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The Housemaid | Book Review

- Bunny 1 Comment

About The Book
Every day, I clean the Winchesters’ beautiful house, care for their daughter, and prepare their meals. I try to ignore Nina’s messes and lies while envying her perfect life with her handsome husband, Andrew. But after Nina learns I tried on one of her dresses and I realize the door to my attic room locks from the outside, it’s too late. Fortunately, I have a secret. The Winchesters don’t know what I’m capable of.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3BUQNow

My Rating

This was a fun thriller that left me shocked and entertained. I was hooked from the start, and just when I thought I knew what was going on, the author would throw me for a loop. The plot is so well done that you honestly cannot see the twist coming. I love a good shocking turn of events in a mystery/thriller, and this book had a fantastic twist.

The main character, Millie, was likable, but she was a bit naive at times. However, I think this worked for the storyline. The star of the show was the plot, and I loved how fast-paced the book was because we didn’t get any unnecessary filler chapters. I felt like the story progressed with the turn of every page.

The writing was amazing! The author did a great job bringing the story and characters to life. I was completely engaged in her writing, and I could see why a lot of people enjoy her storytelling style. The book is very well thought out, and I believe that the shocking twists showcase that she took a lot of time with the story.

“This room could be a death trap.”

I really enjoyed the book. The twist didn’t come out of nowhere, and I liked how it all wrapped up. The last few chapters took me by surprise, and I think this book has one of the best ending twists I’ve read. As someone who loves a good mystery/thriller, that is a high compliment.

Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone looking to read a top-notch mystery/thriller. If you want a story that will keep you engaged and an ending that will leave you shocked, then this one is for you. I’m not going to say that everyone won’t see the twist coming, but I didn’t, and that’s good enough for me.

In the comments, let me know if you have read this book. Did you figure out the twist? If you would like to support my book blog, please give it a follow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Final Girls | Book Review

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About The Book
Ten years after surviving a brutal massacre, Quincy Carpenter is trying to move on with her life, despite being part of the infamous “Final Girls” group. But when Lisa, a Final Girl, is found dead and Sam, another Final Girl, shows up unannounced, Quincy must confront her traumatic past and uncover the truth before history repeats itself.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4hd1JxD

My Rating

Unfortunately, this book frustrated me quite a bit. I believe it’s Riley Sager’s debut novel, and it definitely reads like one. The premise is intriguing, but the main character really got on my nerves, making it hard for me to enjoy the story. Oddly enough, this seems to be a recurring issue for me with Sager’s protagonists.

The book follows Quincy, a final girl who survived a mass murder but has no memory of the attack. When she hears that another final girl has died, apparently by suicide, she reconnects with the only other survivor she knows of, Samantha. However, once Samantha enters her life, Quincy starts remembering her attack and quickly realizes Samantha might not be trustworthy.

Quincy comes across as really naïve for most of the book. Sure, she tries to act like she’s fine, even though she’s dealing with unresolved trauma, but I feel like someone who went through what she did wouldn’t be so trusting of Samantha. There were times I just wanted to shake Quincy.

Samantha, on the other hand, was an intriguing character. I liked her personality and wanted to know more about her. Her backstory, for me, was the most captivating part of the entire story. Besides Samantha, the other side characters weren’t that important, except for Quincy’s boyfriend, who I actually felt bad for at times. There was also the cop who saved Quincy the night of the attack, and let’s just say he and Quincy have a special bond.

“You can’t change what’s happened. The only thing you can control is how you deal with it.”

The story includes flashbacks that help the reader piece together what Quincy forgot about the massacre. I wouldn’t necessarily call her an unreliable narrator, but as the story went on, there were moments when I wasn’t sure who to trust or what twists were coming. Riley Sager has a way of making me second-guess who’s telling the truth and who’s lying, which, in my opinion, makes for a good thriller.

However, I found the ending quite predictable. I figured it out about halfway through and was hoping for something more surprising, so I was disappointed with how the book concluded. In my opinion, there wasn’t much suspense throughout the plot. Although the story did become more exciting as the plot progressed, I found it difficult to stay interested for most of the time.

Overall, I’m trying to remind myself that this is a debut novel, especially since I’ve enjoyed other books by this author much more. Despite the plot having promise, it didn’t shock or surprise me, and I saw most of the twists coming. Still, I’m glad I read it, even though it wasn’t the most thrilling experience. If you like the final girl trope, you might enjoy this book, but I wouldn’t call it a must-read.

In the comments, let me know if you’re a fan of books that revolve around “final girls.” If so, share which one you’d recommend. Don’t forget to like and share this post, and help my blog grow by following it.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Nightbooks | Book Review

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About The Book
A boy named Alex finds himself imprisoned by a witch and must tell her a new scary story every night to survive. As he runs out of stories, Alex desperately searches for a way to escape. This contemporary fantasy by J.A. White blends suspense and creativity, making it perfect for fans of dark yet accessible tales. Budding writers and readers alike will enjoy its clever twists and themes of storytelling.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4e4BqY1

My Rating

This fun, spooky story follows Alex, a boy who a witch tricks into becoming her prisoner. From the start, the plot feels creepy and original, moving at a fast pace that kept me engaged the whole time. Even though it’s a middle-grade book, it’s perfect for anyone craving a spine-chilling read that won’t keep them up at night.

Alex is a really likable main character, especially with his love for storytelling. He feels like a real kid—he loves writing creepy tales but doesn’t enjoy living one out. Alex also struggles with feeling different from other kids and thinks he’s weird, which makes him even more relatable. I rooted for him and his friends to escape, and while there were moments I worried for them, the story overall wasn’t too scary.

“And now I realize—so what if I write scary stories?”

The author keeps the story engaging with creepy twists and a few surprises. While middle grade isn’t a genre I usually read, I tend to enjoy it more when it involves fantasy and horror, and this book didn’t disappoint—it entertained me from start to finish, and I’m glad I picked it up. Don’t worry about the horror label; it’s a tame read, so there’s no need to feel nervous if you’re not into sscary books.

Overall, I recommend this book! I’m excited to watch the movie adaptation because I could easily picture it as a film while reading. As much as I enjoyed the book, I have a feeling I might love the movie even more. If you or a younger reader are looking for a great fall read, it’s perfect for spooky season vibes without being too frightening.

If you’ve read the book or watched the movie, I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! Don’t forget to like this post and share it with fellow readers. You can also listen to the audiobook on Everand, and if you’re interested, grab a free trial using my link [Here]. To stay updated and help support my blog, be sure to hit the follow button so you never miss a post!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The House Across The Lake | Book Review

- Bunny 2 Comments

About The Book
Casey Fletcher, a recently widowed actress escaping bad press, retreats to her family’s lake house in Vermont, where she observes glamorous neighbors Tom and Katherine Royce. After saving Katherine from drowning and befriending her, Casey discovers their marriage isn’t as perfect as it seems. When Katherine disappears, Casey suspects Tom, unaware of the shocking secrets lurking beneath the surface.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/486Htd2

My Rating

This is a thriller with so many twists and turns that you won’t see coming. The main protagonist, Casey Fletcher, is an unreliable narrator due to her drinking problem and is determined to find out what happened to one of her neighbors across the lake. Soon, a crazy mystery and thriller unfold.

I really enjoy stories with unreliable narrators because I think they make the plot—especially in thrillers—much more interesting, and this book was no exception. Casey is not only struggling with her alcoholism but also with her husband’s passing, her failing acting career, and fears that the husband across the lake might have done something to his wife.

I wouldn’t say that the book had me hooked from the start, as I think it took a while for the plot to get going. However, I found it interesting that we got chapters from the present, then the past, and finally, by the end, the timelines catch up to one another. I don’t normally love books that start in the present day and then take us back in time to show how we got to this point, but it worked in this instance.

“After all, following someone on social media is just a more acceptable form of spying.”

I had so many guesses about what was going on and how the story was going to end, and I didn’t guess a single thing correctly. The author added so many twists and surprises that I didn’t see coming. Some of those things were in the back of my mind, but I didn’t believe they were actual paths that the story would follow.

The writing wasn’t very fast-paced, and the plot was a bit out there, so I can see why some people wouldn’t enjoy the book. However, I really like Riley Sager’s storytelling, even if his plots aren’t the most intense. This book caught me off guard many times, and I was stunned by so many of the reveals. The ending was fantastic and shocking, and I didn’t see it coming at all, which is why I gave the book 4.5 stars instead of just 4.

Overall, I believe that if you are a fan of unreliable narrators, shocking twists, and character-driven plots, then you should give this book a chance. If you like Grady Hendrix’s works, this book has a similar style, though it’s not so much campy horror like Hendrix’s books. Still, I think fans of ‘My Best Friend’s Exorcism’ might also find this to be a fun read.

