Review: Snared (Elemental Assassin #16) by Jennifer Estep

Title: Snared

Series: Elemental Assassin #16

Previous books in this series: Spider's Bite (#1) | Web of Lies (#2) | Venom (#3) | Tangled Threads (#4) | Spider's Revenge (#5) | By A Thread (#6) | Widow's Web (#7) | Deadly Sting (#8) | Heart of Venom (#9) | The Spider (#10) | Poison Promise (#11) | Black Widow (#12) | Spider's Trap (#13) | Bitter Bite (#14) | Unraveled (#15)

Short stories in this series: Poison (#0.1) | Web of Deceit (#0.2) | Spider's Bargain (#0.5) | Web of Death (#1.5) | Wasted (#2.7) | Tangled Dreams (#3.5) | Tangled Schemes (#3.7) | Spider’s Nemesis (#4.5) | Thread of Death (#5.5) | Carniepunk: Parlor Tricks (#8.1) | Kiss of Venom (#8.5) | Unwanted (#14.5) | Nice Guys Bite (#15.5)

Author: Jennifer Estep

Genre: Adult, urban fantasy

Publication date: April 2017

Published by: Pocket Books

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis:

Irony 101—The Spider herself snared in someone else’s web...

Another week, another few clues trickling in about the Circle, the mysterious group that supposedly runs the city’s underworld. Gathering intel on my hidden enemies is a painstaking process, but a more immediate mystery has popped up on my radar: a missing girl.

My search for the girl begins on the mean streets of Ashland, but with all the killers and crooks in this city, I’m not holding out much hope that she’s still alive.

A series of clues leads me down an increasingly dark, dangerous path, and I realize that the missing girl is really just the first thread in this web of evil. As an assassin, I’m used to facing down the worst of the worst, but nothing prepares me for this new, terrifying enemy—one who strikes from the shadows and is determined to make me the next victim.

My rating: ★★★★★
Ever since Gin found out about them, the Circle has been kind of elusive. But not anymore because Gin is finally finding some info on them and things are happening! But on top of that, someone has hired Gin for a job. Typically someone hires Gin to assassinate someone, obviously, but not this time. Oh no, a girl has gone missing and one of Gin’s acquaintances has hired her to find the girl. I really liked this because it was pretty different from other Elemental Assassin stories—it almost had this sort of mystery vibe to it.

Review: Nice Guys Bite (Elemental Assassin #15.5) by Jennifer Estep

Title: Nice Guys Bite

Series: Elemental Assassin #15.5

Previous books in this series: Spider's Bite (#1) | Web of Lies (#2) | Venom (#3) | Tangled Threads (#4) | Spider's Revenge (#5) | By A Thread (#6) | Widow's Web (#7) | Deadly Sting (#8) | Heart of Venom (#9) | The Spider (#10) | Poison Promise (#11) | Black Widow (#12) | Spider's Trap (#13) | Bitter Bite (#14) | Unraveled (#15)

Short stories in this series: Poison (#0.1) | Web of Deceit (#0.2) | Spider's Bargain (#0.5) | Web of Death (#1.5) | Wasted (#2.7) | Tangled Dreams (#3.5) | Tangled Schemes (#3.7) | Spider’s Nemesis (#4.5) | Thread of Death (#5.5) | Carniepunk: Parlor Tricks (#8.1) | Kiss of Venom (#8.5) | Unwanted (#14.5)

Author: Jennifer Estep

Genre: Adult, urban fantasy

Publication date: December 2016

Published by: Pocket Star

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis:

Working for Gin Blanco (aka the Spider, the assassin who runs the Ashland underworld) doesn’t leave much time for romance, especially with Gin’s holiday party planning in full swing. But when he catches the eye of a charming gentleman, Silvio finds himself going out for coffee.

All’s fair in love and war, though. Just as Silvio is starting to enjoy himself, he realizes he’s being watched. His nice guy date doesn’t sense the danger, and Silvio wants to keep it that way (and, well, keep the guy alive) so Silvio ends the date early—only to be abducted by some villainous giants.

Will Silvio survive the night and make it back to the Pork Pit in time for Gin’s holiday party? Only if he decks the hall with bodies...

