team of Octavia and Bacon are back again in book 4. Drop Dead Gorgeous reveals to us more about who and what Octavia is. This book does take a turn into a more serious setting compared to the previous ones. Octavias sass, snark, and overall kick butt attitude is still there and even more so when Bacon and a new friends are involved. Octavia is more then just a snarky necromancer. She really cares for the coven and sirens she meets in this book. I also love how she shows compassion to the people she brings back to life. Stacey Rourke has a way to make you go through all the emotions in a book and this one was no exception. The story flows really well and never seems forced. Characters are developed evem the minor ones. I liked how even though there are side characters each one really has their own personality and its shown. I really enjoyed this book and it is a must read series.
March 7, 2021
I have mixed feelings about this one and I don't know if it's because I'm binge reading this series or not. Drop Dead Gorgeous held my interest but I felt like the big bad was taken down too easily. It felt like the author thought she was writing too much into the subplot of Octavia finding out who she really is and had to quickly resolve everything to get back to the main plot line that's carrying this series. I know Octavia is strong and she's learning how powerful she is but there was just no fight from the big bad and I wished there was.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and was shocked that another favorite character was offed very quickly in this story (another thing that resolved quickly when the pod went back to the proper rulers, you'll understand once you read this and promise it's not a spoiler). Curious to see where the next story goes after the shocking cliffhanger at the end!
Overall, I enjoyed this book and was shocked that another favorite character was offed very quickly in this story (another thing that resolved quickly when the pod went back to the proper rulers, you'll understand once you read this and promise it's not a spoiler). Curious to see where the next story goes after the shocking cliffhanger at the end!
May 26, 2019
Drop Dead Gorgeous is the fourth installment in The Journal of Octavia Hollows serial series. It picks up right where the events of the last book left off. Sirens with secrets from Octavia's past who are holding her piggy sidekick hostage have brought her to the twisted, sequin filled world of the traveling pageant. Turns out the sirens are what they do best - manipulating men to get what they want. While Octavia tries to navigate this world to figure out how to get her sweet little Bacon back and uncover secrets of her past, dead bodies start appearing. Typical day in a necromancer's life. Octavia is once again presented with a hard choice as she solves the mystery of who the killer is. So nice to see the Octavia snark that was somewhat missing from the installment in this series. Can't wait to see what happens next.
October 24, 2019
This book picks up where the previous book ends. It felt much more personal than the other books in the series, probably because it zeros in on who she is and what that could mean in a much larger picture. She is questioning herself in a way that takes on a darker tone than what we've seen from her, even though the overall snark and sass is still there. I would have preferred that book 3 and book 4 were one story. I can see where splitting them up threw focus onto specific plot points, but the separation felt forced. It was good to see Octavia grow. The author is getting more and more creative when it comes to how Octavia's gifts manifest. The ending is another cliffhanger, but the good kind. And I'm jumping right in.
January 26, 2024
Octavia has been kidnapped by a full-blooded siren named Arroyo. Arroyo calls her a halfling and tells Octavia that all halflings need to be brought to her group. Octavia finds the camp is holding a pageant to attract men that the sirens can feed off of. Octavia needs to figure out a way to free herself and Bacon but the more she learns about what is going on the more she feels she needs to stay and keep everyone save from Arroyo. The man in the Maine Black Bear that makes another appearance. We are learning more and more about Octavia’s powers. Curious to find out if Octavia is part siren!
July 19, 2024
4.5 stars. Octavia is thrust into an interesting world as she learns more about her heritage. I find the sirens intriguing but unlikeable. Her halting status seems to be responsible for some interesting turns in the world and I feel like the adventure in this book rights some of the wrong turns or at least puts the world on the right track. I am interested in the role some of these characters may play later.
I snorted out loud at the necromancer angle in this book and that is why it was raised from a 4 to a 5 for me. I didn’t much care for the world Octavia was in and I was ready for her to get her bacon and make a break for it from the get go.
I snorted out loud at the necromancer angle in this book and that is why it was raised from a 4 to a 5 for me. I didn’t much care for the world Octavia was in and I was ready for her to get her bacon and make a break for it from the get go.
May 20, 2019
Another wonderful addition to this series!
With each book, Octavia’s story get more and more developed, adding on to the overall arc/mission she’s been on; but the interruptions that happen in each story are also just as interesting and fun to read!
We meet sirens in this novella - and they are running this con scheme that gets the attention of Octavia! With some drama and lots of snark, she finds herself in another pickle, and has to get out of it, all while saving lives of others!
Excited to see what happens next! This has been my favorite one in the series so far!
With each book, Octavia’s story get more and more developed, adding on to the overall arc/mission she’s been on; but the interruptions that happen in each story are also just as interesting and fun to read!
We meet sirens in this novella - and they are running this con scheme that gets the attention of Octavia! With some drama and lots of snark, she finds herself in another pickle, and has to get out of it, all while saving lives of others!
Excited to see what happens next! This has been my favorite one in the series so far!
January 14, 2024
Drop Dead Gorgeous picks up right were Caught Dead left off. Siren Arroyo has kidnapped Octavia and is taking her (and Bacon of course) to the local siren pod. Luckily not every siren is as bloodthirsty as Arroyo. Despite being treated well, Octavia is still being held against her will. Despite this, when a disaster occurs Octavia steps in to help save the pod. The Journals of Octavia Hollows is one of my favorite series. I recommend it to anyone who urban fantasy.
I listened to the audiobook and Stacey Rourke does a great job narrating.
I listened to the audiobook and Stacey Rourke does a great job narrating.
May 30, 2019
"If I could leave a Yelp review for this abduction, you'd earn a solid three stars." This series just keeps getting better and better! Drop Dead Gorgeous was hilarious and heart pounding at the same time. I can't get over how much I laughed through this story. We start up right where book 3 ended as Octavia now has a better idea of what she is, well at least half. Learning more about her abilities at each turn, she is now ready to save the ones she loves. I can't wait for book 5!
July 28, 2019
Another funny one in this great series. As I was reading this book I couldn't stop laughing. I really think sometimes Stacey would be in my head. Reason being is the No No Square. One day I was with my husband and my father in law and a guy riding his bike went through a red light. I looked to him and said you did a NO NO you're a No No Friend. So when I was reading I couldn't help but think of that. Octivia and Bacon really crack me up. So far this is the best one in the series.
December 1, 2019
Octavia May have gotten into more trouble than she can handle this time!
Finding out a bit more about her roots unveils a whole new world to her and one that puts not only herself in danger but those she cares about too. Just who is this elusive stranger that seems to know all about Octavia ?
Another great read full of intrigue, humour and danger. I get the feeling this sassy necromancer is on the way to finding out exactly how powerful she really is.
Finding out a bit more about her roots unveils a whole new world to her and one that puts not only herself in danger but those she cares about too. Just who is this elusive stranger that seems to know all about Octavia ?
Another great read full of intrigue, humour and danger. I get the feeling this sassy necromancer is on the way to finding out exactly how powerful she really is.
June 1, 2019
True Octavia fashion
I loved the ending to this book (A familiar face from a previous book makes an appearance). Octavia finds herself some new allies and family. Her witty nature and spunk are still front and center and do not disappoint. Another slam dunk in the world of Octavia Hallows.
I loved the ending to this book (A familiar face from a previous book makes an appearance). Octavia finds herself some new allies and family. Her witty nature and spunk are still front and center and do not disappoint. Another slam dunk in the world of Octavia Hallows.
June 4, 2019
I need more after book 4!
Snark and wit galore! What more can Octavia get herself into? She can’t seem to stay away from trouble. We learn more about Octavia and what she is as she learns more about herself. The humor is abundant, but this story gets deep. And as always, Bacon’s shenanigans are my favorite!
Snark and wit galore! What more can Octavia get herself into? She can’t seem to stay away from trouble. We learn more about Octavia and what she is as she learns more about herself. The humor is abundant, but this story gets deep. And as always, Bacon’s shenanigans are my favorite!
July 27, 2019
I wish..
I really wish I could give this series a higher star ranking. I like the stories, I like the lead character...and of course I like Bacon. But I can’t go higher then 3 because of the editing. One or two mistakes I can forgive. There were so many in this book that it kept taking me out of the story. I really hate that.
I really wish I could give this series a higher star ranking. I like the stories, I like the lead character...and of course I like Bacon. But I can’t go higher then 3 because of the editing. One or two mistakes I can forgive. There were so many in this book that it kept taking me out of the story. I really hate that.
October 29, 2019
I will never look at beauty pagents the same way, or strip clubs! ($5 for all you can eat that is really good in my book)
Possible family connections.
Bonds that last forever.
We were thrown into the world of the Siren's and it was nothing like what I thought it would be, except for a Siren who shall remain nameless and very very dead!
Incredible work and I would love Joan on any road trip!
Possible family connections.
Bonds that last forever.
We were thrown into the world of the Siren's and it was nothing like what I thought it would be, except for a Siren who shall remain nameless and very very dead!
Incredible work and I would love Joan on any road trip!
July 30, 2024
Kidnapped from Galveston Octavia is brought to the pod of Siren's. Bacon is used to guarantee she stays put. While Octavia might be half-siren, her other half might not be human. But when does Octavia do anything normal? Politics and hijinx ensue, keeping my attention through the story. This series just keeps getting better. I can't wait to see what happens next.
July 6, 2019
Favorite Quote:
Something in her tone made prickles of uneasy skitter up my spine. “If you tell me he took my pig I will burn this entire camp to the ground. That’s not a threat either, just a blatant statement of fact.”
Something in her tone made prickles of uneasy skitter up my spine. “If you tell me he took my pig I will burn this entire camp to the ground. That’s not a threat either, just a blatant statement of fact.”
September 18, 2019
Fun story but so many grammatical errors that at some places it was difficult to read. I don't know if it was my copy is an old version. I hope they fix the errors for future readers. I did enjoy the journey of the story though and look forward to reading more of this series.
February 2, 2020
Unfortunately this was not a book I enjoyed. I really struggled to get through it. Beauty Queen Sirens in a beauty pageant was just so confusing to me. I just don't know what to say other then I am moving onto book 5 Dead Ringer. I want to see if she finds Elba.
May 13, 2019
Octavia never lets me down!
There were so many laugh out loud moments in this it was great!
I recommend all of The Journals!
There were so many laugh out loud moments in this it was great!
I recommend all of The Journals!
June 3, 2019
Snarky, witty one liners, and laugh out loud funny, this series is a wild ride. Classic Rourke!
August 1, 2019
Guts of the series
Octavia is kidnapped and gets into a predicament and there's some scary truths she has to face or she may lose her family. Bacon
Octavia is kidnapped and gets into a predicament and there's some scary truths she has to face or she may lose her family. Bacon
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