Books Read in 2024

THE LOVER:

Silvia Moreno-Garcia

THE TIGER CAME TO THE MOUNTAINS:

Silvia Moreno-Garcia

HER HEART BEATS FOR ANCIENT BEASTS:

Calvin Demmer

OPEN HOUSE:

Nico Bell

BLACK VAULT:

Alma Katsu

MANDY:

Stephanie Sparks

THROUGH THE BLUR:

Yolanda Sfetsos

HELENA:

Claire L. Smith

TRUE CRIME:

Samantha Kolesnik

BLEEDING INTO NEW WORLDS:

Sarah Jane Huntington

PIRANESI (DNF):

Susanna Clarke

BARREN COVE:

Ariel S. Winter

THE CRANE HUSBAND:

Kelly Barnhill

IN EXCESS OF DARK:

Red Lagoe

WINGS OF SORROW:

Yolanda Sfetsos

GOBLIN MONDAY

(Goosebumps House of Shivers #2):

R.L. Stine

THE FIRST EVIL

(Fear Street Cheerleaders #1):

R.L. Stine

THE PROM QUEEN

(Fear Street #15):

R.L. Stine

BLUEBEARD'S CASTLE:

Anna Biller

CHOPPING SPREE:

Angela Sylvaine

BURY THE CHILD:

L.C. Marino

DAISY JONES & THE SIX:

Taylor Jenkins Reid

WOMAN, EATING:

Claire Kohda

THE IDEA OF YOU:

Robinne Lee

THE WICKED UNSEEN:

Gigi Griffis

MY ROOMMATE IS A VAMPIRE:

Jenna Levine

THE FIRST HORROR

(99 Fear Street: The House of Evil Trilogy #1):

R.L. Stine

SHORT SCARES

Two Sentence Horrors Anthology:

edited by Lauren Carter

YOU LIKE IT DARKER:

Stephen King

EARTHLINGS:

Sayaka Murata

NIGHTBITCH (DNF):

Rachel Yoder

COUNTDOWN TO OBLIVION:

Brian Bowyer

VERITY:

Colleen Hoover

A CERTAIN HUNGER (DNF):

Chelsea G. Summers

RED:

Daniel Lorn

INSOMNIA:

Sarah Pinborough

THREADS OF ASH: SOUTH

(The Frayed Kingdom #1):

S.H. Cooper

POOR UNFORTUNATE SOUL (DNF):

(Disney Villains #3):

Serena Valentino

MISTRESS OF ALL EVIL

(Disney Villains #4):

Serena Valentino

BEAUTY & THE BEAST

(Usborne Peek Inside a Fairy Tale):

Anna Milbourne

LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD

(Usborne Peek Inside a Fairy Tale):

Anna Milbourne

SLEEPING BEAUTY

(Usborne Peek Inside a Fairy Tale):

Anna Milbourne

NUMB:

Yolanda Sfetsos

THE RACK

Stories Inspired by Vintage Horror Paperbacks:

edited by Tom Deady

ONLY DARKNESS:

Yolanda Sfetsos

BLACKOUT

Micropoetry:

Brian Bowyer

NANA:

Mark Towse

STATIC:

Stacey L. Pierson

LADY MACBETH:

Ava Reid

SWEETPEA:

C.J. Skuse

SOXORCIST II:

Jamie Kort

REALITY BUT MORE FUN:

Madeleine Swann

CASTLE OF THE CURSED:

Romina Garber

SALLY'S LAMENT:

Mari Mancusi l

DIAVOLA:

Jennifer Marie Thorne

NOW OR NEVER

(Stephanie Plum #31):

Janet Evanovich

TROG:

Zachary Ashford

MELANCHOLY DELUSIONS:

Yolanda Sfetsos

REAP, SOW:

S.H. Cooper

Books Read in 2024: 55/52

(DNF books: 4)

________________________

Number of series/duology/trilogy books read: 13

1. GOBLIN MONDAY (Goosebumps House of Shivers #2)
2. THE FIRST EVIL (Fear Street Cheerleaders #1)
3. THE PROM QUEEN (Fear Street #15)
4. THE FIRST HORROR (99 Fear Street: The House of Evil Trilogy #1)
5. THREADS OF ASH: SOUTH (The Frayed Kingdom #1)
6. POOR UNFORTUNATE SOUL (Disney Villains #3)
7. MISTRESS OF ALL EVIL (Disney Villains #4)
8. BEAUTY & THE BEAST (Usborne Peek Inside a Fairy Tale):
9. LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD (Usborne Peek Inside a Fairy Tale)
10. SLEEPING BEAUTY (Usborne Peek Inside a Fairy Tale)
11. SWEETPEA (Sweetpea #1)
12. SOXORCIST II
13. NOW OR NEVER (Stephanie Plum #31)