In the comments, let me know if you have read this book and your thoughts on it. If you know other readers, feel free to share this post with them. Don’t forget that you can find more bookish content like this on my blog, so please give it a follow so that you never miss a post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Live Your Best Lie | Book Review

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About The Book
Influencer Summer Cartwright appears to be living the dream with fame, fashion, and a book deal. But when she disappears at her Halloween party and a post claims she’ll be dead in minutes, those closest to her know it’s no stunt. After finding her body, they’re forced to face the unsettling truths they’ve been hiding.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4eCADOK

My Rating

I was hoping that this would be a good, suspenseful young adult thriller. Unfortunately, from the first chapter, I could tell that this book probably wasn’t going to be for me. It reads very YA, which, to be fair, makes sense for a young adult book.

I went into this expecting the same vibes as a Karen M. McManus or Holly Jackson novel, but by the end, my feelings were more in line with how I feel about Jessica Goodman’s books. They aren’t bad, but they’re very one-dimensional. We follow stereotypical teenagers, and most of them live a Gossip Girl type of life.

In this book, Summer Cartwright, a teen influencer, dies on Halloween night. But someone is still posting on Summer’s Instagram, and they want to make it known that her death was no accident. We have the usual suspects: the ex-boyfriend, the best friend, the wannabe, and the frenemy.

“Is your teen safe engaging with social media? And darker still, how far would they go to find fame on the internet? ”

Honestly, this book was a basic thriller, but in the best way possible. I couldn’t put it down, and that really speaks to the author’s writing. Although the story wasn’t particularly compelling, I still couldn’t stop reading. So, I’d say that makes this a pretty solid and easy read.

The ending wasn’t shocking, because you can kind of see it coming. I felt there needed to be one or two more twists to make the book stand out. Unfortunately, I wanted more from the plot—something to set it apart from other thrillers I’ve read.

Overall, for a debut novel, it is pretty good. The YA thriller genre is saturated and still growing, so you really need a plot that stands out. Although this book probably won’t have a lasting impact on me, but I can see myself reading more from this author. The plot and characters weren’t my favorite, but I’m excited to see what they release in the future.

In the comments, let me know if you’ve read this book. If you like this post, please give it a share, and don’t forget to follow my blog to get notified whenever there’s a new post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Witch Of Wild Things | Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

About The Book
Sage Flores returns to her hometown eight years after her sister’s death, resuming her job at Cranberry Rose Company. She’s forced to work with Tennessee Reyes, her high school crush who she never fully got over. While juggling a ghostly sister, a stormy sibling, and an old flame, Sage navigates the tangled roots of her past and the new growth of her heart.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3BBsStZ

My Rating

This book is perfect for bridging the gap between summer and fall, with a mix of witchcraft and a touch of magic. Think Practical Magic meets Encanto and I loved every minute of it. The plot, characters, and unique twist on a second-chance romance make it a really engaging read. The romance involves secret high school pen pals—or AIM friends—which adds a fun twist to the typical second-chance story.

Sage Flores, the main character, is incredibly well-developed. She’s dealing with guilt over her younger sister Skye’s death, a tough relationship with her other sister Teal, and still holding on to her anger that when they were growing up, she had to act like a mother figure to her siblings and wasn’t able to be a kid herself. Despite these challenges, Sage’s protective nature and her journey to stand up for herself make her a character you’ll root for.

Even though second-chance romances usually aren’t my thing, this one stood out because it’s different from the usual plot. The reasons for the original conflict make sense, especially considering the characters were teenagers. Tennessee, the love interest, is fantastic and definitely falls first. There is something about the guy falling first in a romance that I just love.

“They needed to break. So now the roots and leave can come out and everything can bloom again.”

The side characters, especially Sage’s sisters Teal and Skye, add a lot to the story. Teal might come off as a bit harsh at first, but there’s more to her character than meets the eye. I also enjoyed Skye’s fun and adventurous personality. The magic tied to the Flores family is really interesting and make the plot even more compelling. I’m a sucker for a good witchy story, and this one didn’t disappoint.

The writing is great, balancing fast-paced action with slower, more thoughtful moments. Even when the plot slows down, I stayed hooked on the characters and their journey. The ending is satisfying and leaves room for more stories with these characters.

Overall, I wouldn’t call this a romcom but more of a magical realism or paranormal romance. If you’re interested in or new to romantasy, this is a good place to start. It’s a lighter take on the genre, with less world-building but a similar feel, making it an enjoyable read.

