What do you think?
Rate this book
The Journals of Octavia Hollows #5
Dead Ringer
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.
Belle Chasse, Louisiana: a suburb within stumbling distance to New Orleans.
Hell-bent on uncovering the identity of her mysterious stalker, and what he wants with her former coven, Octavia rides into town in a frenzy. What she finds instead is a young boxer who can’t die, no matter how hard he tries. Will she help break the family curse tethering him to a life of pain, even if it means losing the only lead she has on the man hunting her?
Belle Chasse, Louisiana: a suburb within stumbling distance to New Orleans.
Hell-bent on uncovering the identity of her mysterious stalker, and what he wants with her former coven, Octavia rides into town in a frenzy. What she finds instead is a young boxer who can’t die, no matter how hard he tries. Will she help break the family curse tethering him to a life of pain, even if it means losing the only lead she has on the man hunting her?
- GenresUrban FantasyWerewolves
76 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 27, 2019
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 26, 2019
Knowing that her stalker has abducted her entire coven has put Octavia's hunt for Elba's body on hold. She will do anything to save the women who raised her and her search for them begins in New Orleans. Retracing her steps seems to be working well for her so far so she heads back to the boxing gym she used to work at. When she realises her old boss and one of the new fighters Reid have got themselves in some kind of trouble with an underground fight club she knows she has to step in and help but she's definitely going to end up with more than she bargained for this time.
All the way through this series I've been rooting for Octavia to track down Elba and bring him back to life but for the first time I'm starting to wonder whether that's actually the best option for her. She had some great chemistry going on with Reid so although nothing has really happened there so far I find myself almost hoping that will change in the future. We're definitely getting closer to a resolution one way or the other when it comes to Elba though so I couldn't dive into the final book fast enough.
All the way through this series I've been rooting for Octavia to track down Elba and bring him back to life but for the first time I'm starting to wonder whether that's actually the best option for her. She had some great chemistry going on with Reid so although nothing has really happened there so far I find myself almost hoping that will change in the future. We're definitely getting closer to a resolution one way or the other when it comes to Elba though so I couldn't dive into the final book fast enough.
June 16, 2019
I received an ARC copy of this book. Man oh man this has to be my favorite book by far.
It seems like Octavia is just full of so many adventures and has a big heart to help anyone who needs her. Right within the first few pages I was already laughing when she was confronted by the officer, I was just thinking oh man she is going to be in a world of trouble now how will she get out of this. And then comes her lovely sarcastic answers, and quick thinking and I know she will be okay. We get to get a feel of her old stompin grounds and how much she is respected. We get to meet a new character Reid who has something magical going on with him and Octavia of course is going to get to the bottom of it. Tyrese even though he is just a passing by character I have to say he made me chuckle a bit. I really enjoy how Octavia helps others and the way she dives in to help Jack and Reid shows she is a good person and friend. With all those she helps she will have a bad ass team of friends to help her out.
We see a lot of growth with Octavia in this story though she is still fully learning what and who she is. It doesn't seem like she is any closer than what she was before on to trying to figure out who is out to get her, yet now she will have another friend to help her on her journey. I am anxiously waiting for answers I want no I need to know who is behind it. Sadly, I have a feeling not everything is like it seems. Below is a few of my favorite quotes:
"What exactly is the relationship here? Pet? Life partner? I wouldn't even presume to guess in this weird ass city."
"Of course it would! Everyone wants a piece of this chocolate dessert!"
"For reals though, where you been? Chase off after some premium D that treated your kitty like the queen she is?" "My...ahem...kitty appreciates being dubbed royalty."
Stacey has done it again with her amazing talent of writing, pulling you in from the first page. She has humor, a kick ass female character, a steady going plot. Keep up the good work!
June 27, 2019
#TEAMREID
This story was AH-MAZING!! I don't think that I will ever get tired of the adventures of Octavia and Bacon go on.
The characters are phenomenal. I absolutely love learning about Reid. He is one awesome character. And of course, I can't forget Octavia and Bacon.
The story-line was incredible. I was so addicted to the story that I had a hard time putting the book down. I can't wait to see where Rourke takes us next. I highly recommend this read.
This story was AH-MAZING!! I don't think that I will ever get tired of the adventures of Octavia and Bacon go on.
The characters are phenomenal. I absolutely love learning about Reid. He is one awesome character. And of course, I can't forget Octavia and Bacon.
The story-line was incredible. I was so addicted to the story that I had a hard time putting the book down. I can't wait to see where Rourke takes us next. I highly recommend this read.