My 2024 Reading Goal: 52 books

REAP, SOW by S.H. Cooper

Reap, Sow by S.H. Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This week, I got the chance to read an ARC of this awesome novelette, and I was hooked instantly.

When Lucky finds herself inside a long corridor with closed doors that have no handles and faceless people who hunt her down, she doesn't know what's going on. But as her family members start showing up, the past returns with a vengeance...

Wow. This story is as dark as it is fantastic. I enjoyed every minute of it and loved how the mystery started to unravel. It's raw and tragic, full of heartbreak and the worst kind of betrayal. It's about the worst choices we make and how easily they can ruin our lives and chase us forever.

Loved it!!


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SOXORCIST II by Jamie Kort

Soxorcist II by Jamie Kort
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Well, I have to start by thanking the author for sending me a copy of this depraved slice of horror. It's the fourth erotic sock puppet story I've read, and it's certainly turning into Jamie Kort's subgenre. 🧦🪡

Anyway, here are my thoughts:

The Soxorcist needs help. She's sick and something is stirring inside her stomach, but what she finds is a terrifying nightmare worse than her memories...

O.M.F.G. The stories in this series might be short but require a lot of brain bleach. That doesn't ultimately work because the dark and gross imagery weaves its way so deep that the filth seeps too fast to stop.

In usual fashion, this story is as weird as fuck. Bizarre in too many ways to list without spoilers. Also very addictive. The writing is engaging and I didn't stop reading until I reached that very violent and disturbing end because I always want to know how it's going to end.

I also really like the addition of Sam the Raven.

If you enjoy being grossed out, but at the same time, intrigued by a storyline so strange that you're sucked right in... then definitely check this out. You won't regret it. Or maybe you will. 😅

 

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IN EXCESS OF DARK by Red Lagoe

In Excess of Dark by Red Lagoe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I've been looking forward to reading this novella for a while, and thanks to Red I got a chance to experience the darkness that is this brilliant story.

Karina is still dealing with the death of her father when she heads to the mountains for some family fun with her husband and teenage son. But life has a way of making her most dreaded thoughts a reality...

Wow. This is an intense story. It's also very sad and quite unsettling. The vivid, macabre imagery is as disturbing as the psychological situations Karina finds herself in. A lot of what happens is presented in a way that makes the reader question if everything she's seeing and experiencing is actually really happening. Or is everything just the delusions of a grieving woman who blames herself for all the awful things in her life?

I found this novella to be very emotional. A fever dream that you don't wake up from because things never stop coming. Karina deals with a lot, and that ending is... Yikes!

Yeah, this is an awesome and quite gruesome story. Loved it!

 

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HER HEART BEATS FOR ANCIENT BEASTS by Calvin Demmer

Ancient beings, merciless monsters, unearthly creatures, and other beasts roam these pages.

A short story collection.

When the author of this short story collection reached out, I was excited about reading his latest selection of short stories because I've enjoyed the other ones Calvin has released.

Here are my thoughts on each story...

HIGHWAY HUNGER: I really enjoyed this one. There's some great imagery and Dudley Ellington is a flawed but likeable main character.

NEVER SLEEP AGAIN: Reginald Barton is a retired cop facing a freaky case all over again. It's also my favourite story in this collection. LOVED how the creepy sense of dread is strong all the way through. Fantastic.

ANOTHER WARRIOR IN PARADISE: Senghor's story is all about blind faith and how sometimes it's best not to prove yourself.

HER HEART BEATS FOR ANCIENT BEASTS: Officer Rupert finds himself in the middle of a very strange situation that takes the reader into a bizarre mystery set in a vivid location. This is a great example of why I enjoy small-time horror so much.

THE RIVER RAN RED: Asani's story about rituals serves a purpose but doesn't hold many surprises. The descriptions were lovely, though.

KARMA: This is a clever cautionary tale about what we're doing to our precious planet told from Doctor Charles Carrington's POV after he crosses paths with a heavily injured woman. Some stunning imagery in this narrative. 

SHAPES IN THE WATER: A story about two brothers, a wormhole, a strange place, and a very freaky ending. Really liked that ending!

THE THRONE OF SPACE AND TIME: The format in this one is a little different. The tale unravels via a very interesting letter written by a historian called Phillip Murdoch.

FORBIDDEN FRUIT: All I'm going to say about Todd and Dan is that sometimes, you get what's coming to you. Lots of lovely imagery in this one too.

THE DESTROYER: A story of Egyptian mythology proportions.

Well, there you have it. This turned out to be quite an interesting collection of eclectic short stories and each tackles some kind of moral or commentary about our world and the way people relate, treat or act around their surroundings.

Every story featured many interesting characters. Some that I really liked, others not so much. I enjoyed some more than others, but every single story is well written.

You should definitely check out this short story collection with an awesome cover. Seriously, love that cover!

Her Heart Beats for Ancient Beings will be released in March 2024 for pre-order.

KOSA by John Durgin

Kosa by John Durgin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was lucky enough to get my hands on an ARC of this upcoming DarkLit Press title, and I'm so glad I did because it's a darkly addictive read.

Kosa lives with Mother in a secluded house in the middle of the forest. She doesn't know anything about the outside world and is forced to follow the rigid rules Mother sets out for her. Rules the cats enforce. But as she gets older and her curiosity about what's really going on intensifies, her troubled life becomes a lot more complicated...

Wow. As soon as I started reading this book, I knew it was a story that was bound to keep me interested from start to finish. And I wasn't wrong. I couldn't put it down.

The story starts with the unfortunate fool who sets everything in motion, takes you on a freaky dark ride, and doesn't stop until the very last word.

I absolutely loved this twisted fairy tale horror novel. It's what nightmares are made of. A terrific mix of familiar childhood stories with a wicked violent slant that rips your heart out over and over again.

It's wondrous and imaginative. Terrifying and gruesome. A supernatural ride in the middle of our mundane world.

Kosa packs an emotional punch because all the characters you meet are interesting and doomed. Sympathetic and intriguing. Except for the evil at the root of everything. That particular character is bound to torment you.

You should definitely read it! 😈


P.S. Kristina did it again because this cover isn't just horrifying, it also perfectly matches the story.

 

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WHAT HIDES IN THE CUPBOARDS by Cassondra Windwalker

Following a traumatic accident, ceramic artist Hesper Dunn trades life in Chicago for the enchanted deserts of New Mexico. But not all is quaint, and it’s far from what it seems. There’s a mystery buried deep in the heart of her new home.

Love, guilt, and grief demand that Hesper remain within the haunted pueblo. To free herself, she must free the trapped spirits…but the creatures lurking in the shadows are not what they appear. Hesper dares to wade through the murky fog of tragedy to uncover the truth. A truth that will be harder to handle than she ever dared imagine.

 

The author of this book reached out to me, and I'm glad she did because I enjoyed this immensely. I mean, look at that cover!

Hesper Dunn is a ceramic artist who leaves the city behind to live in the desert after a tragic accident that left her physically and emotionally hurt. But this hacienda in the middle of nowhere isn't the gift she expected it to be. Not after she finds the strange portraits, and starts seeing strange things inside the house that was supposed to save her. Not condemn her...

This is such a great story! The desert location and Hesper's state of mind certainly amped up the creepiness from the very start. And as soon as the portraits hidden inside the cabinets make an appearance, everything gets a whole lot darker.

I love how art and creations are used to amplify the trauma Hesper is suffering. How she starts out so willing to devote her time to making ceramic pieces as well as learning new ways of producing her art. She's even keen on getting her foot in the door of the many galleries in Santa Fe. But as the truth starts to unravel, her real state of mind shadows all of her good intentions.

That's when the dread takes over, and this book takes an expected and horrifying turn.

What Hides in the Cupboards is an atmospheric fever dream with a real sense of location. It twists everything that's presented as familiar, until the reader is as lost as Hesper. A sense of unease worms its way onto every page, slowly revealing what lies beneath the surface.

I really enjoyed this haunting tale!

What Hides in the Cupboards will be released in January 2024 from Unnerving Books and is now available for pre-order.

THE SOXORCIST by Jamie Kort

 

The Soxorcist by Jamie Kort
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the third sock puppet story I've read, and I certainly hope it won't be the last.

The Soxorcist has come to a dark attic in the dead of night to save the soul of an innocent sock. And he's willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done...

Yikes! OMFG. This is a short tale but it packs quite the punch. It's depraved. It's gross. It's violent. It's also weird as fuck. The imagery alone is guaranteed to fill your brain with filth, and not even bleach will get that stain out.

Yet, I couldn't stop reading. Didn't want to stop because I needed to find out how this brutal ordeal was going to end. And it didn't disappoint. 😳

The writing is engaging. The subject matter delves deep into such bizarre places, that you end up getting dragged into the very depths of hell inside this dusty attic that holds more than one innocent victim. And so many terrible secrets.

If you want to be grossed out, check this out. If you want to read something so original you can't look away, check this out. Hell, if you enjoy odd, but unique stories from unexpected perspectives, then definitely read this!

No one tells bizarro erotic sock tales like Jamie Kort. He created this subgenre and rules supreme. 🧦🪡


PS. I love Sophie Ingley's cover, and it was cool to check out the other entries.


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THIS ONE'S GONNA HURT by Cody J. Thompson

 

This One's Gonna Hurt by Cody J. Thompson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Well, that was quite the blood-soaked ride! Also, if you're squeamish, you definitely need to know that this book needs all the trigger warnings.

Halloran Summit Road is a desolate area located at the end of a random off-ramp along the freeway in the California desert. A place to rest while you charge your electric car. Somewhere for five friends to take a detour while on their way to a music festival in Las Vegas...

You know, I just realised I made that sound like a nice place to visit, a pleasant tourist spot to take your family. But it totally isn't. This location might appear vacant, but houses an evil maniac who preys on anyone who makes the mistake of stopping there.

After all, he needs to meet his supply and demand quota. 😳

From the very beginning, this story is violent and packs quite the gruesome punch. Introduces unsuspecting characters you get to like before they face down the danger lurking behind the trailers.

It's quite shocking, fast-paced, and when the secret is revealed, sure to make you extra queasy. And that's before I mention the gory descriptions, the vivid sense of location, and that messed-up ending.

I mean, yikes!!

I really enjoyed this. There's definitely some The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, with a mix of Wrong Turn, and plenty of carnage to keep any slasher fan hooked.

But please, whatever you do, stay away from the Herkey Jerky. 😬

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LINGHUN by Ai Jiang

WELCOME HOME.

Follow Wenqi, Liam, and Mrs. in this modern gothic ghost story by Chinese-Canadian writer and immigrant, Ai Jiang. LINGHUN is set in the mysterious town of HOME, a place where the dead live again as spirits, conjured by the grief-sick population that refuses to let go.

I would like to thank the author for sending me a review copy of this very unique novella.

Wenqi's family have moved into HOME because her parents want to reconnect with the ghost of their dead son. But she doesn't want to be there and is constantly at odds with her obsessed mother. When she meets the mysterious Liam, she thinks they're forming a real friendship but he might have nefarious plans of his own...

Linghun is such a haunting and peculiar story that grabbed my attention instantly. Not only does it focus on the effect that loss has on people, but also introduces a very strange and wondrous place where families can move into certain houses in hopes of enticing the spirits of their dead partners, offspring or relatives to return.

The atmosphere in HOME is as surreal as it is dark. The mysterious vibes are creepy and the way this place works is intriguing. Not only are spirits encouraged to come home, but there are also humans called lingerers who live in frontyards and waste their lives away while waiting for a house. 

And auction days are absolutely terrifying. Yikes. 😳

I really enjoyed this disquieting tale about a young girl who has been forgotten and lives in the shadow of her dead brother. It's heartbreaking to see how her mother ignores and resents her, only focuses on the child she lost without sparing a thought for the one who's actually there.

Several other interesting characters, like Mrs. and Liam fill the pages of this novella. Both tie into Wenqui's story and in their own way, add an extra layer of sadness.

I think this is a great exploration of how life, death, grief, hope, and love shape our world. It's also a haunting and melancholy ghost story with just the right amount of horror.

Linghun is now available from Dark Matter INK.

A PUPPET SCORNED by Jamie Kort

Camille and Brad are sock-puppets that live in a dusty old attic. They fill their days by exploring the storage boxes in their small world. One day they find yarn and needles and they create something that causes a nightmarish series of events to unfold... and Brad has been hiding something from Camille... a terrible secret that might destroy them!

 

Okay, I have to admit that when I saw the review request email this morning, I thought this was a joke. I mean, the words sock puppets and erotic are rarely mentioned in the same sentence. 😅

After looking it up on GR and showing my husband, he said I should definitely get a copy. And he was right, of course, because I was intrigued. 

Camille is a beautiful sock and she's in love with the equally beautiful sock, Brad. They live an adventurous life together inside a dusty attic, but the day Brad finds a pair of knitting needles, Camille is introduced to an unexpected world of bliss, betrayal and responsibility...

Yikes. What can I say about this story? It's short and I read it in one sitting, which was a good thing because once I started I couldn't stop.

I was so pleasantly surprised by this haunting horror tale of undying, obsessive love, and how it warps Camille's mind until she hatches one dark plan after another to get her lover back. She's tenacious and resourceful, imaginative and actually ends up showing quite a bit of kindness towards the monsters.

Don't get me wrong, this story is TOTALLY messed up. But it's also clever, funny and full of sewing/knitting/fabric puns that cracked me up.

I'll never think about knitting sessions the same way again. I really enjoyed this very strange and dark little tale. 🧦🪡

I have to thank the author for sending me a copy.

You can grab your own eBook copy right now!

Random Reading Thoughts

Hey, how are you today?

It's been a while since I posted anything, so I thought I might talk about the recent change in my reading habits.

For the first time in years, I don't have any ARCs or review books left on my TBR pile.

This might not sound like a big thing but for the last ten years, I've been reviewing books for several publishers. And because of that, I kept pushing review books to the top of my TBR pile.

Getting the chance to read books before they're released is an amazing opportunity and I loved doing it. The downside is that all my other books took a backseat. I mean, there's only so many hours in the day. 😵

Being a HUGE reader and a bibliophile means that I buy books all the time. A LOT OF BOOKS. From online stores, bookstores, Kindle store, Kobo store and a variety of thrift stores. And I buy them because I want to read them, but I kept running out of time.

Now, I find myself in a strange--yet freeing--place. I can finally read whatever I want, whenever I want. And I've been taking full advantage of this. I'm digging back into my Paperwhite and starting to go through my many thrift store finds. And it's GREAT!

Another unexpected thing is that I'm also more relaxed about when I read. As well as not feeling as bad about DNFing books. 

Maybe now I'll also get the chance to catch up on my fave series and finish off the ones that are complete.

BUT, don't get me wrong. This doesn't mean I won't review books for authors and publishers in the future. Of course I will. It just means that I won't be as swamped as I was before.

Happy reading! 😁📚

MONEY SHOT by Christa Faust

Money Shot by Christa Faust

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a book I've had my eye on for a while, so I was really excited when it was included in the Hard Case Crime Humble Bundle.

Angel Dare is a former porn star with an attitude and a self-critical eye. She also runs her own agency, taking care of younger girls in the industry. The day one of her oldest friends asks her to make one last movie with the hottest male adult star at the moment, she reluctantly agrees.

But when she gets to the location, Angel finds herself in a bad situation. One that nearly gets her killed, and forces her to become a fugitive...

Wow. This book really kicks you where it hurts. It's raw and gritty, violent and fast. It's also full of awful untrustworthy characters with vile intentions.

Angel is not one of those. I loved her attitude! Enjoyed the hell out of spending time with her as she goes from almost-dead to determined to get revenge, before becoming a total kick-ass vigilante.

The way she presents the hardcore and often ugly world of adult entertainment is interesting. When she finds herself falling down the disgusting world of sex trafficking and slaves, things get uncomfortable. The deeper she digs while trying to find out who tried to kill her and why, the darker things get.

And that's another awesome thing I liked about this story. Angel wants revenge, and when she gets the chance she doesn't back down. She doesn't chicken out, follows through with her plan and is quite creative with her actions.

Faust's writing style was very cool. Angel's voice is clear, intriguing and provided such a riveting story that when I got to the end, I wanted there to be more.

This is a great action-packed book that at times made me feel dirty and appalled, but kept me glued all the way through. It's too bad about Malloy, I liked him because he was handy.

I really need to read the next one.

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Reading 2019

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

2019 is here and that means setting a new Reading Challenge over at Goodreads:

I've once again set myself the goal of reading 100 books. This total will include novels, novellas, short story collections/anthologies, comic books, poems, etc. read on different devices and printed editions.

And these are my Mini Reading Challenges for this year:

• Find a better balance between reading books for review, books from my bookshelves, Kindle, Kobo and tablet.
• Stop putting off highly-anticipated books and read them whenever the mood strikes.
• Continue to catch up on series books I've fallen behind on.
• Catch up on finished trilogies, duologies and series. 
• Read more author short story collections and short story/novella anthologies.
• Although I hate DNFing books--and feel bad doing it--I MUST keep doing it for books that don't grab me.

I just need to remember this:

TOO MANY BOOKS. NOT ENOUGH TIME.

(NOTE: For now, I've eliminated library books completely because there were way too many issues with incompetent staff.) 

Anyway, you can keep up with my progress on My Reading Page or at Goodreads. 

So, how many books do YOU plan to read this year? 

Here's to another awesome year full of reading!

SHUTTER by Courtney Alameda

Shutter by Courtney Alameda

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow. This book is amazing. Seriously amazing.

I don't know why it's taken me so long to read it, but I'm glad I grabbed my Kobo the other day and finally got stuck into it.

Micheline Helsing is a direct descendant of Van Helsing. She's a tetrachromat, and captures spirits with her trusty camera. She's also part of a young crew and is always willing to take on any threat. And that's exactly how they all end up getting infected by a soulchain.

Now they're in a race against time to break the curse before it totally engulfs them. Unfortunately, the soulchain isn't the only thing she needs to worry about...

Most of this book read like an action-packed movie. It moves quickly, the worldbuilding is awesome, the problems are both otherworldly and real. And the horror doesn't hold back. It's just a great story that kept me glued to every single page.

I also thought the San Francisco setting was really fitting. And the characters are just SO good. Plus the Aussie character was so genuine. I mean, I liked Ryder for who he was and what he did, but the Aussie stuff was spot-on.

I'm so glad I finally read this fantastic and clever book!

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Reading 2018

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Well, 2018 is here and that means I've set a new Reading Challenge over at Goodreads.

Like usual, I've set myself the goal of reading 100 books. This total will include novels, novellas, short stories, comic books, poems, etc. 

 I also like to give myself a few Mini Reading Challenges. That can be as simple as making sure I balance my reading with a variety of books: bookshelves, review books, Kindle, Kobo, tablet, and library books. Or as detailed as going through my unfinished trilogy and series books, and making sure I catch up/complete these trilogies/duology/series.

A new reading goal I'd like to add is reading more short story anthologies. 😃

I'm also determined to not waste time with books that just don't grab me, and plan to keep unapologetically DNFing. 

I have to admit that I absolutely hate DNFing books. I feel bad, guilty, awful... because being a writer myself, I know how much hard work goes into a book. BUT, I have way too many books to waste time on boring stories, or ones that I don't find appealing.

 Anyway, you can keep up with my progress on My Reading Page, or at Goodreads. 

So, how many books do you plan to read this year? 

 Here's to another awesome year of reading!

MY BEST FRIEND'S EXORCISM by Grady Hendrix

My Best Friend's Exorcism: A Novel by Grady Hendrix

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As much as I complain about Rue Morgue magazine being the weakest item in my beloved Horror Block, I've bought several books because they were featured in this mag.

This was one of them.

Since the moment I found out about this book, I wanted to read it. I'm a sucker for demonic possession/exorcism stories. I'm also a sucker for anything 1980's. And this book combines both in the best way possible.

Not to mention that I loved Horrorstör!

Anyway, let's talk about the book...

Abby Rivers and Gretchen Lang met when they were kids. Gretchen was the only kid who attended Abby's rollerskating birthday party, and although things started out shaky, they soon became the best of friends. Being from opposite sides of the economic spectrum never affected their friendship, and they even welcomed two other girls into their group: Margaret and Glee.

One night, while the four are enjoying a lazy time in one of Margaret's family's many houses, they decide to try acid. And a simple experiment soon turns into a nightmare when Gretchen is missing all night. After that night, she's never the same and no matter what Abby does to try and help her struggling friend, she just makes everything worse.

Until the only thing left to do is an exorcism...

O.M.F.G! I loved this. Not just because of what I mentioned above, but because I liked Abby's voice and I was hooked. The tension is amazing. The gore is extreme. The demon is despicable. The possession totally insane. But mostly, I loved the true friendship. No matter how much Gretchen hurts Abby, or how much trouble she gets into while trying to help, Abby never gives up.

She's terrified, but doesn't give up. She's facing the wrong side of the law, but still doesn't give up. She pushes to the very end, and that was selfless and brave and awesome!

All the 1980's references were very well written into the story, and so very familiar. I especially got a kick out of the music, E.T. and My Sweet Audrina. Oh, and the demon mythology is definitely strong in this one. There's mention of a bunch of occult stuff I've researched myself.

And man, I can't write a review without focusing on that super creepy and perfect 80's-style cover. Or the special features added throughout the book.

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CLEAN SWEEP by Ilona Andrews

Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

By the time I found out about this book, it was too late to read it online. So I was very excited when it was released as an eBook.

Dina is just an average girl running a nice B&B in small-town Texas. She has a cute Shih Tzu and is a good neighbour. Except, her one guest is an actual otherworldly lifetime visitor outrunning hideous crimes, and Dina happens to be an Innkeeper.

Inkeepers are connected to the house and land. They can wield magic and access other places. The inn can do some freaky stuff too.

When a vicious alien animal starts killing dogs and soon escalates to humans, Dina can't ignore what's going on around her. Even if it means stepping outside the safety of her inn's boundary. And with the help of a werewolf and a vampire, she might be able to help save the neighbourhood.

Sean—the werewolf—and Arland—the vampire—are as fascinating as Dina. All three characters have interesting backstories. I'm also curious about Caldenia. Oh, and the thing about her missing parents is so sad. Hope she gets some answers.

I really enjoyed this story and loved the way an urban fantasy situation was blended with science fiction. Very well done.

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EASY by Tammara Webber

Easy by Tammara Webber

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I started reading this book on my Kobo app yesterday afternoon, and finished it today. Wow. What a great story! I'd read great things about it... and everything was true!

Jacqueline was recently dumped by her boyfriend after three years. While leaving a Halloween party she didn't want to attend, a guy she knows attacks her in her own truck. But a stranger saves her.

Relieved to have survived the attack, but shaken enough to be overwhelmed by fear, she finally starts to put her life back together. Starting with fixing her economics grade. And that's when she realises that the guy who helped her is actually in her class.

Now that she's noticed him, Lucas seems to be everywhere. And she certainly doesn't mind...

I was hooked into Jacqueline's POV instantly. Her story was honest and raw. Her life has fallen down around her, making her feel like she's made stupid decisions and is now crippled by fear. She feels lost and alone, but soon realises she's not because her friend, Erin, helps her to reclaim her courage. While Lucas helps her trust herself enough to feel safe again.

Also, the attraction between Jacqueline & Lucas was scorching off the pages. Yowza! I loved how these two damaged people found each other. And then helped one another find strength.

I loved this book and the two main characters. I just found out there's a sequel from Lucas's POV. I really need to buy it!

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BLOOD ORANGES by Kathleen Tierney

Blood Oranges by Kathleen Tierney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a book I've had my eye on for a while, and finally picked up a copy a few weeks ago during an insane Kobo sale.

Quinn is an ex-junkie, a liar, and two-kinds of monster. She was attacked by a werewolf and then bitten by a vampire. A scary, old vamp that turns Quinn into her pet and weapon. Did I mention that she's also a monster killer? No? Well, she is. And btw, adding previously withheld info is something Quinn continually does quite a bit.

After becoming a monster herself, she starts getting deeper and deeper into trouble. As well as losing total control and waking up all over the place with no memory of why. Well, she does find some answers in her puke. :P

Quinn is a very unreliable narrator. She's a total liar, and has lived a very hard life on the streets after she ran away from home. I usually have problems with unreliable narrators, but not this one. I really liked her and wanted her to come out okay at the end.

I really enjoyed this book! It's dark, gritty and totally raw. The kind of book that makes you want to take a shower after reading it. LMAO. But you know what? I loved every minute of it. And didn't even mind that it was kinda poking fun at other PNR & UF stories. ;)

I'm looking forward to getting my hands on Quinn's next adventure.

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