My rating: ★★★★★
This novella is told in the POV of Silvio, which, yes please! Silvio was introduced only a couple of books back, but he quickly became one of my favorite characters! I especially love the relationship he has with Gin!

Now, be a nice assistant, and put that thing down.” She brandished her scissors at me. “Before I stab it to death—literally.”
With anyone else, I would have considered it an idle threat. But not when my boss was Gin Blanco, the assassin known as the Spider. I’d seen her kill men with her bare hands . . . trash-can lids . . . loose bricks . . . even a fork once.

Review: Unraveled (Elemental Assassin #15) by Jennifer Estep

Title: Unraveled

Series: Elemental Assassin #15

Previous books in this series: Spider's Bite (#1) | Web of Lies (#2) | Venom (#3) | Tangled Threads (#4) | Spider's Revenge (#5) | By A Thread (#6) | Widow's Web (#7) | Deadly Sting (#8) | Heart of Venom (#9) | The Spider (#10) | Poison Promise (#11) | Black Widow (#12) | Spider's Trap (#13) | Bitter Bite (#14)

Short stories in this series: Poison (#0.1) | Web of Deceit (#0.2) | Spider's Bargain (#0.5) | Web of Death (#1.5) | Wasted (#2.7) | Tangled Dreams (#3.5) | Tangled Schemes (#3.7) | Spider’s Nemesis (#4.5) | Thread of Death (#5.5) | Carniepunk: Parlor Tricks (#8.1) | Kiss of Venom (#8.5) | Unwanted (#14.5)

Author: Jennifer Estep

Genre: Adult, urban fantasy

Publication date: August 2016

Published by: Pocket Books

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis:

What could go wrong when you’re trying to unravel a decades-old conspiracy?

As the current queen of the Ashland underworld, you would think that I, Gin Blanco, would know all about some secret society controlling things from behind the scenes. I might be the Spider, the city’s most fearsome assassin, but all my Ice and Stone elemental magic hasn’t done me a lick of good in learning more about “the Circle”. Despite my continued investigations, the trail’s gone as cold as the coming winter.

So when Finnegan Lane, my foster brother, gets word of a surprising inheritance, we figure why not skip town for someplace less dangerous for a few days? That place: Bullet Pointe, a fancy hotel resort complex plus Old West theme park that Finn now owns lock, stock, and barrel. At first, all the struttin’ cowboys and sassy saloon girls are just hokey fun. But add in some shady coincidences and Circle assassins lurking all around, and vacationing becomes wilder—and deadlier—than any of us expected.

Good thing this assassin brought plenty of knives to the gunfight...

My rating: ★★★★★

Finn’s mother is gone for good, but my poor Finn is still feeling the after effects of his mother’s betrayal. Especially since he apparently inherited some western themed resort/amusement park? Can someone say vacation? Lol.

“Cowboy up, y’all. We’re going on a road trip.”

Review: Bitter Bite (Elemental Assassin #14) by Jennifer Estep

Title: Bitter Bite

Series: Elemental Assassin #14

Previous books in this series: Spider's Bite (#1) | Web of Lies (#2) | Venom (#3) | Tangled Threads (#4) | Spider's Revenge (#5) | By A Thread (#6) | Widow's Web (#7) | Deadly Sting (#8) | Heart of Venom (#9) | The Spider (#10) | Poison Promise (#11) | Black Widow (#12) | Spider's Trap (#13)

Short stories in this series: Poison (#0.1) | Web of Deceit (#0.2) | Spider's Bargain (#0.5) | Web of Death (#1.5) | Wasted (#2.7) | Tangled Dreams (#3.5) | Tangled Schemes (#3.7) | Spider’s Nemesis (#4.5) | Thread of Death (#5.5) | Carniepunk: Parlor Tricks (#8.1) | Kiss of Venom (#8.5)

Author: Jennifer Estep

Genre: Adult, urban fantasy

Publication date: February 2016

Published by: Pocket Books

Source: Purchased ebook

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Synopsis:

Which is stronger: blood ties or a battle-tested friendship?

It’s not easy being queen bee of an underworld abuzz with crooks and killers. Wielding my potent Ice and Stone elemental magic will only get me so far—my real secret is my tight-knit makeshift family, a motley crew of cops and criminals, dwarves and playboys. My foster brother Finnegan Lane is my right-hand man, but when his suddenly not-dead relative comes back into the picture, I’m the one on the outside looking in.

It’s funny how life works: one minute your best friend is rock-steady, and the next he’s doe-eyed and buying into this whole loving-relative routine to the point of ignoring you. I’d like to be happy for Finn, I really would. But all of my instincts are telling me that beneath the syrupy sweet demeanor and old-fashioned charm, this sudden interloper is planning something. The whole shtick leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. This person might have avoided the grave once, but I’ll put anyone who hurts Finn in the ground—for good.

My rating: ★★★★★
Just from reading the synopsis I knew this one was gonna be a tough one to go through. Salina levels tough. Finn’s not-so-dead mother is back in town and her intentions with Finn... well, they’re questionable at best. Gin is cautious around her, but my poor Finn is ecstatic as you can imagine. So yeah, reading this was difficult emotionally. Especially because I love Finn so much! But Gin always has his back—always watching out for her brother.

How do you go about rocking the foundation of his world to its very core? Changing everything he thought he knew about his parents? All that would have been bad enough if this was a stranger. But this was Finn. The guy I’d been raised with. The guy I had been through so much with. The man who was my brother in all the ways that truly mattered.

Review: Black Widow (Elemental Assassin #12) by Jennifer Estep

Title: Black Widow

Series: Elemental Assassin #12

Previous books in this series: Spider's Bite (#1) | Web of Lies (#2) | Venom (#3) | Tangled Threads (#4) | Spider's Revenge (#5) | By A Thread (#6) | Widow's Web (#7) | Deadly Sting (#8) | Heart of Venom (#9) | The Spider (#10) | Poison Promise (#11)

Short stories in this series: Poison (#0.1) | Web of Deceit (#0.2) | Spider's Bargain (#0.5) | Web of Death (#1.5) | Wasted (#2.7) | Tangled Dreams (#3.5) | Tangled Schemes (#3.7) | Spider’s Nemesis (#4.5) | Thread of Death (#5.5) | Carniepunk: Parlor Tricks (#8.1) | Kiss of Venom (#8.5)

Author: Jennifer Estep

Genre: Adult, urban fantasy

Publication date: November 2014

Published by: Pocket Books

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis:

There’s nothing worse than a cruel, cunning enemy with time to kill—and my murder to plan.

With wicked Fire elemental Mab Monroe long gone, you’d think I could finally catch a break. But someone’s always trying to take me down, either as Gin Blanco or my assassin alter-ago. Now along comes the Spider’s new arch-nemesis, the mysteriously named M. M. Monroe, who is gleefully working overtime to trap me in a sticky web of deceit.

The thing is, I’m not the only target. I can see through the tangled threads enough to know that every bit of bad luck my friends have been having lately is no accident—and that each unfortunate “coincidence” is just one more arrow drawing ever closer to hitting the real bulls-eye. Though new to Ashland, this M. M. Monroe is no stranger to irony, trying to get me, an assassin, framed for murder. Yet, as my enemy’s master plan is slowly revealed, I have a sinking feeling that it will take more than my powerful Ice and Stone magic to stop my whole life from going up in flames.

My rating: ★★★★★
When Gin killed the infamous Mab Monroe she thought all her problems would be over. Boy was she wrong. Because it turns out that Mab had a secret daughter, and said daughter has come to town to become the new queen of the Ashland Underworld... and you know, kill Gin along the way.

Review: Poison Promise (Elemental Assassin #11) by Jennifer Estep

Title: Poison Promise

Series: Elemental Assassin #11

Previous books in this series: Spider's Bite (#1) | Web of Lies (#2) | Venom (#3) | Tangled Threads (#4) | Spider's Revenge (#5) | By A Thread (#6) | Widow's Web (#7) | Deadly Sting (#8) | Heart of Venom (#9) | The Spider (#10)

Short stories in this series: Poison (#0.1) | Web of Deceit (#0.2) | Spider's Bargain (#0.5) | Web of Death (#1.5) | Wasted (#2.7) | Tangled Dreams (#3.5) | Tangled Schemes (#3.7) | Spider’s Nemesis (#4.5) | Thread of Death (#5.5) | Carniepunk: Parlor Tricks (#8.1) | Kiss of Venom (#8.5)

Author: Jennifer Estep

Genre: Adult, urban fantasy

Publication date: July 2014

Published by: Pocket Books

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis:

Gin Blanco is hard-nosed, sexy, and lethal. Nicknamed “The Spider,” she’s a stone elemental assassin who brings her unique mix of magic and tact to every assignment, no matter the target.

There’s a new drug on the streets of Ashland, and its name “Burn” sums up the potent effect it has on its users. When one of her restaurant employees is threatened by dealers of the drug, Gin steps in to set things straight...

My rating: ★★★★★
We finally get to meet M.M. Monroe!! And we thought the Monroe/Snow family feud was over... well, it’s not! This Monroe person isn’t the main villain in this book, but the seed was planted, and I am glad we finally got to meet this person we’ve been hearing so much about lately. This person is definite trouble for Gin, and I can’t wait to find out what’s in store for her, because I’m pretty sure it’s gonna get bad!

Review: The Spider (Elemental Assassin #10) by Jennifer Estep

Title: The Spider

Series: Elemental Assassin #10

Previous books in this series: Spider's Bite (#1) | Web of Lies (#2) | Venom (#3) | Tangled Threads (#4) | Spider's Revenge (#5) | By A Thread (#6) | Widow's Web (#7) | Deadly Sting (#8) | Heart of Venom (#9)

Short stories in this series: Poison (#0.1) | Web of Deceit (#0.2) | Spider's Bargain (#0.5) | Web of Death (#1.5) | Wasted (#2.7) | Tangled Dreams (#3.5) | Tangled Schemes (#3.7) | Spider’s Nemesis (#4.5) | Thread of Death (#5.5) | Carniepunk: Parlor Tricks (#8.1) | Kiss of Venom (#8.5)

Author: Jennifer Estep

Genre: Adult, urban fantasy

Publication date: December 2013

Published by: Pocket Books

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis:

How did I end up in a career where I always have blood on my hands? Well, let me tell you a story about an assassin who thought she could do no wrong...

Ten years ago. A blistering hot August night. I remember like it was yesterday. The night I, Gin Blanco, truly became the Spider. Killing people is what I do best, especially now that I’ve honed my Ice and Stone magic. But back then, I had yet to learn one very important rule: arrogance will get you, every single time.

This particular job seemed simple: murder a crooked building contractor with ties to ruthless Fire elemental Mab Monroe. My mentor, Fletcher Lane, had some misgivings, but I was certain that I had the situation under control... right up until I exposed my weaknesses to a merciless opponent who exploited every single one of them. There’s a reason assassins aren’t supposed to feel anything. Luckily, a knife to the heart can fix that problem, especially when I’m the one wielding it...

My rating: ★★★★☆
Even though The Spider is book 10 in the series, it’s actually sort of prequel, mostly taking place 10 years in the past. It does start off in the present as Gin tells Owen her story—the story of what really made Gin Blanco the Spider.

Killing someone was easy—getting away with it was what was truly challenging.

Review: Heart of Venom (Elemental Assassin #9) by Jennifer Estep

Title: Heart of Venom

Series: Elemental Assassin #9

Previous books in this series: Spider's Bite (#1) | Web of Lies (#2) | Venom (#3) | Tangled Threads (#4) | Spider's Revenge (#5) | By A Thread (#6) | Widow's Web (#7) | Deadly Sting (#8)

Short stories in this series: Poison (#0.1) | Web of Deceit (#0.2) | Spider's Bargain (#0.5) | Web of Death (#1.5) | Wasted (#2.7) | Tangled Dreams (#3.5) | Tangled Schemes (#3.7) | Spider’s Nemesis (#4.5) | Thread of Death (#5.5) | Carniepunk: Parlor Tricks (#8.1) | Kiss of Venom (#8.5)

Author: Jennifer Estep

Genre: Adult, urban fantasy

Publication date: August 2013

Published by: Pocket Books

Source: Library book

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Synopsis:

The hotly anticipated ninth novel in the hugely popular Elemental Assassin series finds Gin Blanco on a dangerous mission to rescue a friend.