July 6, 2019
Ready, Set, Off we go into the underground boxing world of New Orleans with our favorite duo. An exciting vacation from reality as I flipped each page faster & faster. I swear each book in this series continues to outshine the last. It is impossible to choose a favorite with all of the different scenes, excitement, & new characters coming through Octavia & Bacon’s lives...but Dead Ringer screams “Me for the win!” The suspense, drama, & snark were on point. Then Rourke threw in some heat to bump it up another notch. I am even more excited to see where our new threesome will arrive next. As much as I had hoped Octavia’s quest to find her lost love Elba would be a success I REALLY felt she had just found herself a new love here, & wanted that for her. I love the energy between her & Reid. Can’t wait for the next book!!!
June 30, 2019
In Dead Ringer, we find Octavia and Bacon outside New Orleans as she continues to find her mysterious stalker and uncover his motives. Octavia has been here before, so readers are treated with glimpses into her past. That good old snarky sarcasm that we have come to associated with Octavia is in full force right from the start. This book had me laughing out loud during my morning commute. Once again, Ms. Rourke brings out her unique creativity when it comes to building a story around a different supernatural creature - this time, it's werewolves. Reid is a young boxer who can take a severe beating in the ring and remarkably recover just in time to take another beating in a short period of time. As such, he is a valuable asset in the underground boxing circuit and has made his way around to cheat the system. Unfortunately, his plot is uncovered and he finds himself in a bit of trouble. Octavia gets pulled into things when she helps Reid figure out what makes him so special and they plot together to get out of his sticky situation. For the first time since she was introduced to her undead piggy friend, Bacon, someone else enters Octavia's life that she grows close to through her adventure with Reid. It is very sweet. Things seem to be looking up for our pink-haired necromancer.
August 5, 2019
Wolfing out!
Every book in this series is different with the exception of Octavia’s wit. I love her smartass comments in the heat of the moment. They make her a fantastic character to read. I also love how every book she grows a little more. Learning more about who she is and not backing down no matter what. This chapter of her life brings her back to a dark time. A time she’s not really proud of but she’s. It the same broken girl she was then. She’s seen more and done things that no other person could of done. Reid, the beautiful and muscular boxer was more then just that. He had issues just like her. Octavia was able to give him what he needed to find his true self and boy is his true self a little more then they expected. Highly recommend to read this book and all of Octavia’s adventures to anyone looking for exciting and funny quick reads. You will not be disappointed.
Every book in this series is different with the exception of Octavia’s wit. I love her smartass comments in the heat of the moment. They make her a fantastic character to read. I also love how every book she grows a little more. Learning more about who she is and not backing down no matter what. This chapter of her life brings her back to a dark time. A time she’s not really proud of but she’s. It the same broken girl she was then. She’s seen more and done things that no other person could of done. Reid, the beautiful and muscular boxer was more then just that. He had issues just like her. Octavia was able to give him what he needed to find his true self and boy is his true self a little more then they expected. Highly recommend to read this book and all of Octavia’s adventures to anyone looking for exciting and funny quick reads. You will not be disappointed.
July 13, 2020
After the cliffhanger(ish) ending of Drop Dead Gorgeous, I expected this story to jump straight into the hunt but it didn't. Instead, it took a random detour - a pit stop if you will - at an underground fighting circuit where Octavia helps a fellow supernatural - Reid - understand what he is as well as help an old friend (and a new one) out of a really sticky situation. It was funny, fast-paced and wholly enjoyable but didn't do much to drive the overall plot of the series forward - namely finding Elba and solving the mystery - other than to give her a powerful ally by her side for the final showdown, presumably in the next novella.
Honestly, at this point, I have no idea how this series will end! There are so many possibilities!
Honestly, at this point, I have no idea how this series will end! There are so many possibilities!
June 25, 2019
Another great installment in the Octavia files - this time she's returned to a place she knows well, a small town in Louisiana! She goes back to a gym where she used to work, meets up with an old friend, Jack - and of course, finds a new supernatural soul to help! But this time, she doesn't have to use her own skills as a necromancer to help him out! Reid comes with his own barrel of issues, and the sexual tension is HIGH as ever, and the one-liners in this one are on point! Jack & Bacon's shopping trip was the best! Can't wait to see what the next book, and the next step on finding Elba brings!
March 11, 2021
Even with the cliffhanger from Drop Dead Gorgeous I should have known that nothing would happen with the main plot point that's carrying the series would happen until the last chapter and not before like all the other books have. With how this is being drawn out I'm hoping the last book has me sitting on the edge of my seat with anticipation and will be worth the wait by the time I get to the end.
Overall, this story kept me interested. I loved the side characters Reid and Jack. For the first time Octavia didn't have to use her powers and this definitely intrigued me more, pulling me deeper into the story line. With how it ended things better come to a head in the final book!
Overall, this story kept me interested. I loved the side characters Reid and Jack. For the first time Octavia didn't have to use her powers and this definitely intrigued me more, pulling me deeper into the story line. With how it ended things better come to a head in the final book!
June 28, 2019
Now my type isn’t usually the muscle head, gym freak. Those pretty packages are usually just that. But Octavvia meets up with a muscular guy that also has a brain and a big heart. Cue the swooning…. Reid is a keeper. If he dies and Octavia doesn’t bring him back we riot! Lol Seriously, I hope he is in the next books. He and Octavia seem to have pretty good chemistry and they make a good team when it comes to taking down the bad guys.
I give Reid..I mean Dead ringer 5 stars!
Seriously, if you haven’t started this series yet, do it.
I give Reid..I mean Dead ringer 5 stars!
Seriously, if you haven’t started this series yet, do it.
October 24, 2019
Loved this new installment. It had the feel of the first few books, which had me so wrapped up in the fast-paced adventure that I was surprised to reach the end. I really liked the twists regarding Octavia's new friend, totally unexpected. I've enjoyed many of the sidekick's we've met along the way, but I'm glad it looks like one will be sticking around. It seems like we're close now. The overall intensity has been ramping up and I can't imagine how it's all going to work out. I have some expectations and theories, but we'll see. Whatever happens, I'm sure it's going to be epic.
June 27, 2019
Octavia Hollows is my all time favorite female badass! She is snarky, witty, and funny. I LOVE HER! I totally want to be friends with Octavia and her with a jaunty, hat wearing side-kick Bacon.
Dead Ringer is my new fave in the series. This installment is non stop action and hello Reid. He sounds absolutely yummy.
I cannot wait to read the final installment in The Journals of Octavia Hollows.
Dead Ringer is my new fave in the series. This installment is non stop action and hello Reid. He sounds absolutely yummy.
I cannot wait to read the final installment in The Journals of Octavia Hollows.
June 27, 2019
Every time I read a new book in this series, I find myself wondering how can it get any better... and Stacey Rourke delivers! Wow! I thought I had a favorite picked, but this is my new favorite in the series. Octavia is my favorite heroine in a series, hands down. She is such a hilarious bad-ass that there is literally never a dull moment in these books. I highly recommend this book and series! I can't wait for book 6!
July 1, 2019
Dead Ringer is my new favorite in this series. The humor is spot on and witty. There were moments I was questioning Octavia's sanity. With good cause to. She can be as unpredictable as a tornado. Bacon wraps everyone around his little piggy hooves. Even a couple of big men. The porker is a scene stealer at times. He is aporkable. *see what I did there* Haha
The ending has me excited for the next book. I'm recommending Dead Ringer for sure
The ending has me excited for the next book. I'm recommending Dead Ringer for sure
October 29, 2019
I laughed so hard while reading this book that my sides hurt. It had our usual wonderful madness that Octavia brings, with some of the most adorable Bacon moments (Canadian Bacon ha!)
But my biggest take away from this book? All werewolves pale in comparison to a new addition to the crew.
Also the ending.....yikes! That was yucky.
Another amazing insight into the world of Octavia and Mr Bacon!
But my biggest take away from this book? All werewolves pale in comparison to a new addition to the crew.
Also the ending.....yikes! That was yucky.
Another amazing insight into the world of Octavia and Mr Bacon!
February 2, 2020
I'm glad I have hung in to follow Octavia in her journey to find Elba. So now she is in Louisiana where she meets up with Reid. Reid is a mma fighter who cannot die and cannot shift into a wolf. He is fascinated by Octavia and follows her to Florida. The reason for Florida is that Octavia gets a package with the Coven's logo and Elba's finger. The banter between Octavia and Reid is funny, sweet and so typical badass Octavia.
July 1, 2019
Going back to the gym and Jack meeting Reid These characters are amazing. I laughed so much felt all the things all I can say is oh, My#nonoSquare #teambacon Octavia is everything. This series is so good. I need more of this series. How will it end? Best installment so far. Tho I don't ever want it to cause its that good.
July 28, 2019
Underground Boxing.. hmmm Octavia you out shown yourself again. This book better then the last one. I swear these last two books just is making this series so hard to see come to an end. Yes I want Octavia to find her long lost love but at the same time don't want to see this adventure end. Just when you think she can't get anymore badass she does.
August 1, 2019
And Another one...!
Octavia and Bacon come back to a place where she has history with the owners. Octavia use to work at a boxing gym and use to work for the owners after her fiance Elba died. Reid is a man who sense of humor matches Octavia and as she solves this poor soul Reid she gets one more clue about her stalker.
Octavia and Bacon come back to a place where she has history with the owners. Octavia use to work at a boxing gym and use to work for the owners after her fiance Elba died. Reid is a man who sense of humor matches Octavia and as she solves this poor soul Reid she gets one more clue about her stalker.
December 1, 2019
Another stop in her way to finding out just what happened to her dead fiancées body, this time Octavia finds herself helping someone that surprisingly doesn’t involve raising any dead.
An ominous package has our necromancer heading to Tallahassee........ the place where Alba died!
Lots of intrigue and humour but of course my favourite is still that cute little porker called Bacon.
An ominous package has our necromancer heading to Tallahassee........ the place where Alba died!
Lots of intrigue and humour but of course my favourite is still that cute little porker called Bacon.
July 1, 2019
10 stars
This is my absolute favorite book in the series so far! Octavia leads us to a town outside of New Orleans for an action packed howling good time! . She picks up a hunky new side kick and, of course, there’s more Bacon, too. This book has quite a few chuckle out loud moments, as well as more snark and sass to round out this part of her journey to find answers in her quest for her missing coven and fiancé. Brilliantly done.
This is my absolute favorite book in the series so far! Octavia leads us to a town outside of New Orleans for an action packed howling good time! . She picks up a hunky new side kick and, of course, there’s more Bacon, too. This book has quite a few chuckle out loud moments, as well as more snark and sass to round out this part of her journey to find answers in her quest for her missing coven and fiancé. Brilliantly done.
July 6, 2019
Hands down my favorite of the series so far!! So fun!
Favorite Quote:
“I did!” I yelled back, matching the volume of his voice, but nowhere near the intensity. “Until… you got hopping mad over it. Now I think I’ve made a horrible miscalculation.”
Favorite Quote:
“I did!” I yelled back, matching the volume of his voice, but nowhere near the intensity. “Until… you got hopping mad over it. Now I think I’ve made a horrible miscalculation.”
July 28, 2019
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Four big stars! This series makes me laugh out loud. And I am so very happy to say that the editing in this one was very much improved. Short books but with my Kindle Unlimited I’m ok with that. Now on to book number six!!
Four big stars! This series makes me laugh out loud. And I am so very happy to say that the editing in this one was very much improved. Short books but with my Kindle Unlimited I’m ok with that. Now on to book number six!!
September 18, 2019
I couldn't put this one down. So far my favorite of the series. I am really looking forward to reading the next book for the grand finale. I love Octavia's snarky wit and Bacon is the best sidekick ever!
November 14, 2022
Pretty good stories. The MC was likable. Her "swinekick" put the whole thing over the top, though. I felt that most of the books in the collection were a good length and had a good dose of humor. In the end, I was disappointed to find that there was no more to the series.
February 13, 2023
Not all the dead are raised by Octavia. Octavia is getting closer to her destination. The ending got to me. All I could think was "What's in the box?!" Definitely not Gwen. But upsetting nonetheless.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2019
Omg I love Reid a lot this one was so enjoyable to read. I really love meeting Octavia and her group of friends. And can't wait to see what will happen when Reid and Bacon and her gets to Tallahassee
June 27, 2019
Ok, Stacey Rourke has made a liar out of me. I said the last book was my favorite. I take that back. This one is my favorite. I laughed right from the first scene and didn't stop laughing until the end. Then there is Reid. Yummy, yummy, my new book boyfriend, Reid. If Octavia doesn't want him, I'm available. LOL And OMG...Bacon!! The little diva. This series keeps getting better and better as it races towards it's conclusion. I can't wait to see how it ends but at the same time I will be so sad when it's over. I highly recommend this book and series for anyone who loves a fantastic paranormal and undead pigs.
June 23, 2019
Best yet.
Review to come 😉
Review to come 😉
June 23, 2019
Reid! I can't wait to see where this goes!
Bacon and Jack's shopping trip hahaha
Bacon and Jack's shopping trip hahaha
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews