Book Review

What Lies In The Woods | Book Review

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About The Book
As children, Naomi, Cassidy, and Olivia believed in magic. Then one summer, Naomi suffered a brutal attack but survived. She and her friends identified the attacker, leading to the capture and prosecution of a serial killer. But the girls are hiding something. Years later, all grown up, Naomi must confront the truth about what happened in the woods.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/42c2XE4

My Rating

My expectations were sky-high for this book because of the rave reviews and the author’s popularity in the mystery/thriller genre, leading me to anticipate a five-star read. Though the synopsis included many elements I usually enjoy, I almost gave up on the book, which is disappointing.

Naomi, the story’s protagonist, survived a brutal attack over twenty years ago while exploring the woods with her two best friends. Now, years later and with her assailant dead, Naomi doubts her own memories. The story felt like a true crime vibe, reminding me of similar incidents I’ve heard about over the years (i.e. the Slender Man stabbing).

The mystery is kinda cliché, a past secret revealed years later. I’m not complaining, but common plots need twists, otherwise they’re predictable. And, sadly, it was as predictable as could be. I saw the ending coming a mile away, so the book was a bit of a letdown.

“Nothing good comes from digging up old trouble.”

Since I’ve read a ton of mystery/thriller books, it’s pretty hard to surprise me, so I’m not usually bummed when I figure out the ending. But, honestly, this book was boring. Though it pains me to admit, I had to push myself to finish. I found the first 75% of the book to be slow and uninteresting. I’m a sucker for unreliable narrators, but this book’s writing just didn’t grab me.

Overall, I thought the story was weak, the characters blah, and the ending disappointing. If you’re into mysteries/thrillers like me, skip this book. Honestly, I don’t get the hype, and I wouldn’t suggest it. Despite this, I may give the author another opportunity in the future.

Do you think this book is as good as everyone says? Comment below! Don’t forget to like and share this post! Sign up for my mailing list (in the sidebar) so you don’t miss new posts!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Business Casual | Book Review

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About The Book
Nova doesn’t want love, especially not with Charlie. But despite her resistance, she’s drawn to him. So, Nova proposes a one-night stand to stop their distracting attraction. That night changes everything, making it impossible to avoid each other. Especially since Charlie wants to prove their chemistry goes beyond a single hookup.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3EmywBQ

My Rating

I hadn’t been a huge fan of the Lovelight Farms series, so I went into the last book with some apprehension. It’s a series of love stories, all in the same small town, but each book happens in a different season. However, characters from the previous books appear in this story.

This story centers around Charlie and Nova. Charlie is Stella’s half-brother, and Stella owns Lovelight Farms. Nova is Beckett’s younger sister, and Beckett is a farmhand at Lovelight Farms. In the books, we really get to know Charlie well. He’s portrayed as this fun-loving, always-positive New York businessman.

Nova had, at most, a minor role in the rest of the books. I wondered why the author picked her as the female lead, but I liked her character, nonetheless. It was fun learning about her, since we knew rather little about her background or her true personality. I also liked that she was a tattoo artist, it’s a profession I’m fascinated by. It was fun getting to know a new character, and seeing more of ones I already knew. I just want to say, their romance was adorable.

“She looks like she could eat me alive. I fucking love it.”

Their relationship started out light and fun, but their connection was obvious from the beginning. I loved watching them change and grow throughout the story. I thought the character development in this book was superb. Plus, it totally showed how scary and tough it is to fall for someone, and to trust them completely.

My favorite thing about the book? Charlie! I loved how the story showed him figuring out what he wanted out of life. He seemed so lost and without a sense of belonging, which made me feel sorry for him. It’s a romance, but it’s so much more than that. It’s about family, too! One important theme is that there are people who love you, even if you’re not aware of it, because home is not only a place but also the individuals with whom you choose to spend your life.

Overall, the only thing I didn’t like about the book was the writing style. It didn’t grab me as much as I wish it did. It was okay, but I didn’t get super hooked. Also, to me, the spicy scenes were just okay, but I can see why some people would consider them steamy. Still, I loved Nova and Charlie together, and the story was, overall, great!