When a terror from the past threatens Gin’s friend and body-disposer, Sophia, Gin will stop at nothing to protect her, even if it means walking straight into a killer’s trap. Meanwhile, the rocky romance between Gin and Owen reaches a turning point—can they reunite and rekindle their love? Or will the things Gin has been forced to do in her line of work as the deadly assassin the Spider keep them apart forever? Assuming, that is, she survives long enough to find out...

My rating: ★★★★★
Gin is at Jo-Jo’s hanging out, having a girls day and trying to relax...

I held up my hand. Jo-Jo had painted my short nails a deep, dark red that was definitely my color. If nothing else, it would help hide the blood that was sure to get on my hands the next time some idiot tried to murder me.

Review: Kiss of Venom (Elemental Assassin #8.5) by Jennifer Estep

Title: Kiss of Venom

Series: Elemental Assassin #8.5

Previous books in this series: Spider's Bite (#1) | Web of Lies (#2) | Venom (#3) | Tangled Threads (#4) | Spider's Revenge (#5) | By A Thread (#6) | Widow's Web (#7) | Deadly Sting (#8)

Short stories in this series: Poison (#0.1) | Web of Deceit (#0.2) | Spider's Bargain (#0.5) | Web of Death (#1.5) | Wasted (#2.7) | Tangled Dreams (#3.5) | Tangled Schemes (#3.7) | Spider’s Nemesis (#4.5) | Thread of Death (#5.5) | Carniepunk: Parlor Tricks (#8.1)

Author: Jennifer Estep

Genre: Adult, urban fantasy

Publication date: July 2013

Published by: Pocket Books

Source: Library book

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Synopsis:

The New York Times bestselling Elemental Assassin series continues with a new e-novella—from the hero’s point of view! Owen Grayson is bound and determined to get Gin back...if her enemies don’t get her first.

When you have a history of dating an assassin, a night out on the town can turn deadly—fast. Owen Grayson is still wracked with guilt over the end of his love affair with Gin Blanco, and there aren’t enough gin and tonics in all of Ashland to ease his heartache. But when Gin happens to show up at the same nightclub, he isn’t the only one hoping to get her alone. Some shadowy figures will do anything to take down the Spider, Gin’s assassin alter ego, and Owen will do anything to protect her. This could be the way to win her back, or at least give her a night off from fighting for her life—if Owen can survive...

My rating: ★★★★★
This short story is told in Owen’s POV and it was amazing! Owen and Phillip go to hang out at Northern Aggression—just a guys night out of fun. I was so glad to see that they’re friends again. It was just nice to see them together and working on rebuilding their friendship. But then Gin show’s up and Owen starts reminiscing about things that happened with Salina. He so obviously misses Gin, but they still have not worked through their issues entirely. And I’m over here like, “Just get back together with her already!” Lol. I really do love them together and it’s very frustrating seeing how much they’re both hurting.

Review - Carniepunk: Parlor Tricks (Elemental Assassin #8.1) by Jennifer Estep

Title: Carniepunk: Parlor Tricks

Series: Elemental Assassin #8.1

Previous books in this series: Spider's Bite (#1) | Web of Lies (#2) | Venom (#3) | Tangled Threads (#4) | Spider's Revenge (#5) | By A Thread (#6) | Widow's Web (#7) | Deadly Sting (#8)

Short stories in this series: Poison (#0.1) | Web of Deceit (#0.2) | Spider's Bargain (#0.5) | Web of Death (#1.5) | Wasted (#2.7) | Tangled Dreams (#3.5) | Tangled Schemes (#3.7) | Spider’s Nemesis (#4.5) | Thread of Death (#5.5)

Author: Jennifer Estep

Genre: Adult, urban fantasy

Publication date: June 2013

Published by: Pocket Star

Source: Library book

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Synopsis:

Come one! Come all! Witness Gin Blanco—aka the Elemental Assassin, aka the Spider—go toe to toe against the Esmerelda the Amazing's Wheel of Death and some dangerously creepy clowns! Only at The Carnival of Wondrous Wonders!

A free story from the forthcoming Carniepunk urban fantasy anthology starring bestselling authors Rachel Caine, Jennifer Estep, Kevin Hearne, Seanan McGuire, and Rob Thurman, and also includes Delilah S. Dawson, Kelly Gay, Mark Henry, Hillary Jacques, Jackie Kessler, Kelly Meding, Allison Pang, Nicole D. Peeler, and Jaye Wells. Samples of all fourteen tales are included to tantalize and to tease. Come to the Carniepunk midway and explore the creepy, mysterious, magical world of traveling carnivals today!

My rating: ★★★★☆
Gin is helping her baby sister Bria out on a case of a missing girl. This leads them to a traveling carnival, one that is quite strange and filled with even stranger people. And this missing girl might not be the only one who’s gone missing around this particular carnival. Gin's not a fan of this carnival, for more than one reason...

Review: Deadly Sting (Elemental Assassin #8) by Jennifer Estep

Title: Deadly Sting

Series: Elemental Assassin #8

Previous books in this series: Spider's Bite (#1) | Web of Lies (#2) | Venom (#3) | Tangled Threads (#4) | Spider's Revenge (#5) | By A Thread (#6) | Widow's Web (#7)

Short stories in this series: Poison (#0.1) | Web of Deceit (#0.2) | Spider's Bargain (#0.5) | Web of Death (#1.5) | Wasted (#2.7) | Tangled Dreams (#3.5) | Tangled Schemes (#3.7) | Spider’s Nemesis (#4.5) | Thread of Death (#5.5)

Author: Jennifer Estep

Genre: Adult, urban fantasy

Publication date: March 2013

Published by: Pocket Books

Source: Library book

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Synopsis:

Red is definitely my color. Good thing, because in my line of work, I end up wearing it a lot.

Most people shy away from blood, but for an assassin like me— Gin Blanco, aka the Spider—it’s just part of the job. Still, it would be nice to get a night off, especially when I’m attending the biggest gala event of the summer at Briartop, Ashland’s fanciest art museum. But it’s just not meant to be. For this exhibition of my late nemesis’s priceless possessions is not only the place to be seen, but the place to be robbed and taken hostage at gunpoint as well. No sooner did I get my champagne than a bunch of the unluckiest thieves ever burst into the museum and started looting the place.

Unlucky why? Because I brought along a couple of knives in addition to my killer dress. Add these to my Ice and Stone magic, and nothing makes me happier than showing the bad guys why red really is my color

My rating: ★★★★★
In this installment of Elemental Assassin, Gin goes to this gala to check out all of Mab Monroe’s stuff being put on display. Not willingly, mind you. Finn begs her to come with him, and Gin being the awesome sister that she is, agrees to go with him. What she doesn’t expect is to run into trouble at the museum. This poor assassin just can’t catch a break. But too bad for the thieves that decided to hold up the museum, because they just messed with the wrong assassin. The Spider.

Review: Widow's Web (Elemental Assassin #7) by Jennifer Estep

Title: Widow's Web

Series: Elemental Assassin #7

Previous books in this series: Spider's Bite (#1) | Web of Lies (#2) | Venom (#3) | Tangled Threads (#4) | Spider's Revenge (#5) | By A Thread (#6)

Short stories in this series: Poison (#0.1) | Web of Deceit (#0.2) | Spider's Bargain (#0.5) | Web of Death (#1.5) | Wasted (#2.7) | Tangled Dreams (#3.5) | Tangled Schemes (#3.7) | Spider’s Nemesis (#4.5) | Thread of Death (#5.5)

Author: Jennifer Estep

Genre: Adult, urban fantasy

Publication date: August 2012

Published by: Pocket Books

Source: Own paperback

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Synopsis:

I used to murder people for money, but lately it’s become more of a survival technique.

Once an assassin, always an assassin. So much for being plain old Gin Blanco. With every lowlife in Ashland gunning for me, I don’t need another problem, but a new one has come to town anyway. Salina might seem like a sweet Southern belle, but she’s really a dangerous enemy whose water elemental magic can go head-to-head with my own Ice and Stone power. Salina also has an intimate history with my lover, Owen Grayson, and now that she’s back, she thinks he’s hers for the taking. Salina’s playing a mysterious game that involves a shady local casino owner with a surprising connection to Owen. But they call me the Spider for a reason. I’m going to untangle her deadly scheme, even if it leaves my love affair hanging by a thread.

My rating: ★★★★★
Owen’s old flame, Salina, is back to not only wreak havoc in town, but also in Gin and Owen’s relationship. I loved this book, but it seriously broke my heart.

Review: By a Thread (Elemental Assassin #6) by Jennifer Estep

Title: By a Thread

Series: Elemental Assassin #6

Previous books in this series: Spider's Bite (#1) | Web of Lies (#2) | Venom (#3) | Tangled Threads (#4) | Spider's Revenge (#5)

Short stories in this series: Poison (#0.1) | Web of Deceit (#0.2) | Spider's Bargain (#0.5) | Web of Death (#1.5) | Wasted (#2.7) | Tangled Dreams (#3.5) | Tangled Schemes (#3.7) | Spider’s Nemesis (#4.5) | Thread of Death (#5.5)

Author: Jennifer Estep

Genre: Adult, urban fantasy

Publication date: February 2012

Published by: Pocket Books

Source: Own paperback

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Synopsis:

When killing people is your job, there's no such thing as a vacation.

Then again, how often does an assassin live long enough to enjoy her retirement? In this line of work, you either get lucky or you get dead. And since I destroyed my nemesis Mab Monroe a few weeks ago, all of Ashland's lowlifes are gunning to make a name for themselves by taking out the lethal Spider—me, Gin Blanco. So I'm leaving behind my beloved barbecue joint and heading south with my baby sister, Bria, to cool my heels in a swanky beach town. Call it a weekend of fun in the sun. But when a powerful vampire with deadly elemental magic threatens an old friend of Bria's, it looks like I'll have to dig my silverstone knives out of my suitcase after all. Complicating matters further is the reappearance of Detective Donovan Caine, my old lover. But Donovan is the least of my problems. Because this time, the danger is hot on my trail, and not even my elemental Ice and Stone magic may be enough to save me from getting buried in the sand—permanently.

My rating: ★★★★★
Gin and Bria go off on vacation to the town where Bria grew up, but poor girls can’t catch a break from trouble. Bria’s best friend is in trouble so, of course, Gin lends her brand of help against the awful vampire that is tormenting Bria’s friend Callie. Looks like there’s no such thing as a vacation for this assassin.

Review: Broken Date by R.L. Stine

Title: Broken Date

Author: R.L. Stine

Genre: YA, horror, mystery thriller

Publication date: October 1991

Published by: Pocket Books

Source: Owned paperback

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Synopsis:

Jamie and Tom have been going out since junior high. They are planning to graduate from high school and attend college together. Everything's perfect until Tom breaks a date--and all the horror begins. What has happened to Tom? To Jamie's horror, the boy she loves is stalking her and making threats. Now, there's nowhere Jamie can hide.

My rating: ★★☆☆☆
Oh, this book... not one of R.L. Stine’s best, I’m afraid.

This is gonna be hard review to do because pretty much everything I have to say is spoiler-y, so here we go. Lol.

Basically, Jamie is at the mall one day with her best friend, when she witnesses a robbery and murder. She freaks out because she thinks the guy might have been her boyfriend Tom. But this idiot wasn’t wearing her glasses, but she’s pretty sure it was him.

Review: Broken Hearts (Fear Street Super Chiller #4) by R.L. Stine

Title: Broken Hearts

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

Author: R.L. Stine

Genre: YA, horror, mystery thriller

Publication date: February 1993

Published by: Archway/Simon Pulse

Source: Own paperback

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Synopsis:

Roses are red, corpses are blue. On Valentine’s Day, you’ll die too!

There’s someone out there, someone who kills on Valentine’s Day. Josie and Melissa are scared—especially when they receive threatening valentines. Then the murders begin. Who is sending these horrible valentines to the girls of Shadyside High? And who will be the next to die?

My rating: ★★★★☆

Valentine's Day can be killer.

Melissa and the McClains (Josie, Rachel, and Erica) live right across the street from each other and that is how they became friends. But things change after Rachel’s accident. Josie basically becomes Reva from Silent Night. She seriously rivaled her at times. But in the end Josie, wasn’t as cruel as Reva, so I’ll give her that. But that definitely doesn’t excuse how she treated Erica and Melissa. She was so inconsiderate, especially toward her younger sister Erica.

Review: Thread of Death (Elemental Assassin #5.5) by Jennifer Estep

Title: Thread of Death

Series: Elemental Assassin #5.5

Previous short stories in this series: Poison (#0.1) | Web of Deceit (#0.2) | Spider's Bargain (#0.5) | Web of Death (#1.5) | Wasted (#2.7) | Tangled Dreams (#3.5) | Tangled Schemes (#3.7) | Spider’s Nemesis (#4.5)

Previous books in this series: Spider's Bite (#1) | Web of Lies (#2) | Venom (#3) | Tangled Threads (#4) | Spider's Revenge (#5)

Author: Jennifer Estep

Genre: Adult, urban fantasy

Publication date: January 2012

Published by: Pocket Books

Source: Borrowed from library

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Synopsis:

Gin Blanco, aka the assassin the Spider, might have finally killed her nemesis, Mab Monroe, but that doesn't mean that it's smooth sailing. Gin goes to Mab's funeral to say her goodbyes and runs into some of Ashland's most notorious underworld power players, including Jonah McAllister and Phillip Kincaid. McAllister wants her dead, and Kincaid has his own murky motives when it comes to the Spider, and Gin once again finds herself fighting for her life. Only this time, she might wind up in the cemetery right next to Mab.

My rating: ★★★★☆
Thread of Death takes place just after book five, Spider’s Revenge, so there will obviously be spoilers for that book.

One thing I liked about this novella is that not only was it in Gin’s POV, but it also alternated between different bad guys, Mab’s former associates, if you will. It was pretty cool getting these perspectives.

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

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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: 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

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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: The Dead Lifeguard (Fear Street Super Chiller #6) by R.L. Stine

Title: The Dead Lifeguard

Series: Fear Street Super Chiller #6 (Can be read as a standalone)

Author: R.L. Stine

Genre: YA, mystery thriller, horror

Publication date: June 1991

Published by: Pocket Books/Simon Pulse

Source: Own paperback

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Synopsis:

In too deep...

The lifeguards at North Beach Country Club know they’re lucky. While other kids are flipping burgers, they’re sunning themselves by day and partying by night. So what if some people say the place is cursed, haunted. This is the life!

And then, one by one, the lifeguards start to die horrible deaths. Someone—or something—evil is stalking them. They all know how to save other people’s lives... but who will save theirs?

My rating: ★★★★☆

No one can save her now.

Lindsay is back at North Beach Country Club for another year of lifeguarding. But someone is killing off the lifeguards—is it one of them? And weird things are happening to Lindsey on top of this. Is the place haunted? Are there ghosts here? Is she the ghost?! OMG!

Review: Spider’s Revenge (Elemental Assassin #5) by Jennifer Estep

Title: Spider’s Revenge

Series: Elemental Assassin #5

Previous books in this series: Spider's Bite (#1) | Web of Lies (#2) | Venom (#3) | Tangled Threads (#4)

Short stories in this series: Poison (#0.1) | Web of Deceit (#0.2) | Spider's Bargain (#0.5) | Web of Death (#1.5) | Wasted (#2.7) | Tangled Dreams (#3.5) | Tangled Schemes (#3.7) | Spider’s Nemesis (#4.5)

Author: Jennifer Estep

Genre: Adult, urban fantasy

Publication date: September 2011

Published by: Pocket Books

Source: Library book

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Synopsis:

Old habits die hard for assassins.

And I plan on murdering someone before the night is through.

Killing used to be my regular gig, after all. Gin Blanco, aka the Spider, assassin-for-hire. And I was very, very good at it. Now, I’m ready to make the one hit that truly matters: Mab Monroe, the dangerous Fire elemental who murdered my family when I was thirteen. Oh, I don’t think the mission will be easy, but turns out it’s a bit more problematic than expected. The bitch knows I’m coming for her. So now I’m up against the army of lethal bounty hunters Mab hired to track me down. She also put a price on my baby sister’s head. Keeping Bria safe is my first priority. Taking Mab out is a close second. Good thing I’ve got my powerful Ice and Stone magic—and my irresistible lover, Owen Grayson—to watch my back. This battle has been years in the making, and there’s a good chance I won’t survive. But if I’m going down, then Mab’s coming with me . . . no matter what I have to do to make that happen.

My rating: ★★★★★
Finally, the fight we've all been waiting for: The Spider vs Mab Monroe!