Book Review

Hairspray and Switchblades by V. Castro (Publication Date: February 20, 2020)

When Maya and Magdalena lose their parents to a home invasion, Magdalena puts her dreams on hold and turns to exotic dancing. Cash is what the sisters need to stay together and keep Maya in an elite catholic high school that has set her on the path for an athletic and academic college scholarship.

These sisters come from a bloodline of Jaguar shifters from Mexico and have gained unwanted attention. The San Antonio Stripper Ripper is stalking the streets, out for a specific kind of blood.

Though Magdalena trades in skin, there is no way she will allow anyone to own her. Steamy. Bloody. Dangerous. Hairspray and Switchblades, what more could a girl need to survive the hot streets?

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My Thoughts

If you want a fast-paced read with a kick ass female lead, you have come to the right book. Maya is the quintessential alpha female, with her independent streak, her fierce protectiveness for her younger sister, and her talent for getting what she wants, with a little help from her sexy curves. (Side note: Castro explores the trials and tribulations of being a woman—and, specifically, of being a stripper). Compound that with Maya’s ability to turn into a panther, and wowzers.

This read is all about family and loyalty. Making connections with others is a driving force for the characters. They lie, and are even willing to die, for each other when shit gets real. It’s entertaining to follow the relationships and see where they end up by the final page—especially in light of the demon-worshipping villain who’s in hot pursuit. We get enough details about the witch to get what she wants and how she operates; however, I wanted more ‘screen time’ and more inside information, since I had a few unanswered questions.

Overall, prepare yourself for some cringe-worthy gore. Castro doesn’t shy away from this. Nor does she shy away from sexual heat. Maya knows what she wants, and isn’t timid about thinking about it or going after it. The tension between her and the detective is steamy (as promised) and well-executed. If a horror novel with a side of sex is up your alley, be sure to add this one to your to-read pile.

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

-Theresa Braun

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