Monthly Wrap-Up: September 2017

Oh my god, spooky season has arrived, YES! I love it!

Review: The Knife (Fear Street #14) by R.L. Stine

Title: The Knife

Series: Fear Street #14 (Can be read as a standalone)

Author: R.L. Stine

Genre: YA, horror, mystery thriller

Publication date: January 1991

Published by: Pocket Books/Simon Pulse

Source: Own paperback

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Buy it: Amazon | Thrift Books

Synopsis:

Quiet—hospital!

Sshh. There are a lot of things they want to keep quiet at Shadyside Hospital. In fact, just about every private room holds a private secret of its own.

Poor Laurie Masters. The student volunteer innocently happened to stumble onto the hospital’s sickest secret of all.

Laurie has seen too much—and now the doctors and nurses are taking a close look at Laurie.

What they come up with is a deadly diagnosis. Laurie may not be sick, but she’s getting a prescription anyway—a prescription for horror!

My rating: ★★★★☆

In this hospital people have been dying—to get out!

Weird things are going on at the hospital where Laurie is volunteering. There, Laurie meets a sick little boy who is acting strange. Laurie thinks there might be something seriously off about his home life. Also, people keep sneaking into the hospital wing that is still under construction. And then Laurie stumbled upon a murder. Could it be the new volunteer Rick, who is acting strange and is being very suspicious?

Review: Pink Lock Picks and Sequined Witch Hats by Carla Rehse

Title: Pink Lock Picks and Sequined Witch Hats

Series: Pink Lock Picks and Sequined Witch Hats #1

Author: Carla Rehse

Genre: YA, paranormal, urban fantasy

Publication date: July 2017

Published by: Carla Rehse

Source: E-ARC for review from author via Netgalley

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Buy it: Amazon

Synopsis:

Seventeen-year-old homecoming queen, Gracie Mason, is a budding burglar.

While attempting her inaugural break-in, Gracie blacks out and wakes up far away from the scene. It turns out she accidentally intruded on a male witch’s “circle of power,” and now she’s bonded to him for life.

Gracie quickly learns that dissolving the bond with Asher, admittedly a very handsome and charming witch, is more complicated than she initially thought. To break the bond, Gracie must delve deeper into a society of witches that involves a secret club, a shadowy council, and all sorts of magical mischief. And right when it seems things can’t get any worse, witches start turning up dead.

It’s clear that Gracie is out of her depth as her quest to sever the bond magically turns into a murder investigation. But if Gracie and Asher don’t quickly uncover the killer, they might be next on the list.

My rating: ★★★★☆

“Just boy troubles.”
That sounds far simpler than the truth that I've had a crush on my almost stepbrother for several months, which led me to try to commit burglary, but instead I've somehow become shackled to an honest-to-goodness witch.

We all know how much I love magic and witches. And this book—I really liked!

Review: The Masked Truth by Kelley Armstrong

Title: The Masked Truth

Author: Kelley Armstrong

Genre: YA, mystery thriller

Publication date: October 2015

Published by: Doubleday Canada

Source: Own paperback

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Buy it: Amazon | Book Depository | Book Outlet | Thrift Books

Synopsis:

Riley Vasquez is haunted by the brutal murder of the couple she was babysitting for.

Max Cross is suffering under the shadow of a life-altering diagnosis he doesn't dare reveal.

The last thing either of them wants is to spend a weekend away at a therapy camp alongside five other teens with "issues." But that's exactly where they are when three masked men burst in to take the group hostage.

The building has no windows. The exits are sealed shut. Their phones are gone. And their captors are on a killing spree.

Riley and Max know that if they can't get out, they'll be next--but they're about to discover that even escape doesn't equal freedom.

My rating: ★★★★☆

First my father gets shot in the line of duty. Then I’m in the house when my babysitting clients are shot to death. Finally I get taken captive—by armed men—in the therapy camp that's supposed to help me deal with all that trauma. Ironic, huh?

That is Riley’s life right now. Her awful, awful life. Just enduring one trauma after the next. I very much enjoyed reading this, but it was brutal and so heartbreaking! It had a very intriguing mystery though, and it was tense AF! There were also many insane plot twists I did not see coming. The reveals were just very shocking and it just goes to show how people can be... even to their own family. It was unbelievably horrible.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #102: Assassins and Demon Hunters and Witches, Oh My!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Kathryn at Book Date and Unleashing Reads.

Sunday Post #144

Welcome to The Sunday Post hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer, where I talk about what is going on in life and the blog, and show you all the bookish things I got that week!

Review: Missing (Fear Street #4) by R.L. Stine

Title: Missing

Series: Fear Street #4 (Can be read as a standalone)

Author: R.L. Stine

Genre: YA, horror, mystery thriller

Publication date: May 1990

Published by: Pocket Books/Simon Pulse

Source: Own paperback

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon | Thrift Books

Synopsis:

"Please help... Our parents are missing!"

What would you do if your parents didn’t come home, didn’t call, left no note? At first, Mark and Cara Burroughs aren’t terribly alarmed. Their parents have stayed out late before. But then other things start to go wrong. Mark’s girlfriend Gena breaks up with him and suddenly disappears. The police don’t seem at all interested in finding Mark and Cara’s parents. And their mysterious cousin who boards with them seems to be spying on their every move!

When murder strikes, Mark and Cara learn their terror is only beginning. Someone wants them to disappear too! But why? The answer lies deep in the Fear Street Woods. But will they live long enough to find it?

My rating: ★★★★☆

First their parents disappeared. Then the real terror began.

Mark and Cara’s parents have a tendency to work late. But they always call to let them know. This time, there is no call, and they don’t come home at all. Mark and Cara know something must be wrong. And to top it off, the cousin who lives with them starts to act strange... suspicious, almost. Could he be involved?

Review: Wasted (Elemental Assassin #2.7) by Jennifer Estep

Title: Wasted

Series: Elemental Assassin #2.7

Previous short stories in this series: Poison (#0.1) | Web of Deceit (#0.2) | Spider's Bargain (#0.5) | Web of Death (#1.5)

Books in this series: Spider's Bite (#1) | Web of Lies (#2) | Venom (#3)

Author: Jennifer Estep

Genre: Adult, urban fantasy

Publication date: 2011

Published by: Jennifer Estep

Source: Free on author's site

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Read it for free HERE!

Synopsis:

This short story takes place in between the events of Web of Lies and Venom. One day, a beautiful woman walks into the bank where Finn works, and trouble soon follows.

My rating: ★★★★☆
When a beautiful woman walks into the bank that Finn works at, you know he won’t be able to resist her. But this woman might be more trouble than Finn could possible expect.

This short story takes place between book 2, Web of Lies, and book 3, Venom, and is told in Finn’s POV! I love Finn! I totally forgot how brilliant and badass he was! The man can fight and and kick some serious ass! Of course, then I remembered that his dad is an assassin, so... duh. Lol. But seriously, he surprised me in this.

Review: Web of Death (Elemental Assassin #1.5) by Jennifer Estep

Title: Web of Death

Series: Elemental Assassin #1.5

Previous short stories in this series: Poison (#0.1) | Web of Deceit (#0.2) | Spider's Bargain (#0.5)

Books in this series: Spider's Bite (#1) | Web of Lies (#2)

Author: Jennifer Estep

Genre: Adult, urban fantasy

Publication date: 2011

Published by: Jennifer Estep

Source: Free on author's site

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Read it for free HERE!

Synopsis:

This short story takes place after the events of Spider’s Bite but before the beginning of Web of Lies. In "Web of Death," Gin Blanco’s retirement is interrupted by some unwanted guests.

My rating: ★★★★★
Web of Death takes place between book 1 (Spider’s Bite) and book 2 (Web of Lies) and is told in Gin’s POV.

Gin is now officially retired as an assassin and is moving into her new place when all of a sudden she is interrupted by a scream coming from the surrounding forest. To check it out, or not to check it out...

Review: Spider's Bargain (Elemental Assassin #0.5) by Jennifer Estep

Title: Spider's Bargain

Series: Elemental Assassin #0.5

Previous short stories in this series: Poison (#0.1) | Web of Deceit (#0.2)

First book in this series: Spider's Bite

Author: Jennifer Estep

Genre: Adult, urban fantasy

Publication date: 2011

Published by: Jennifer Estep

Source: Free on author's site

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Read it for free HERE!

Synopsis:

This short story takes place before the events of Spider’s Bite, the first book in the Elemental Assassin series. In "Spider’s Bargain," Gin Blanco takes on a corrupt cop, but only one of them will be left standing in the end.

My rating: ★★★★☆
Spider’s Bargain takes place right before book one, Spider’s Bite and it is told in Gin’s POV. This assignment has Gin going after a corrupt cop who doesn’t know how to take ‘no’ for a goddamn answer. Not only is he abusing his power, but the things he has done—

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #101: Shadowhunters! Yay!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Kathryn at Book Date / Teach Mentor Text & Unleashing Reads.

Sunday Post #143: Weddings, Mummies, and Killer Llamas... What?

Welcome to The Sunday Post hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer, where I talk about what is going on in life and the blog, and show you all the bookish things I got that week!

Review: Trapped (Fear Street #51) by R.L. Stine

Title: Trapped

Series: Fear Street #51 (Can be read as a standalone)

Author: R.L. Stine

Genre: YA, mystery thriller, horror

Publication date: December 1997

Published by: Pocket Books/Simon Pulse

Source: Own paperback

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon | Thrift Books

Synopsis:

Some kids in the sixties used to party in the tunnels under Shadyside High, until something left a bunch of people dead. But that's just a story, right? Besides, exploring the tunnels is more fun than being stuck in Saturday detention. Too bad there's no turning back--because in the tunnels there's no one around to hear your screams.

My rating: ★★★★★

You're invited... to die.

Elaine thinks she’s going to spend a boring day in detention, but she would be wrong.

[Elaine] pulled her jacket tighter around herself and tried to fight off the chill that refused to leave her body.
It was going to be a long day.
She had no idea how long—or how dangerous.

Review: Beanstalker and Other Hilarious Scarytales by Kiersten White

Title: Beanstalker and Other Hilarious Scarytales

Author: Kiersten White

Genre: Middle Grade, fantasy, fairy tale retelling

Publication date: July 2017

Published by: Scholastic

Source: Own Hardcover

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Buy it: Amazon | Book Depository

Synopsis:

Once upon a time, a girl skipped into the forest and became a zombie.

Wait, no, that's not how this story is supposed to go. Let's try again.

Once upon a time, a boy did a horrible job as a sheep-sitter and burned his tongue on stolen pie.

No, children in these stories are always good and virtuous. From the top.

Once upon a time, a king and queen tried to find a princess for their son to marry, and he wound up fleeing from a group of very hairy vampires.

Hmmm...

What about, once upon a time, a bunch of fairy tales got twisted around to be completely hilarious, a tiny bit icky, and delightfully spooky scarytales... in other words, exactly what fairy tales were meant to be. Grab some flaming torches, maybe don't accept that bowl of pease porridge, and get ready for a wickedly fun ride with acclaimed author Kiersten White and fairy tales like you've never heard them before.

My rating: ★★★★★

Vampires and Zombies and Stepmothers, Oh my!

I can always count on Kiersten White for a fun, humorous read, and this was no exception! While yes it is an MG novel, I do like to read them every once in awhile, and this one was amazing! I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Review: Roar (Stormheart #1) by Cora Carmack

Title: Roar

Series: Stormheart #1

Author: Cora Carmack

Genre: YA, high fantasy

Publication date: June 2017

Published by: Tor Teen

Source: Library book

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon

Synopsis:

In a land ruled and shaped by violent magical storms, power lies with those who control them.

Aurora Pavan comes from one of the oldest Stormling families in existence. Long ago, the ungifted pledged fealty and service to her family in exchange for safe haven, and a kingdom was carved out from the wildlands and sustained by magic capable of repelling the world’s deadliest foes. As the sole heir of Pavan, Aurora’s been groomed to be the perfect queen. She’s intelligent and brave and honorable. But she’s yet to show any trace of the magic she’ll need to protect her people.

To keep her secret and save her crown, Aurora’s mother arranges for her to marry a dark and brooding Stormling prince from another kingdom. At first, the prince seems like the perfect solution to all her problems. He’ll guarantee her spot as the next queen and be the champion her people need to remain safe. But the more secrets Aurora uncovers about him, the more a future with him frightens her. When she dons a disguise and sneaks out of the palace one night to spy on him, she stumbles upon a black market dealing in the very thing she lacks—storm magic. And the people selling it? They’re not Stormlings. They’re storm hunters.

Legend says that her ancestors first gained their magic by facing a storm and stealing part of its essence. And when a handsome young storm hunter reveals he was born without magic, but possesses it now, Aurora realizes there’s a third option for her future besides ruin or marriage.

She might not have magic now, but she can steal it if she’s brave enough.

Challenge a tempest. Survive it. And you become its master.

My rating: ★★☆☆☆
I really wanted to like you Roar, I really did. But gods, you were just not for me. I admit, Fantasy is not really my thing to start with, but I do enjoy a good Fantasy novel on the rare occasion. This particular book was a group read for a Goodreads group I’m part of, and this one did sound interesting to me! I loved the premise of storms ravaging the lands and demigod-like, superpowered humans able to dissipate said storms. These people are usually royalty, but our protagonist, who is a princess, actually has no signs of having any abilities! Sign me up for that, please! But, um, no. While I did enjoy some aspects of the book, overall I ended up just not liking it as much as I was hoping. So prepare yourselves, grab yourself some popcorn and have a seat, because this is gonna be a long one!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #100: Thrillers

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Kathryn at Book Date / Teach Mentor Text & Unleashing Reads.

Sunday Post #142

Welcome to The Sunday Post hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer, where I talk about what is going on in life and the blog, and show you all the bookish things I got that week!

Review: High Tide (Fear Street Super Chiller #12) by R.L. Stine

Title: High Tide

Series: Fear Street Super Chiller #12 (Can be read as a standalone)

Author: R.L. Stine

Genre: YA, mystery thriller, horror

Publication date: 1997

Published by: Pocket Books/Simon Pulse

Source: Own paperback

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon | Thrift Books

Synopsis:

Adam Malfitano still has nightmares about the night his girlfriend, Mitzi, died. He sees the blood. He sees her in the water. He is a lifeguard, and he can't save her. He wakes up screaming. Even worse, he has begun to see Mitzi while he is awake. He knows it is impossible, but she looks so real. What does she want from him?

My rating: ★★★★☆

A lifeguard's job can be murder...

Adam keeps having a recurring nightmares of the death of his girlfriend. She died in a water scooter accident, a horrible accident. We get to witness this nightmare at the beginning of the book and oh my gods, it was very tense! And the descriptions I totally loved! It was incredibly gory and I loved that! There were a couple of other moments like this—tense, terrifying scenes. I totally live for them! R.L. Stine is so great at describing creepy, horrifying things!

Review: Ball Gowns and Blood Stains by Dorothy Dreyer

Title: Ball Gowns and Blood Stains

Author: Dorothy Dreyer

Genre: YA, urban fantasy

Publication date: August 2017

Published by: Dorothy Dreyer

Source: Freebie

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Get it for free by signing up to the author's newsletter!

Synopsis:

It isn’t easy being Lucifer’s daughter, especially when you’ve got a twin brother who’s constantly stealing your thunder. Building an army for their father, Jessie and Jordan move to a new school to collect the damned. Jessie knew her brother would do whatever he could to usurp her efforts, but what she didn’t count on was running into Eli. Jessie’s had her share of human boys and usually tossed them aside when her job was done, but something about Eli haunts her. Something about him makes her want to be good.

When her father demands to have Eli’s soul—an act that Jordan would be more than happy to execute—Jessie must decide between killing Eli and saving him. But no matter what she decides, she’s damned either way.

My rating: ★★★★☆
Ball Gowns and Blood Stains was a nice and short read. I absolutely loved the premise of twin kids of Lucifer killing and collecting souls to build their armies to run their own circles of hell. Just—so much yes! But then Jessie meets the cute boy from school, Eli, and things change for her. She is so confused by the world Eli has opened up to her vs. the world she was lived in and grown up in her whole life.

Review- Alex Finch: Monster Hunter (The Monster Files #1) by Cate Dean

Title: Alex Finch: Monster Hunter

Series: The Monster Files #1

Author: Cate Dean

Genre: YA, urban fantasy

Publication date: September 2013

Published by: Pentam Press

Source: Amazon Freebie

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon

Synopsis:

Meet Alex Finch - tomboy, techno geek, monster hunter.

Reluctant monster hunter.

A school project, an absentminded project partner, and a misplaced backpack all change 16-year-old Alex Finch's life forever.

In a single afternoon Alex finds the missing backpack, has a run-in with Sam, the boy she's had a crush on since first grade - and discovers that monsters are real.

That mind-blowing incident throws her life in a completely different direction, uncovering secrets that cost her more than she could ever imagine. And the further she digs, the darker and more dangerous the secrets become.

What else is hiding behind the ordinary facade of her California beach town?

Alex is about to find out.

My rating: ★★★★☆

"The monster’s out of the closet, and we have to shove it back in and lock the door."

All because of a lost backpack...

Review: Because We Told Her To by Sal Conte

Title: Because We Told Her To

Author: Sal Conte (pen name of E. Van Lowe)

Genre: YA, horror

Publication date: April 2015

Published by: EViL E Books

Source: Gift from author for signing up to newsletter

Add it to your Goodreads shelf

Buy it: Amazon

Synopsis:

*This is a 4000 word short story*

It was supposed to be a simple babysitting job, a way for teenage runaway, Kim, to get off the mean streets of Hollywood three nights a week. Then, Amaryllis and Hyacinth said "Let's play Twitter," and things got murderously strange.

My rating: ★★★☆☆
It all started with a babysitting job for Kim. She thought this was going to be a great job, and it was a plus that the girls were so damn cute! Well, it was initially great, because then the girls wanted to play this Twitter game that eventually ended in murder. Supernatural powers and creepy kids—there isn’t much Kim can do, except do exactly as the girls say, because otherwise...

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #99

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a weekly meme hosted by Kathryn at Book Date / Teach Mentor Text & Unleashing Reads.

Sunday Post #141: Why Netflix, WHY?!

Welcome to The Sunday Post hosted by Kimba @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer, where I talk about what is going on in life and the blog, and show you all the bookish things I got that week!

Monthly Wrap-Up: August 2017

August is over and that means Fall is just around the corner, YAY! It is still really hot here... next week it's still supposed to be in the 100s... I am SO over it!