If you enjoyed this review or have read the book yourself, I’d love to hear your thoughts! Please like, comment, and share this post. Don’t forget to follow the blog for more reviews and bookish content.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Little Witches | Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

About The Book
Jo, Beth, Amy, and Meg March are four sisters practicing witchcraft in secret while living in Concord during the Civil War. When a witchfinder named Mr. Laurence moves in next door, the girls fear for their safety, but he and his grandson, Laurie, turn out to be allies. As winter sets in, missing objects become missing people, and Jo and Laurie discover a powerful magic threatening the town. Together, they must confront it before it’s too late.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3BtPaO5

My Rating

I love retellings, the story of Little Women, and witches, so a graphic novel that combines all three is amazing. I picked up the book on a whim, hoping for a fun and sweet story, and it delivered just that.

The plot wasn’t intense or super exciting, but it was a very original take on the classic. It took the characters I know and love and added this cool magic element to their lives.

I think the author stayed true to the characters’ original personalities, which is something I always appreciate when reading retellings. And while the plot was similar to the original story, it was different enough to feel new and unique.

“We Marches are all very law-abiding.”

It was such a quick read that you can finish it in one sitting, and the artwork is fantastic. The writing didn’t feel too young, which I appreciated since this is more of a middle-grade graphic novel. As an older reader, I enjoyed it, but I can see younger readers liking it as well.

Overall, this isn’t one of the most amazing books I’ve ever read, and it probably won’t stick with me for years to come, but that’s okay. I had a good time reading it, and it’s a book I’d be happy to add to my bookshelf. It’s certainly one of my favorite Little Women retellings.

In the comments, leave me some Little Women retelling recommendations! Don’t forget to like and share this post, and hit the follow button so you never miss an update.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Hysterical Girls Of St. Bernadette’s | Book Review

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About The Book
For over a hundred years, St. Bernadette’s has shaped the best and brightest girls. Then, the screaming starts. Seventeen students fall victim, including Khadijah’s sister and Rachel herself. As hysteria spreads, Khad and Rachel must uncover the school’s dark secrets to stop the terror. But something sinister is lurking, waiting for its next victim.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4eoFLGb

My Rating

Thank you to the publisher and author for providing me with an ARC of ‘The Hysterical Girls of St. Bernadette’s’. While I’m grateful for the opportunity to read it early, please know that all thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own and remain honest and unbiased.

I loved how the story began. It was captivating and made me eager to know what would happen next. It follows two perspectives, Rachel and Khadijah, who lead different lives but both attend St. Bernadette’s. After a traumatic event, Khadijah becomes silent and guarded, and the random screaming at school deeply affects her.

Rachel is raised by a sophisticated single mother who pressures her to excel and get into a top university. She feels overwhelmed and wants to rebel against her mother’s expectations and criticism. At first, she dismisses the screaming as unimportant but starts to think there might be more to it. Both girls have fascinating lives and perspectives.

Usually one of my biggest annoyances in any book that has dual perspectives is when the two characters don’t interact. It feels as though there are two separate storylines going on at once. But in this book, it worked because of the subject matter. I don’t want to give too much away, but it basically shows how to people can be going through the same thing, seeing each other everyday, and not even know what they share.

“What matters is what I know to be true.”

I feel like by the 50% mark, the book really kicked up the pace, and that is when I couldn’t put the book down. Even though it deals with such a heavy topic, there is the mystery element that I think really helps the story from being super serious. However, there were times when I felt for these girls, and they truly did feel like real people. Although some of the things in the story are fiction, the root of the plot is very much true, and could hit close to home for some readers.

The author knew how to tell this story in such a way that I think a lot of teenagers will find interesting. She crafted an intense, heartbreaking, and interesting story, that is part supernatural mystery, and part coming-of-age contemporary. It really gets you thinking in almost the way I feel that a non-fiction book dealing with similar topics would. It’s a very original story that I know will stick with me.

Overall, this is such a good book, and while I don’t have a deep personal connection to it, I know others might. The author tackles serious real-world issues in a thoughtful way, and the paranormal mystery elements make it less overwhelming to read. I wouldn’t classify this as horror, but it’s still impactful and engaging. Be sure to check the content warnings before diving in, and despite not typically loving books with such heavy themes, I can see myself recommending this one to others.

Let me know in the comments if this book is on your TBR! Also, the audiobook is available on Everand, and as always, you can use my link (click here) to get a free trial of the service. Don’t forget to like and share this post and follow the blog for more book reviews!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

A Magic Steeped in Poison | Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

About The Book
Desperate to save her sister from a deadly poison, Ning enters a competition to become the kingdom’s top shennong-shi, a master of magical tea-making. The winner gets a favor from the princess, which may be her only chance. But as Ning navigates ruthless competitors, deadly politics, and a mysterious boy with a dangerous secret, she may be the one in the most danger.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3N25DM0

My Rating

In my opinion, this book is a hidden gem in the fantasy world, and I’m excited to see how the duology wraps up. What grabbed me right away was the unique and captivating plot. It’s unlike anything I’ve read before and follows a determined main character on a high-stakes mission to cure her sister from a mysterious poison. The urgency of the quest and all the twists and turns kept me hooked from beginning to end.

As for our main character, Ning, she was likable, though I’ve seen stronger female leads in other books. I felt there wasn’t a ton of character growth throughout the story. That said, her devotion to her sister and willingness to do whatever it takes for her family made her easy to root for.

The writing was excellent. Judy I. Lin’s style is vivid and really pulls you in. While I’m not usually a fan of a lot of world-building, I get that it’s needed for the first book in a fantasy series. The author handled it well, giving a solid base for what’s to come in the next book.

“There is a difference between living the suffering and reading about it.”

Now, let’s talk about the romance subplot. I was really glad it didn’t take over the story but still played an important role. We didn’t get to know the love interest very deeply, but I’m happy it wasn’t one of those insta-love situations. Ning felt a connection to him, but her priority stayed on saving her sister.

The plot twists definitely caught me off guard, and the last few chapters were super fast-paced and full of action. The ending left me completely shocked, and now I have to know what happens next. I have no idea where the story is going from here, but I can’t wait to find out.

Overall, I think this book deserves more attention. It’s got so many things I love in a fantasy series, including a unique plot, likable characters, a well-balanced romance, and an ending that sticks with you. I’d totally recommend it to anyone looking for an underrated fantasy read.

Let me know in the comments if you’ve read this book. Don’t forget to like and share this post with fellow book lovers. And if you want to get notified when there’s a new post, follow my blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Final Draft | Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

About The Book
Laila Piedra only takes risks in the sci-fi worlds she writes about. When her supportive creative writing teacher is replaced by Pulitzer Prize-winning Nadiya Nazarenko, who is harsh and unimpressed, Laila becomes obsessed with earning her approval. She begins to feel like she has to choose between perfection and sanity, but deep down, Laila wonders if letting go of her mentor is the only way to truly find herself.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3Zw5gRy

My Rating

This book left me with mixed feelings. While there weren’t any major issues with the plot or characters, I just didn’t feel a strong connection to either. It follows Laila, a sci-fi fan who wants to be a writer, and her life changes when a new teacher takes over her creative writing class. The teacher becomes a big influence in Laila’s life, causing her to question both her writing abilities and her identity.

A key theme in the book is about losing yourself while trying to please others. The new teacher, even though they’re a successful writer, doesn’t really teach, which leaves Laila and her classmates feeling uncertain about their work. This really hit home for me—it reminded me that creativity is personal, and trying to get others’ approval can make you lose your own voice.

Redgate hints at Laila’s mental health struggles throughout the story, which become clearer halfway through. These hints add depth to her struggles with writing, friendships, and her sexuality, making her feel more real and layered.

That said, the event that triggered Laila’s mental health decline didn’t quite make sense to me, and I often found myself wondering why it had such a big impact on her. However, I believe the author used it to symbolize how a single event can deeply affect someone who is already struggling mentally—it was about losing stability and support in her life.

“Let’s short circuit in the rain.”

The romance in the book was okay, but I didn’t feel very connected to the love interest since the other characters weren’t fleshed out enough, in my opinion. The focus is mainly on Laila throughout the book, so we don’t get much insight into her other relationships, which made it hard for me to fully invest in her romantic storyline.

What stood out the most for me was Riley Redgate’s writing style. It’s engaging and kept me reading, even when I wasn’t totally sure where the story was going. While I probably wouldn’t read this book again or strongly recommend it, I do think it’s well-written and touches on some important themes.

Overall, the story explores finding your identity and the risks of looking for validation from others. It didn’t totally click with me, but its strengths lie in its writing and thoughtful approach, which could appeal to readers who enjoy character-driven stories.

Let me know your thoughts on the book in comments! You can also listen to this audiobook and many others with an Everand subscription. Sign up for a free trial using my link (click here). If you liked this review, please consider following my blog before you go.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny