Book Reviews

Love In The Time Of Serial Killers | Book Review

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About The Book
Phoebe Walsh, a PhD candidate, tackles family issues and a dissertation deadline while clearing out her childhood home. Paranoia strikes when she suspects Sam Dennings, her charming new neighbor, of being a serial killer. After Sam proves his good nature, Phoebe faces the decision of lowering her defenses and opening her heart, instead of always expecting the worst.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4gHIT0f

My Rating

This romcom, while cute and silly, also had surprising depth. I appreciated the story’s complexities and its relatable characters. There were also some funny moments. But, honestly, the book didn’t grab me, and the writing style wasn’t great.

Phoebe, the main character, is a PhD student who’s obsessed with true crime and serial killers—maybe a little too obsessed. I really liked how she and Sam, her neighbor and crush, joked around with each other. And I thought it was cute how awkward they both were. I thought Phoebe’s suspicion of Sam being a serial killer would be more important to the story, but it wasn’t.

While I liked Phoebe and Sam, I thought their relationship developed too rapidly. Phoebe went from completely avoiding Sam to becoming his friend and, before long, falling for him. I’m not usually into slow-burn romances, but the characters lacked the chemistry needed for their relationship to progress so fast.

“Fuck that. I’d rather be seen as a little rude than risk being taken to a second location.”

For me, the highlight of the story was Phoebe’s brother. I enjoyed their sibling dynamic and also appreciated that he was stable and well-adjusted. He and Phoebe both experienced childhood trauma, particularly related to their father. The story really shows how differently two people can handle similar childhoods.

Overall, the book surprised me; it was emotional, funny, and romantic all at once. While there are some spicy scenes, I’d rate the book a 2 out of 5 on the spice scale—easily skippable if you prefer. Honestly, it’s a decent book, but nothing special. Sadly, it didn’t quite meet my expectations.

Have you read this book? Let me know in the comments below! And on a separate note, I’m curious to know if you are someone who enjoys and follows true crime stories and investigations. Please share this review and like this post to help the blog grow. If you like book reviews, give my blog a follow; it means a lot!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Shadows Between Us | Book Review

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About The Book
Alessandra has always been overlooked, but she’s ready to change that with a bold plan—woo the Shadow King, marry him, and then kill him to take his kingdom. However, as she works to make the king hers, she discovers she’s not the only one trying to kill him. While keeping him alive long enough to become his queen, Alessandra must fight not to lose her heart along the way.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3CpgfmI

My Rating

From the very first chapters, this book grabbed my attention and didn’t let go. It’s the first in a standalone interconnected romantasy duology, and the story kept me hooked the whole way through. The author has a real talent for pulling readers in from start to finish! The characters are likable, and while the world-building isn’t overly detailed, it’s still immersive and easy to get lost in.

The story revolves around Alessandra, a strong and intriguing female protagonist. At first, she comes off as cold and calculated, but she undergoes significant development throughout the book. Her growth adds depth to her actions and motivations. Seeing her evolve from someone driven by a single, ruthless goal into a more compassionate, selfless, and empathetic person was a real highlight of the story.

The relationship between Alessandra and the Shadow King is one of the most enjoyable parts of the book. Their connection feels natural and keeps you engaged. Their interactions are filled with chemistry and just the right amount of tension. The moments of sexual tension are especially well-written, making their relationship even more exciting to follow.

The plot moves quickly, which isn’t always the case with YA fantasy, especially when the story is so character-driven. However, it blends romance, mystery, and adventure really well. I was equally invested in both the romance and the overall plot. The author does a great job of balancing the different plot elements, keeping me completely engaged and excited to see what would happen next.

“A woman is not defined by what she does or doesn’t do in the bedroom.”

While the conclusion felt a little rushed and predictable, it still wrapped things up nicely. The quick ending didn’t take away from my enjoyment, though I would’ve liked a bit more depth in those final moments. That said, Tricia Levenseller’s writing is still great, and she does an excellent job creating engaging stories and memorable characters.

Overall, as someone who’s started moving away from YA, I found this to be a refreshing and entertaining read. The author’s take on the romantasy genre was captivating and fast-paced, making it a great starting point for anyone new to the genre. I’m definitely excited to read the sequel. Plus, this is a closed-door romantasy, so if you’re not into explicit scenes, this book is a safe pick.

In the comments, let me know your favorite romantasy books or what you look for in a great fantasy romance! I love stories with strong character development and a balance of romance and adventure. Don’t forget to like this post and share it with fellow book lovers. Before you go, if you could give the blog a follow, it would really help it grow and keep you up-to-date with all the latest reviews and bookish content!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Kind Worth Killing | Book Review

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About The Book
On a flight from London to Boston, Ted Severson confesses to the mysterious Lily Kintner that he wishes his cheating wife were dead—only for Lily to offer her help. As their twisted plan unfolds, Ted remains unaware of Lily’s dark past and expertise in murder. With secrets unraveling and a relentless detective closing in, their deadly game of deception spirals into a battle for survival.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/40KFDLw

My Rating

This was a very unique thriller, and I probably wouldn’t have picked it up if it hadn’t been recommended to me. I would say it falls into the thriller/suspense category, and it’s a very character-driven story, which is how I typically prefer my thrillers. I also enjoyed how the author connected all these different characters in surprising ways.

Throughout the story, we get multiple points of view. First, we have Ted, who is heartbroken over the fact that his wife is cheating on him. He ends up meeting Lily, and the two strike up a deal to kill his wife, Miranda. As for Lily, she’s a very complex character, and we get a lot of backstory about her and why she is so willing to help Ted kill his wife.

We also get a bit of Miranda’s POV in the story, which was very interesting. I didn’t expect any chapters following her thoughts. The last main point of view we get is from the detective, Henry, as he follows the case and gets closer to Lily. He becomes very fascinated by her and wonders how she fits into all that is going on.

“Everyone dies. What difference does it make if a few bad apples get pushed along a little sooner than God intended?”

This book is full of twists and turns, and I just kept wanting to read it. It’s one of those thrillers that you don’t want to put down. I will say that the pacing was a bit off for me, which hindered my enjoyment a bit. Also, I’m not a huge fan of detective/cop thrillers where they’re trying to solve a case. However, I think this one worked because there was a lot more to it than the standard crime thriller. It also had a bunch of different elements that set it apart.

I really liked how Lily was a morally grey character because I find it fascinating to get inside the headspace of that type of character—one who isn’t all bad but not necessarily all good either. The ending was very well done, and I know there’s a sequel or more so a companion novel, so I’d be interested in reading more about these characters.

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by this book, and it was fairly entertaining. It isn’t going to be an all-time favorite thriller of mine, and I don’t know if I truly enjoy the author’s writing style. Still, I would be willing to pick up other books by them. I recommend this to anyone looking for a less intense, but still twisty thriller. As I said, it follows more along the lines of suspense, and a bit of mystery.

In the comments, let me know what your favorite types of thrillers are to read! I’m definitely a fan of suspense and unreliable narrator thrillers. Don’t forget to like this post and share it with other readers. Before you go, if you could give the blog a follow, it would really help it grow and keep you up-to-date with all the new posts!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Silent Patient | Book Review

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About The Book
Alicia Berenson, a famous painter, had the perfect life until she brutally murders her husband and never speaks another word. Institutionalized, her silence makes the crime infamous and art valuable. Theo Faber, a criminal psychotherapist, is determined to make Alicia talk, but his pursuit of the truth takes a perilous and unforeseen turn.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4ghkgXU

My Rating

There is a ton of hype behind this thriller, but unfortunately, I don’t understand the rave reviews for this book. The plot is straightforward—we follow Theo, a criminal psychotherapist who takes a job at a psychiatric facility to get close to Alicia Berenson.

Alicia is at the facility because she was accused of murdering her husband—shooting him five times in the face. Since his death, she has never spoken a word or defended herself. Theo finds Alicia fascinating and hopes he can be the one to help her break her silence.

Now, that premise sounds amazing! However, the book didn’t intrigue me as much as I had hoped. It’s a very character-driven thriller, which is something I typically love. However, for this story, I needed it to be a little more plot-driven. Still, I understand why the author focused on making us invested in these characters and their lives.

“Perhaps some of us are simply born evil, and despite our best efforts we remain that way.”

Throughout the book, we get chapters showcasing Alicia’s life before her husband’s death. We also learn a lot about Theo and his personal struggles. As the story progresses, we even discover why he is so obsessed with Alicia and determined to help her.

I will say that the twist in the book was really well done, and I didn’t actually see it coming until right before it happened. Everything fell into place, but it took me way too long to get invested in the story. I’m not sure if that was due to the plot, the characters, or simply not meshing with the author’s writing style.

Overall, I don’t think the book deserves to be recommended so much. Is it a good thriller? Objectively, yes. Is it something that stands out in my mind? No. However, I do see why people love the ending—the last few chapters are a roller coaster, and I don’t think many readers, including myself, will guess the twist before it’s revealed.

Let me know in the comments if you’ve read the book and what you thought of it. Do you think it’s worth the hype? Before you go, hit the like button and share this post with other readers. As always, follow the blog to get notified whenever there’s a new post.

Until the next chapter,
Bunny

Icebreaker | Book Review

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About The Book
Figure skater Anastasia Allen has her sights set on Team USA. But when she’s forced to share a rink with the university hockey team, she finds their captain, Nate, both infuriating and charming. When her skating partner’s future becomes uncertain, she reluctantly turns to Nate for help. Sparks fly, but there’s no way she’d fall for a hockey player… right?
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4h6QZ3E

My Rating

This review might turn out to be a bit chaotic, because I’m having trouble organizing my thoughts on this book. It’s marketed as an enemies-to-lovers story, but honestly, it felt more like frenemies-to-friends-to-lovers. I think the author intended for Anastasia, the main female character, to be portrayed as a stubborn, type-A, “no relationships” kind of person. However, I don’t think that characterization fully landed. It seemed like she and Nate, the male love interest, transitioned from a casual relationship to a full-blown one fairly quickly, even if they didn’t outright admit it.

Nate comes across as the classic golden retriever-type guy—loyal, caring, and always there for his friends. He’s supportive of Anastasia’s dreams and seems to understand that she struggles with processing her emotions. However, I felt he leaned a bit too much into the role of the “fixer.” While his intentions weren’t controlling, and he clearly meant well, his constant need to solve Anastasia’s problems became overbearing to me at times.

As much as I enjoyed their relationship, it sometimes felt too mushy. There was a level of co-dependency between them that I wasn’t a fan of. That being said, the spice was pretty good. This is definitely an open-door romance, and I’d give it about a 2.5 out of 5 on the spice scale. However, some of the intimate scenes made me cringe—not because they were badly written, but the phrasing felt a bit cheesy or over the top at times.

“It’s not porn. It’s a romance book that happens to have a little bit of sex in it.”

One aspect I appreciated was the emphasis on mental health. The story highlights the importance of therapy, which I found refreshing. I also liked how it presented the complexity of people and relationships—nothing is black and white. I think the author focused a lot on the differences in Anastasia’s and Nate’s upbringings, as well as how they view people. I enjoyed seeing Anastasia’s character undergo significant growth and development throughout the book; however, I felt like Nate remained largely the same.

The writing was engaging, and I remained interested in the story the whole time. That said, there were moments that felt unnecessary, especially some of the frequent drinking and partying scenes. Not all of them added value, and the book could have been shorter without losing much of the plot. However, those scenes did give the book a somewhat true college vibe, reminiscent of the TV show ‘Greek‘.

Overall, the plot was interesting, but the relationship between Anastasia and Nate didn’t make me swoon. I feel like I’m being overly critical, but there were just certain elements that didn’t resonate with me. That said, please take this review with a grain of salt—there were still aspects of the book that I liked. Lastly, while the story introduces a lot of characters, and it was hard to keep track of them all at times, I did like getting to know them, and I’m curious to see where the series goes from here.

Let me know in the comments if this book is on your radar! Don’t forget to like this post and share it with other readers. If you’d like to be notified whenever there’s a new post, please hit the follow button.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

I Hope This Doesn’t Find You | Book Review

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About The Book
Sadie Wen is the perfect student and all-around nice girl, but she secretly vents her frustrations in unsent email drafts. Her most brutally honest messages are aimed at her nemesis, Julius Gong, but she never expects anyone to read them—until they’re accidentally sent out. As her carefully controlled life unravels, the one person who seems to appreciate the real Sadie is the boy she’s sworn to hate.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4aqAc9i

My Rating

When I read the synopsis of this book, I thought I was going to get an adorable young adult contemporary. I was hoping it would give me all the feels To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han did. Unfortunately, the book was such a letdown. Once again, it’s making me wonder if I’ve just aged out of the YA genre.

In the book, we follow our main character, Sadie. She’s an overachiever, co-class captain, and an all-around nice girl. But one day, all of her saved email drafts get sent out. Normally, that wouldn’t be a problem, but these drafts contain her “anger emails.” They’re a way for her to vent her frustrations without actually confronting anyone.

As a main character, Sadie was infuriating to me. She let people walk all over her and used the excuse that she was just being nice. She does have a lot of family issues that contribute to her non-confrontational, good-girl personality. However, I didn’t like how little personal growth she had throughout the book.

The romance in this book was probably the worst part—and that’s saying something, considering this is a young adult romance. Sadie’s love interest is Julius, her academic rival and co-captain at school. He received the majority of her rant emails.

“So ready to split me open with a single word, stitch me up again with a fleeting touch.”

Sadly, I didn’t see any real connection between them. They were constantly saying mean things about each other. This book really plays into the tired cliché we’re told growing up that if someone likes you, they’ll be mean to you. I want to say this with all my heart that is not true. It’s not a lesson we should be teaching anyone, let alone young boys and girls.

I love a good enemies-to-lovers romance, but I feel like the author took that trope way too far for a YA contemporary. There were never any real moments where they were actually kind to each other. One of them was always standoffish or convinced the other was toying with them. For high school seniors, they acted incredibly immature.

Overall, the writing was really what redeemed this book for me. I liked the author’s pacing and storytelling. However, I do want to mention that this book almost borders on a bully romance. So, if you’re looking to dip into that genre, you might want to give this one a read. Otherwise, I wouldn’t recommend it as a feel-good YA romance.

In the comments, let me know if this book is on your TBR! If you’d like to share this post with other readers and give it a like, that would make my day. Before you go, don’t forget to follow the blog!

Until the next chapter,
Bunny

Our Violent Ends | Book Review

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About The Book
In 1927 Shanghai, Juliette must make Roma believe she’s guilty of murder to protect him from the Scarlets, while Roma, still grieving his best friend’s death, is determined to set things right. Amidst rising political tensions and a monstrous new threat, they must team up to save the city. But as they battle danger and secrets, their tangled feelings for each other become the greatest challenge.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4hjcxK9

My Rating

This is the exciting sequel and conclusion to the These Violent Delights duology. For some context, it’s a Romeo and Juliet retelling set in 1920s Shanghai, and this book picks up right where the first one left off. It’s packed with just as much action and excitement, so be warned there are spoilers ahead!

We once again follow Juliette Cai and Roma Montagov. After everything that happened in the first book, they’re not on the best terms, but their feelings for each other are still there. This creates a lot of tension in the story as they try to navigate their personal drama while dealing with political and dangerous situations.

I actually liked the plot of this book even more than the first one. The slow-burn romance between Juliette and Roma is still there, keeping all the tension and angst without feeling repetitive. I’m honestly amazed at how Chloe Gong kept me hooked, especially since I usually prefer faster-paced romances.

The world-building in this series is so interesting, and all the characters are fun to read about. There’s also another romance in this book that I loved, adding even more to the story. Gong does such a great job creating an immersive world and characters that feel real.

“In this life and the next, for however long our souls remain, mine will always find yours.”

The plot kept me just as engaged as the first book. It builds on everything from book one and ties things together really well. I was hooked from start to finish, enjoying all the twists and surprises.

There was never a dull moment for me. There were some really heartbreaking parts that made me feel so much for the characters, and the ending hit me hard. I’m a sucker for a happier ending in Romeo and Juliet retellings, even though I know their story is always meant to end tragically.

Overall, this was an amazing and satisfying conclusion to Chloe Gong’s duology. I can’t wait to read more of her books, as she’s quickly become one of my favorite authors. If you haven’t started this series yet, I definitely recommend it!

Please let me know if you’ve read anything by this author! It would mean a lot if you could like this post, leave a comment, and share it with a friend. If you’d like to go the extra mile to help my blog grow, please consider following it.

Until the next chapter,
Bunny

A Touch Of Darkness | Book Review

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About The Book
Persephone, the Goddess of Spring, has always caused flowers to wither at her touch. After a fateful card game with Hades, the God of the Dead, she’s bound by a contract to create life in the Underworld or lose her freedom. As she battles her own limitations and spends more time with Hades, she begins to wonder if her freedom isn’t the only thing at risk—but her heart as well.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4jeBlVd

My Rating

I want to gush about this book and say how amazing it is, but I’m having a hard time putting my thoughts into words. This doesn’t usually happen with my book reviews, so please excuse this one if it isn’t the most articulate. The main takeaway is that I absolutely loved this book and the romance. It’s one of those stories that isn’t particularly fast-paced, but you simply cannot put it down.

In the book, we follow Persephone and Hades, and if you couldn’t already guess, it’s a Persephone and Hades retelling. I didn’t know much about these two going into the book, but I want to mention this in case you’re really into Greek mythology. Persephone is a college student who gets lured into Hades’ world after unknowingly making a bet with him. Persephone isn’t naïve, nor is she afraid to stand up to Hades, which I loved about her.

Hades was very protective of Persephone early on. I adored how it almost felt like he fell in love with her first. Despite his feelings, he didn’t try to control her. He wanted her to see his softer side and understand that he wasn’t the evil god she initially believed him to be. There’s always a reason behind the choices he made and the things he did. I really enjoyed seeing this side of him while he still maintained his strong, intimidating god-like presence.

“Darling, that’s only the start of what I want to do to you.”

The plot was so engaging, and the conflict throughout the book was very understandable. There wasn’t much miscommunication, and let me just say—the spice was amazing! If you’re a closed-door romance reader, you could probably enjoy this book by skipping the spicy scenes, but for me, it was about a four out of five on the spice scale. That said, the book isn’t overloaded with spicy moments—it definitely prioritizes the story over smut.

The writing style was fantastic, and I felt the book ended nicely. I’m curious to see where the next book in the series will go. I especially loved how we got a few chapters from Hades’ perspective at the end. There’s also a book series that tells the same story solely from his perspective. While some might find it odd to read the same story twice, that’s just how good this book was—I’m honestly dying to see the story through his eyes.

Overall, this is such a good book—it’s seriously addictive. It’s a retelling, somewhat romantasy, and spicy read, which are all things I gravitate towards. I honestly don’t think I have any cons for this book, which is rare! It wasn’t too dark or overly insta-lovey—it had more of an ‘attraction at first sight’ vibe, which I found to be a nice touch.

In the comments, let me know if this book is on your TBR—do you enjoy mythology retellings? If you love book reviews and all things bookish, don’t forget to hit the follow button before you go!

Until the next chapter,
Bunny

Merry Ever After | Book Review

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About The Book
Evie, a single mother seeking a fresh start, has no room for romance—until rugged farmer Luke tempts her to break her no-dating rule. While Evie is set on keeping things casual, Luke is determined to prove he’s in it for the long haul. In this steamy holiday short story, opposites attract as they explore whether love is truly worth the risk.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3P7Bs7d

My Rating

This is one of those fast and easy holiday novellas that you can read in one sitting. It’s part of the Amazon Originals Under the Mistletoe collection of short winter romance stories. Unfortunately, this one wasn’t my favorite. I had high hopes because I’ve heard amazing things about Tessa Bailey’s books, but the plot just didn’t work for me.

The romance felt very insta-lovey, and we didn’t get to know the characters well. Of course, it’s a novella, so it’s challenging to include significant character development or show a deep connection growing between two characters in under 100 pages.

“Maybe it’s the holidays that have me wishing for . . . more out of this simple life of mine.”

Still, I wanted more from the story, and I didn’t get much of a holiday vibe from it. That said, I did enjoy the writing style and appreciated the single mom aspect of the story. However, everything felt rushed—it was basically, “I like you, you like me, let’s be together forever.”

Overall, I’d probably pass on this one since there isn’t much substance to the story. That said, the spice was pretty good—I’d give it a 2.5 out of 5 on the spice scale. And as always, I’m a fan of books that include an epilogue, so I appreciated that the novella wrapped up with one.

In the comments, let me know if you’re a fan of holiday novellas! Don’t forget to like this post and share it with all your bookish friends. Please hit the follow button so my blog can continue to grow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Resting Scrooge Face | Book Review

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About The Book
Nola dreads Christmas in her charming hometown of Bright Harbor, but a mysterious letter from a fellow holiday Scrooge might change everything. Unbeknownst to her, the pen pal is Caleb—the boy who broke her heart—sparking a secret, flirtatious correspondence. As old wounds and new feelings surface, can they overcome their past to write a love story worth keeping?
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/406LdIY

My Rating

I was not a fan of this book at all. I hate saying that because I could see how much potential the story had, but the delivery fell completely flat. This is a first-love, second-chance, holiday romance novella. It’s a very quick read, and the plot initially captures your interest.

Unfortunately, I hated the direction the author took with the story. I wanted so much more for the female main character. I understood that they were both teenagers when they broke up, but the male main character’s excuse for breaking her heart and essentially ghosting her was that he was immature (valid) and that he thought she deserved a life outside their small town while he was meant for small-town life. That reasoning felt so lame.

“I can’t imagine that someone who despises Christmas as much as I do would have gold stationery.”

I hate when characters make decisions for other characters. And now, suddenly, she’s “the one that got away”? No, she’s the one you pushed away. It also felt like he only wanted to rekindle their relationship because she was staying in town. So, would he have wanted to be with her if she were leaving again after the holidays? If you love someone, here’s a thought: go with them. Home isn’t a place—it’s who you’re with.

Overall, this book was a no for me. I completely apologize for this rant of a review, but you can probably tell I had a lot of issues with the story. On a lighter note, I did enjoy the secret pen pal aspect of the plot, and there were quite a few funny moments throughout the story.

In the comments, let me know if you’ve read this book. If you didn’t know, it’s available on KU and Audible! Don’t forget to like this post, and you can make my holiday by giving the blog a follow. Your support truly means the world to me.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny