Reviews

Dead over Heels by Theresa Braun

mehsi's review

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5.0

I received a copy from Xpresso Reads in exchange for an honest review.

Holy crap, sorry, but that is my first reaction to the short novella that this was. Holy crap. Not a bad Holy Crap, but a good holy crap. This book was a rollercoaster of emotions, of events, and that all in 37/38 pages. Yes, such a short story but it has everything and while I do want to know more about the characters, I feel the story is over. This story is done.

Even in 37/38 pages we get to learn about the characters, about their pasts, and that their lives are intertwined not by the present but by the past. I won't spoil anything, really, this is on ride you need to do without knowing anything.

The book starts off with them at the police station, immediately my thought is what happened? Why are they there? Why wouldn't he forgive you? And then the story really starts, with how these 2 met and how they finally end up at the police station. It is a story that goes from awwww, sweet, to OMG what just happened in mere seconds. Terrifically done of course. I just couldn't stop reading, I had to know what was going to happen. When the first supernatural event happened it was just aww, they saw ghosts, that is kind of creepy and scary, but also cute and romantic. But with the events following it was mostly just Wow, Wow, OMG, No way. Just a few of my reactions while reading.

The romance was perfect, and they really had chemistry together, I felt terribly sorry for them to having to go through these events.

The story takes place over some time, and sometimes, especially with short stories, this might feel unnatural, however it felt pretty nice in this one, it gave the story more depth.

The ending was perfectly done, though really it just broke my heart and even now that my emotions have stabilised a bit, I am still so sad for these 2. I won't tell you what happened, but wow.

All in all, this is one story you don't want to miss. Step up in this ride, and be warned to have your heart broken, to see a couple that is meant to be but faces quite a few obstacles in their way.

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com

jenniferreadshorror's review

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5.0

Magic and love potions
To start I'm pulled in with the description of something that has gone terribly wrong, then onto magic. The story then starts with what had happened to come to this moment.
For a short story this one packs everything. Feeling so many emotions from sadness at the story to excitement at the idea of ghosts.
You have to love it when the supernatural is all up in your face. With the ending as shocking and beautiful all at the same time.
Very well done!


hugbandit7's review

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5.0

This is a very short book at only 38 pages, but the author packs a lot into those pages with many twists and turns that I never saw coming!

I think this book is something of a mystery and perhaps slightly paranormal (there are ghosts after all!) and maybe some suspense too. The book starts off with someone in trouble and then goes back and fills in the gaps. It is a little funny on how Veronica meets Sebastian - through online dating - when she thinks she has removed herself from all these sites. But she decides to give it a whirl and meets Sebastian - who could be her soulmate.

Now the blurb tells you that they have their own supernatural experience while dining at the haunted restaurant...however, neither expected what they saw to to touch them so personally!

The ending...WOW! Obviously I am not going to tell you what happens but I had to go back and reread the last page or two because I wasn't sure I was reading and understanding it right. Let's just say it was a bit of a shocker to me! And it leaves me wanting to know even more - what happens to them after the story ends? My imagination went many different directions.

This book may only be 38 pages but it was very enjoyable and kept me wondering what would happen next.

kirkw1972's review

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4.0

This is a great short story. Veronica meets Sebastian after chatting on a dating site. They choose a supposedly haunted restaurant as their first date and lo and behold they see ghosts as they enjoy their meal. A couple lovingly sharing date night long after they’ve left this earth. Quite sweet you think but when V&S go back there for Christmas Eve the ghosts aren’t so friendly

History is repeating itself, trapped in a loop that reveals a shared past they weren’t aware they had.

It’s very well written, beautifully described and works well as a short story. Recommended

Free arc from netgalley

aly36's review

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4.0

A cute short read! This book has a little supernatural and a little ghost or two in it. I enjoyed the quick read and to get my mind on something else. I enjoyed the ghostly part of the book and the love story was fun too. This short story was packed and a good read. * I received this book from the author ---this is my honest review*

mrst1010's review

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5.0

I received this book from readers house in exchange for a review. All I want to say is go find a comfy chair and read this! A short story that I read without stopping once I started. You won't be disappointed!

meloches's review

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4.0

For all my reviews, visit Clues and Reviews
https://cluesandreviews.wordpress.com/

What would you do if the ghosts of your past were threatening your chance at happiness? Would you stand idly by? Or would you fight to be with the person who is responsible for your happiness….even if it means confronting old demons?

Dead Over Heels, a short story by Theresa Braun, is a pleasant mix of a crime fiction, chick lit and paranormal thriller. I do not usually like short stories, in my experience; they spend too much time building a plot and not enough time spent on resolution. They don’t allow for character development. This story changed my opinion. Braun gave me exactly what I wanted in this story; well-developed characters, a lot of action and a creepy, concise ghost story with a shocking twist.

For such a short story, it packs a serious punch!

From the first paragraph, I was hooked by this one. Initially, we meet Veronica. She is your typical, and relatable, woman taking a crack at online dating (and failing miserably). She cancels her account, but fate intervenes and allows one last message to go through. A message from Sebastian. Veronica and Sebastian meet online and have their first date at a reportedly haunted restaurant; Veronica mentioned in her profile that she has an interest in the paranormal. They have some instant attraction but, while enjoying their meals, they experience a supernatural occurrence. Veronica is haunted by this and decides she must return to figure out what’s happening. To her shock and dismay, she realizes that she has a connection to these occurrences, as does Sebastian. Veronica and Sebastian must work together to keep their own past demons at bay.

There were twists and turns throughout the story that were completely unexpected for me. I wasn’t expecting a whole lot, especially since it is a short story, but shame on me! Braun led me on a journey will plenty of unanticipated moments. The twist at the end was a complete shock for me!

I am not sure what Braun will come up with next, but I know one thing for sure: I’ll be reading it.

I would recommend this story to someone who wants a quick dip into the genre; you will not regret it!!

I voluntarily received an e-copy of this book. Thank you to the author, Theresa Braun.

ladilira's review

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5.0

I seem to be reading crime/horror more and more these days. In truth, I never thought that I would enjoy the crime/horror genre. But whenever I get asked to read a new genre, I like to take a chance. I wonder, will I be surprised and enjoy something outside my comfort zone? Due to taking those chances, I now can say that I do like the crime/horror genre, which was a shock to me. In the end, it’s all about the quality of the story.

I should state that Dead Over Heels is not really horror, it’s more paranormal with a pinch of violence. I had no idea where this story would lead me. It started off innocent and sweet. However, as the story unraveled I was hooked with each page turn. This was a nicely crafted novelette. And yet, it was full bodied in its shortness. Braun is a good writer, I was drawn in for the ride and never saw the twists coming. It was a fulfilling read. I was left feeling I had read an entire novel (in a good way). I didn’t feel like I was missing anything. I highly recommend readers take a chance on this tale. If you don’t mind a little domestic drama, this will pleasantly surprise you.

https://cellardoorbooks.wordpress.com/2017/02/06/dead-over-heels-theresa-braun-novelette/

readasadoornail's review

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4.0

This book was one of my most gritty and dark reads. And I really enjoyed it for the most part! It was quick but it packed a punch!
Only thing that stopped me from giving it 5 stars is the scenes of abuse. It didn't seem to be shoved in there just for shock value, so that was good at least.
Regardless, I can't wait to read more from this author!

mindysbookjourney's review

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dark emotional sad tense fast-paced

5.0