Book Review

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches | Book Review

- Bunny 1 Comment

About The Book
Mika Moon, one of Britain’s few witches, lives a solitary life to keep her powers hidden—until she’s invited to Nowhere House to teach three young witches. There, she becomes entwined with an eclectic household, including the protective and prickly librarian, Jamie. As Mika finds a sense of belonging, she also discovers just how important family and love really are.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4fyj1DJ

My Rating

I want to say upfront that this isn’t meant as a criticism, but this book was just fine. After reading it, I found the writing good and the plot well-executed, but I didn’t have any strong feelings about it. Honestly, I don’t have many positive or negative thoughts about it. It was simply okay.

In the book, Mika Moon becomes a witch tutor for three young witch girls, despite witches in this world usually living alone for safety and protection. Mika takes the job and grows close not only to the girls but also to their caretakers. She starts to see a different way of living, one where she doesn’t have to stay so isolated.

A romance also develops between Mika and Jamie, a librarian and father figure to the young witches. I really enjoyed Jamie’s personality; he’s the classic grumpy guy, and there’s just something I love about a hot, grumpy nerd! As for Mika, she’s a ray of sunshine, and I think her backstory explains why she’s always trying to stay happy and positive.

“That was some excellent Mary Poppins shit right there.”

The heart of this book centers on the theme of found family. While I enjoyed the cute romance between Mika and Jamie, I especially loved seeing Mika find a group of people who accepted her and made her feel like she belonged—a connection she clearly needed, and one that I think will resonate with a lot of readers.

The magical elements contribute beautifully to the story without overshadowing other aspects. Jamie’s backstory was surprisingly deep, though it felt a bit unnecessary. Still, I appreciated how it helped bring him and Mika closer.

Overall, this is a solid, well-written read. The pacing is quick; I finished it in two days, though I probably could have read it in one if I’d really wanted to. My only issue is that the book doesn’t stand out and, unfortunately, didn’t give me the warm, cozy vibes I was hoping for. Still, I don’t have any other negatives to mention. Would I recommend it? Yes. Would I read it again? Probably not.

Let me know in the comments if this book is on your TBR! Like and share this post if you enjoyed it. And if you’d like to support my blog, follow it so you never miss a new post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Daisy Darker | Book Review

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About The Book
Daisy Darker returns to her Nana’s crumbling gothic estate to celebrate her grandmother’s 80th birthday, reuniting with her family after years apart. At midnight, a storm rages, and Nana is found dead, followed by another family member just an hour later. Trapped, the Darkers must confront their past secrets before it’s too late.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/48rE3BZ

My Rating

I think it is safe to say that Alice Feeney’s Daisy Darker is a new favorite adult thriller of mine. I was captivated right from the first chapter, and I could not put the book down. This is one of those books that you think about even when you’re not reading it, and I certainly couldn’t put it down. The story is just that good, and it’s definitely a page-turner.

In the book, we follow Daisy Darker and her very complicated family. When they all return to her grandmother’s gothic mansion, called Seaglass, on a small remote island for her grandmother’s 80th birthday, which conveniently falls on Halloween, they think it’ll just be another birthday celebration. However, when dear old grandmother winds up dead, the Darker family must now face not only a killer but also the secrets they’ve kept hidden for years.

Daisy is an interesting main character. I enjoyed her insights into her family and the backstory that led us to this point. I totally agree with her that a book about the Darker family would be a bestseller; if this book is any indication, she’s right. I felt for Daisy at times because she was an outcast in her family, but she also showed that she wasn’t just a sweet, innocent girl.

“I guess knowing your place in your family is like some sort of muscle memory, and not something you forget.”

The mystery was one of the best parts of the book. This wasn’t one of those times when I had a guess about who could be behind everything going on. I was truly just along for the ride, and I didn’t mind that. One of the great things about the book was its good mix of being character-driven as well as plot-driven.

When I tell you that the ending made my jaw drop, I am not exaggerating. It 100% took me by surprise. However, I could see how some readers might have seen it coming; even my husband guessed it before I revealed the twist. Maybe I was just having such a good time with the book that I didn’t think it would be a possibility. But I loved it—it totally took the book to the next level.

Overall, everything from the writing to the characters, the plot, and the setting made this a five-star thriller for me. The fact that it was set on Halloween added an extra something that made it even spookier. I think this is a great book for anyone looking to get out of a reading slump because it will keep you invested throughout the entire time, and if you’re like me, it will shock you at the end.

In the comments, let me know if you’ve read this book. If you have, did you guess the twist ending? Before you leave, consider joining my little bookish community by following the blog so you never miss out on posts like this.

Until the next chapter,
Bunny

The Haunting | Book Review

- Bunny 2 Comments

About The Book
Penny has been trying to forget Nash, her ex, since his father was exposed as a serial killer last Halloween. But when she finds a classmate stabbed, Nash and his sister, Grace, become the easy suspects. As Halloween approaches and the body count rises, Penny suspects the copycat killer might be someone no one expects.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4hgL8cm

My Rating

This book gave me major ‘90s teen slasher vibes, which instantly hooked me. From the very first chapter, we’re thrown into the chaos of a new killer on the loose, with our main character, Penny, caught right in the middle of it all. The story’s backdrop felt very reminiscent of Scream 4, with its small-town mystery and the return of a killer following in the footsteps of an infamous murderer. We also get a peek into Penny’s complicated relationship with her ex, Nash, which definitely added layers to the tension.

The murder mystery at the center of the plot follows a brutal pattern—one that echoes the killings Nash’s dad committed just last October. I really liked the way Preston set this up because it made every character feel suspicious and connected to a dark past, much like the vibe of the Scream movies. The pacing was fast, and there was never a dull moment, keeping me engaged throughout. Each new twist pulled me deeper into the story, even though I had a strong hunch about where the narrative might go.

However, I can’t say I completely connected with Penny as a protagonist. She has moments where she seems sympathetic toward Nash, yet at other times, it feels like she’s making everything about herself. That back-and-forth occasionally pulled me out of the story, though her inner conflict did make sense given their complicated history. I just wish her character had more depth beyond her relationship struggles. Despite this, I enjoyed how the mystery drove her forward, which felt fitting for the genre.

“I assume you don’t want me to call the cops and tell them about the killer in the cornfield?”

While I suspected early on where the story was headed, there were enough unexpected elements to keep me on my toes. I often find YA thrillers to be predictable, so I was pleasantly surprised that Preston didn’t go down the obvious route. The final twist was one I hadn’t even considered until right before it happened, which made for a satisfying payoff. I love when a book can keep me guessing, and this one definitely succeeded in that area.

That said, I’m not sure I loved the very ending. Preston tends to wrap up her books in a way that feels a little abrupt for my taste, and this one was no exception. But that’s more of a personal quirk of mine than a fault of the book. While the ending didn’t completely wow me, it didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment. It stayed true to her signature style, which I know a lot of readers appreciate.

Overall, this was an entertaining read, especially perfect for October. The Halloween setting enhanced the creepy atmosphere, making it the perfect book for the spooky season. While it didn’t become an instant favorite, I think fans of Scream—especially Scream 4—will find a lot to love here. The book delivers on its slasher vibes while offering just enough twists to keep things fresh.

Let me know in the comments if you’ve read it and what you thought! Also, what’s your favorite Scream film? Personally, I’m still partial to the original. Don’t forget to like and share this review, and if you enjoy book content, hit that follow button!

Until the next chapter,
Bunny

We Used To Live Here | Book Review

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About The Book
Young house-flippers Charlie and Eve score a great deal on an old home, but a family’s unexpected visit triggers eerie events. When their child goes missing and strange presences appear, the family won’t leave, and Charlie soon disappears too. As Eve’s grasp on reality fades, she begins to question what’s real and what horrors the house may hold.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/48qdFbw

My Rating

I’m not quite sure what to say about this book—it wasn’t as scary or compelling as people claimed. Still, it was weird and unlike anything I’ve read before. Sadly, the plot didn’t captivate me at all. I’m always down for a good strange, psychological thriller unfortunately, this book fell so flat and bored to me at times. OK, it bored me most of the time.

It was such a hard book for me to get through, and I don’t exactly know why because the plot was interesting. In the first few chapters, I was really wanting to know what was going to happen. We have a main character, Eve, who is a bit socially awkward and shy. When a family appears on her and her girlfriend’s doorstep, claiming the father once lived there, she lets them in—but things quickly get weird.

The setup makes you want to keep reading to figure out what the family is really doing there and where things are going to go. But by the 20% mark, I found myself not really caring about the story or the characters. There were some interesting moments here and there, but overall, I felt like I was just pushing myself to get through the book.

“Get them to leave. Whatever means necessary…”

The story didn’t scare or shock me at all. I had a lot of questions throughout, hoping they’d be answered by the end, but I felt like none of them really were. It seemed like the author added many elements to make the book stand out or feel different from other horror novels. However, some things didn’t flow together, and I couldn’t understand the overarching plot. Maybe I just prefer straightforward horror, and elevated horror isn’t my thing.

That said, I did like the main character’s development throughout the book. She starts off shy and passive but grows increasingly suspicious, strong, and determined. I think the author was trying to make her somewhat of an unreliable narrator, but I never truly felt she was. I was on her side throughout the entire book.

Overall, this isn’t a bad book, but it’s far from the scariest thing I’ve ever read. I don’t really understand the hype behind it. I’m not sure if my issues were with the plot or the writing. It might have been the added mixed-media excerpts that felt unnecessary. Nevertheless, it’s not a book I’d recommend to other horror lovers. And let me just say, the ending truly frustrated me.

In the comments, let me know if you share my thoughts on this book or if you enjoyed it. Don’t forget to like and share this post with all your reader friends. Hit the follow button; it’s completely free and helps my blog grow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Housemaid’s Secret | Book Review

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About The Book
For me, finding an employer who doesn’t pry into my past is tough, so I’m grateful that the Garricks hire me to clean their penthouse and prepare meals. However, when I discover blood on Mrs. Garrick’s nightgown, everything changes. I promise to protect her while keeping my secrets safe, but Douglas Garrick has done wrong, and he will pay—it’s just a matter of how far I’m willing to go.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4aUIvtj

My Rating

I was very excited for the sequel to The Housemaid because I found that book fantastic. I had high hopes for this one, especially after hearing it was better than the first. Sadly, I might be the odd one out, but I didn’t enjoy it as much as others have.

This isn’t to say the book was bad, but the storyline wasn’t as engaging as in the first. We once again follow Millie as she starts a new job as a cook/housekeeper for a wealthy couple, but their marriage is far from perfect.

I found Millie to be completely different from the first book, which threw me for a loop. Honestly, she got on my nerves a lot this time. I understood her desire to put her past and the events from The Housemaid behind her, but she felt really, really naive in this installment.

“Although isn’t there another side to everyone?”

Additionally, I saw the twist coming from a mile away. There was no shock value; the plot was very straightforward, and the twist was right there in plain sight. Not to mention, the writing felt off somehow—it didn’t give me the same wow factor as the first book.

Overall, maybe my expectations were set too high. I did enjoy the book, but seeing all the twists coming made it underwhelming. I would have preferred to stick to the first book and skip the sequel. However, I will probably read more from this author in the future, so that says something.

In the comments, let me know if you prefer The Housemaid or The Housemaid’s Secret. If you’d like to share this post with others, that would be amazing. Also, you can follow the blog so you never miss a post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Given Our History | Book Review

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About The Book
Clara Fernsby, an assistant professor up for tenure, is shocked when her former best friend and love, Theodore Harrison, returns as a visiting scholar. Ten years after their falling out, Clara finds herself reliving their past. As they reconnect over a shared project, Clara realizes she might be falling for him again and is determined not to make the same mistakes—but will history end up repeating itself?
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3AcrqOk

My Rating

If you’re like me and prefer second chance romances where the love interests haven’t been pining for each other for years, then this is a great read for you. In the book, we follow former best friends Clara and Teddy, who, years after their falling out, are now both history professors and must work together for a semester.

Is this the most original, swoon worthy romcom? No. But did I have a great time reading it? Yes! If you aren’t a fan of books that read like a Hallmark movie, I would strongly recommend not picking this book up. However, I’m always down for a book that feels like a lighthearted romance movie—one that isn’t too complicated and is an easy read.

I really enjoyed our two leads. I’d almost say this has a bit of the grumpy sunshine trope, but the girl is the grumpy one. She definitely has tunnel vision when it comes to life. As for Teddy, he was sweet and caring, and you could see what an impact Clara’s friendship had on his life.

“You know, you mentioned once that you enjoy history because humans haven’t changed all that much. You said that like it’s a good thing.”

I loved that we got chapters from the past to see how their friendship began and where things went wrong. It was really a case of right person, wrong time. And let me just say, the level of maturity these characters had was wonderful! Also, it had one of the best descriptions of the struggles of love, and it will probably always be one of my favorite paragraphs from a book.

The writing was well done, and I didn’t feel there were any slow parts. I thought the story moved along nicely, and the character development was great. The book is, of course, a romance, but Clara’s personal and professional journey was also a highlight. I also liked the sister relationship, although minimal, that was part of the story.

Overall, if you are looking for a fast, sweet read that will get you out of a reading slump, I would recommend this book. Even though it takes place in the fall, I think it can be enjoyed any time of the year. I’m looking forward to seeing what the author releases next.

In the comments, let me know if this book is on your TBR. You can listen to it with an Everand [here] subscription. Don’t forget to hit the like and share buttons so that other book lovers can find this post. Before you go, give the blog a follow so you never miss a book review.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Housemaid | Book Review

- Bunny 2 Comments

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