Comment below if you’ve checked out any of the Lovelight Farms books. Liking and sharing this post helps my blog a ton! You can also help it grow by signing up for my mailing list.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Labyrinth Of Lost And Found | Book Review

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About The Book
Eleven-year-old Benjamiah prefers science and logic over magic. Then a magic doll pulls him into another world. The realm is filled with mysterious magi and a Minotaur. Benjamiah joins Elizabella to solve her brother’s disappearance. The journey is dangerous, and soon they must escape the labyrinth or risk being lost forever.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4je4fE8

My Rating

I found this story imaginative and amazing. I’m not usually a fan of middle-grade books, but this one was awesome. The characters, plot, and world were all fantastic. There’s so much to this story, it’s hard to even explain. The book’s about Benjamiah Creek, a young boy who ends up in the magical land of Wreathenwold. He’s soon off on a wild, crazy adventure across the land with Elizabeth, who’s determined to find her brother, no matter what.

The characters Benjamiah and Elizabeth were likeable and well-developed. While their youth showed throughout the story, they never seemed immature. They were determined and strong, formed an incredible friendship. I adored seeing their relationship deepen as they embarked on a crazy adventure together.

I’m being completely serious when I say this plot was intense. Throughout the entire book, I found myself emotionally invested in the two characters. I really wanted things to go well for them, but sometimes it felt like they were always unlucky. I got so emotional listening to the audiobook that I had to pause it. Didn’t see that coming!

“Love is the very highest form of courage.”

The ending was so good; I wanted more! That author did an amazing job of creating this magical world. It wasn’t a perfect ending, but it answered a lot, particularly how Benjamiah wound up in Wreathenwold.

Overall, I absolutely loved this book! But, it might not be for younger readers. I’m an adult, and I still found parts of the story confusing because of its complexity. I would classify it as more of an upper middle-grade book. Though it’s long for a middle-grade novel, I’m still deeply invested in this series. I am so excited to read the sequel and discover what new adventure awaits these characters.

Do you have this book on your TBR? Let me know in the comments! Show your support by liking and sharing this post. Check out the audiobook on Everand! My link (click here) gets you a free trial. Don’t forget to sign up for my mailing list to help support my blog!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

One Year At Ellsmere | Book Review

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About The Book
Winning a scholarship to the esteemed Ellsmere Academy, studious thirteen-year-old Juniper anticipates a perfect academic environment. However, life at Ellsmere is less than perfect; she’s considered a “special project,” the school’s queen bee is trying to sabotage her, and there are rumors of a mythical beast living nearby.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4i851Si

My Rating

This graphic novel was way better than I expected, especially since I didn’t know anything about it. Set in a boarding school, it follows Jun, a scholarship student, as she adapts to her new environment. The story really centers on Jun and her sweet and supportive roommate Cassie; their friendship is the best part.

This story explores bullying, empathy, and the value of real friends. Jun’s experiences at Elsmere Academy highlight the importance of being true to yourself and confronting bullies, which I think can really appeal to younger readers.

“I’m here to learn, not make friends.”

I finished it quickly, but it could’ve used more depth. Although beautiful, the artwork wasn’t unique or particularly memorable compared to other graphic novels I’ve read. Still, it has a satisfying ending that wraps everything up cleverly.

Overall, while well-written, the story’s themes and style may resonate most with middle-grade readers. A few personal preferences aside, it effectively conveys a heartwarming tale of courage and friendship. While this book wasn’t for me, I enjoyed reading it, and I think my younger self would have loved the plot.

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Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Starling House | Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

About The Book
Starling House has captivated Opal since childhood. The chance to work there and create a brighter future for her brother was an offer she couldn’t decline. The closer Opal gets to Arthur, the owner of the house, the more she uncovers about Starling House’s dark history and her hometown’s hidden secrets.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/446rZ8S

My Rating

I expected this book to be a gripping gothic magical paranormal tale. Unfortunately, the book was quite slow and not engaging. The book description sounded great, but the story itself was boring. The book’s about Opal and her years-long obsession with the mysterious Starling House and what’s hidden inside.

Opal’s character, and the book’s slow pace, were my biggest problems. I wasn’t interested in her numerous family and personal issues. It was supposed to be a creepy Gothic story, but it only sort of was.

I would say that my issue isn’t fully with the book, but with the plot not meeting my expectations. I thought it would be more of a fantasy, but it wasn’t. However, the book did have some good points, such as Opal’s bond with her brother.

“I figure dreams are like stray cats, which go away if I quit feeding them.”

The romance in this book felt forced, and out of place. I didn’t see a spark between Opal and Arthur. I would have liked it better without the romance, which is saying something, because I usually love romance stories.

Overall, the last five chapters were the best part. That’s when things really got interesting. I didn’t think Starling House’s backstory would be so intense and dark. That being said, I still wasn’t a fan of the story, but everyone’s different. If the book sounded at all interesting to you, then give it a read.

If you have read anything else by this author that you think I might like, please let me know. The audiobook for this title can be found on Everand, if you’re interested. My link (click here) will give you a free trial of the service. Your email signup is a huge help in getting my blog seen and growing, so please sign up!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Two Sides To Every Murder | Book Review

- Bunny 1 Comment

About The Book
Seventeen years after the infamous Camp Lost Lake murders and her birth, Olivia’s life couldn’t be better. But a family secret sends her searching Camp Lost Lake for answers. Reagan’s hellbent on clearing her mom’s name in the Camp Lost Lake murders. Camp Lost Lake’s reopening gives Olivia and Reagan a chance to find answers. But someone will kill to keep the past buried.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4bZSxKT

My Rating

This book is not for you if you prefer intense thrillers full of twists and turns. But if you enjoy well-written YA mystery thrillers that evoke the spirit of cheesy 90s teen slasher films, you’ll adore this book. Weirdly, I got ‘The Parent Trap’ vibes from this book, even though it’s nothing like it. It’s probably because the story centers on twin girls and the summer camp setting.

At Camp Lost Lake (aka Camp Crystal Lake, in my head!), Olivia and Reagan are on a researching for answers. A shout-out to all my fellow horror lovers who know which movie that camp’s in! Okay, back to the review. Olivia’s dad isn’t her biological father, and a past murder at Camp Lost Lake might reveal who is. Meanwhile, Reagan, who’s been lying low with her mom (the prime suspect in the Camp Lost Lake massacre), is dead set in going to the camp to prove her mom’s innocent.

The premise was so appealing, and it lived up to my expectations. The quick pace was perfect—exactly what I want in a thriller. It was non-stop excitement, and the suspense was awesome, which is something most YA thrillers tend to struggling with.

“Family takes care of each other.”

I really enjoy the campiness of this book. It’s not that gory, and it’s not a super intense plot. No huge surprises, but I really liked how the book gave us Olivia and Reagan’s points of view, and also included past chapters about the people connected to the camp killings.

Despite the multiple POVs and time jumps, the book didn’t feel overwhelming. The plot was easy to follow and never overly complicated. I guessed a lot of what would happen, and I was mostly right, but some stuff—like the ending—still shocked me.

Overall, Danielle Valentine really knows how to write a thriller that keeps you hooked. Her YA books are seriously addictive. They’re a fun, easy read that makes me want to watch a classic slasher flick. This book isn’t groundbreaking, but it’s an entertaining and engaging read worth your time.

Let me know in the comments if you’ve read it or want to! Don’t forget to like and share this review! Don’t forget to follow before you leave, it helps me out tons!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Mixed Signals | Book Review

- Bunny 1 Comment

About The Book
Layla is done with love. Perhaps Caleb is her solution. He offers her a month of no-strings dating. He’ll prove to her that good men exist, and she’ll rate his romantic abilities. It’s a mutually beneficial arrangement. But the longer their relationship goes on, the harder it becomes to remember that it’s not a real relationship, especially when it feels so real.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4kJr8kn

My Rating

I wasn’t sure if I’d like this book or not. It’s the third book in the Lovelight Farms series, but each book is a standalone romance novel. Same town, different couples, but all linked to the Christmas farm. Book one was meh, but I continued on with the series, hoping it would get better.

This book’s about Layla, who runs the bakery at Lovelight Farms. She’s a hopeless romantic, but unlucky in love. Despite her usual aversion to dating locals, she accepts a date with Caleb, an ex-deputy turned Spanish teacher. However, their dating period is limited to one month to discover why they remain single.

I’m a sucker for fake dating or dating-help plots, so this storyline thrilled me. I thoroughly enjoyed most of the book, finding its story charming and funny. Their dates were entertaining, and the story was just the right speed to keep me interested.

“Why are you giving these guys your time? Why are you settling for crumbs when you deserve the whole damn cake?”

Caleb is a great guy, really kind, and it’s obvious he’s crazy about Layla. I even liked his big, kinda nosy family. Despite Layla not being my favorite character, I had no major issues with her until roughly 75% of the way through the story. That’s when the book went downhill for me.

I won’t go on and on, but to sum it up, Layla was a total hypocrite. This dating arrangement began because she wanted an actual relationship, but her behavior at the end was extremely frustrating. I appreciated how she admitted her actions didn’t line up with her words, though.

Overall, the last few chapters were really annoying. The urge to fling my phone across the room was overwhelming. Maybe I’m making a big deal out of nothing, since some readers might enjoy the story. However, it bothers me when characters’ actions contradict their words because of fear or miscommunication. That might work in YA books, but adult romances need more maturity. That said, your feelings towards the ending might be more positive.

Let me know in the comments if you’ve read any books from the Lovelight Farms series. For my unfiltered thoughts on “Lovelight Farms“ and “In The Weed“ (the first two books), check out my reviews! Remember to like and share this post to help it reach more readers. Hit that follow button to stay updated and support my blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Cold Clay | Book Review

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About The Book
Following the discovery of moose remains, the police must question the owner of Joe’s Mug concerning the night his wife disappeared from Shady Hollow. Although the case appears closed before it starts, reporter Vera Vixen doubts Joe’s guilt. The responsibility of clearing his name and revealing long-buried secrets falls on her.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3DfGFHU

My Rating

This book is the second in the Shady Hollow series. These cozy mysteries are set in Shady Hollow, and have animal characters. Just like the first book, we’re back with Vera, a reporter fox, who gets tangled up in a police case when one of her Shady Hollow buddies is a suspect.

It’s a quick, fun read; you can knock it out in one sitting. The mysteries in these books are pretty simple. You don’t have to be a detective to solve these cases, since they are straightforward and not very complicated. I figured out the ending quite early, yet I still loved the story.

“Despite the calm, she felt a thrill of excitement that only an autumn morning can supply.”

What I love most about the series are its animal characters and the way the author describes the town of Shady Hollow. Vera, our main character, is like a smart Hallmark mystery heroine, except she’s a fox! I also love watching her and Deputy Orville’s relationship grow.

Overall, this book is like the first one. The pattern is similar, and the mystery is unsurprising. It’s simple and easy to read, which I like, but others might find it dull. Sometimes, it’s good to take a break from really heavy books and read something that is more for comfort than plot.

Let me know in the comments if you like cozy mysteries. You are welcome to share this review with other readers. Also, liking the post lets me know you enjoy book reviews. Before you leave, please hit that follow button to stay updated on new posts.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Fourth Wing | Book Review

- Bunny 1 Comment

About The Book
A young woman begins her studies at a dragon rider’s war college. To survive, she must navigate a treacherous world, battle fierce competitors, and unearth a long hidden secret. Success is paramount, even in the face of dangerous dragons and the treacherous world of political games and manipulations.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4in3Pe9

My Rating

This book has received an overwhelming amount of hype. In my opinion, it is one of the most popular book series since The Hunger Games and Divergent trilogies. Naturally, as a bookworm, I had to check it out. Plus, the whole dragon riders, forbidden love, and political element sounded really interesting.

Violet, the book’s protagonist, expected to be a scribe. But her mother, a prominent military general, had other ideas about her future. So Violet was thrust into this wild world of dragon riders. Besides being unprepared, she’s developing feelings for Xaden Riorson, who dislikes her because of her family background. The plot was fairly simple and easy to follow.

Honestly, I found the book’s description incredibly interesting. I had not read any books about dragons or dragon riders. I enjoyed the college as a setting; it mirrored Divergent, with the college’s quadrants mirroring the factions of Divergent. Dragon riders, much like Divergent’s Dauntless faction, are also fighting for their lives.

That said, I had some issues, particularly with the romance aspect. I realize this opinion is controversial, given that it’s a romantasy novel. But, I thought Violet fell for Xaden pretty fast. I was hoping for more tension and a slow burn enemies-to-lovers thing, but it didn’t really happen. I’m not usually into slow-burn romances (you know this if you read my blog!), but this book could have used a bit more of that.

“You look all frail and breakable, but you’re really a violent little thing, aren’t you?”

The pacing wasn’t great, either. A lot of the book focused on the characters’ training and classes. I wished for a more action-packed story with quicker progression. The book didn’t grab me until the 40% mark, but after that, I was hooked. So trust me when I say that it’s okay if the book is hard to get into at the beginning. I’m confident the story will captivate you by the time you’re halfway through.

The writing was well-done and, thankfully, not cheesy or cringe at all. The world-building isn’t too intense, so even if fantasy isn’t your main genre, you should still consider reading this book. It’s definitely an open-door romance, so please be aware of that going into the book. But honestly, there aren’t many spicy parts—maybe two—so you could skip them if you like.

Overall, I enjoyed the book, especially the characters and the cliffhanger ending. Though, I have to admit; I saw one twist coming. But anyway, I’m totally continuing the series. That being said, I’m not convinced it deserves all the hype. But it’s special to me because I even got my husband to read it! He gave it a five-star review, FYI!

Let me know in the comments if you’ve read this book. Do you think it lived up to its reputation? If you enjoy my blog, check out my Instagram for more bookish posts. Don’t forget to follow the blog for new posts!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Honey Witch | Book Review

- Bunny 1 Comment

About The Book
Having struggled to fit in, Marigold Claude readily embraces becoming the Isle of Innisfree’s new head Honey Witch. But her magic comes at a price. Skeptical Lottie’s arrival makes Marigold determined to prove magic, sparking unexpected feelings. Facing dark magic, Marigold protects her home. By doing this, she might lose her magic and her heart.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4hQg9Ui

My Rating

This book has a slow pace, but it’s cozy and fantastical. The magic, the story, and the characters were all wonderful. If you don’t like character-driven stories, you might not like this book. Marigold never fit in with her family, until she found out she’s a honey witch! Marigold inherits her grandma’s job as head honey witch, but also a curse—no true love for her!

We see Marigold adapt to island life in her grandmother’s house, using honey magic, befriending people, and confronting her solitude as the story progresses. The story shows that romantic love isn’t everything, but having someone who truly loves and commits to you is special. A major plot point revolves around the important theme of soulmates.

When Marigold meets the frosty Lottie, who doesn’t believe in magic, sparks fly. I loved watching their friendship grow. I liked how the book showed Lottie wasn’t as tough as she seemed, and Marigold really looked out for her.

“It is better to be lost in a beautiful daydream than trapped in a dim reality.”

The author’s creation of honey and ash magic was excellent, and I enjoyed learning about the different honeys. But I wanted more ash magic in the story! Plus, some parts, like those magical creatures (I think they were spirits?), were kinda confusing. I was a little fuzzy on how the witches spotted them. It needed more explanation.

The ending was great, but the last few chapters felt rushed. The book was all cozy fantasy until the end, when things got crazy serious. I expected a more exciting conclusion, even with the intensity of the final chapters. Things got intense really fast, but it all worked out quickly, too. I wanted a more epic magic battle at the end.

Overall, the book was pretty entertaining. The sapphic romance and magic system were highlights for me. The writing was excellent, and I nearly gave it a 4-star rating. Though I enjoyed the story, I doubt it will stay with me or be something I reread. Regarding spiciness, I would give it a rating of 1 to 1.5 out of 5.

Have you heard of this book? Let me know in the comments! The book community hasn’t talked about it much, from what I’ve seen. Give this post a like and share before you go. Follow the blog so you don’t miss any new posts!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny