YA

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

Be My Valentine | Book Recommendations

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Hi Friends,
I wanted to share some book recommendations perfect for Valentine’s Day! However, I didn’t want these recs to be filled with only romance books because I know that there are so many types of readers. Some people might only read mystery/thrillers while others prefer fantasy, which is why I create this list with many readers in mind.

The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose

I think this mystery thriller would be a fun Valentine’s Day read. The story follows a woman whose husband stands accused of murdering his lover. Her role now is to defend her husband in court, literally acting as his attorney in the case brought against him. I’ve only read one of this author’s books, and although I wasn’t crazy about it, I’ve heard great things about this one. There’s also a film adaptation in progress, and a sequel book coming soon.

One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid

To be completely honest, I wasn’t a fan of this book. However, it’s a great Valentine’s Day read if you want something emotional with a happy-ish ending. Emma, in the book, ends up marrying her high school sweetheart Jesse. Following Jesse’s unexpected death, Emma returns home and eventually begins a relationship with a former friend. But then, surprise—Jess is alive and wants Emma back, except Emma’s moved on. This book is a total emotional rollercoaster!
Related Post: One True Loves | Book Review

Happily Never After by Lynn Painter

This romcom has a unique twist: the FMC is cynical about love and relationships. To rescue people from terrible marriages, Sophie and Max become a wedding-objecting pair. If you’re a girl who likes witty banter and quick, not-too-mushy romances, you’ll love this book. It’s a friends-to-lovers story with some steamy scenes—if you’re okay with that, it’s a good read!
Related Post: Happily Never After | Book Review

Lonely Hearts Day by Kasie West

This quick YA novella takes place on Valentine’s Day. Scarlett’s not anti-Valentine’s Day, but she’d rather celebrate being single. So, enlisting the help of her longtime best friend, Jack, she hosts a party for all the single students at their high school. However, the undeniable spark between Jack and Scarlett complicates her independent, single identity. This sounds like the perfect lighthearted teen romance to me!

Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber

I think the book title practically shouts “fairytale romance”. This young adult romantasy novel, the first in a trilogy, continues the story of the Prince of Hearts from the Caraval series. This book promises an incredible romance intertwined with a fascinating fantasy story! If you’re looking for a fantasy romance this Valentine’s Day, this book is for you.
Related Post: Caraval | Book Review

I hope you found a Valentine’s Day read among those recommendations! Drop your fave romance novel in the comments! Spread the love, share and like this post! Hit the follow button to stay updated on new posts.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Free Audible Audiobooks | February 2025

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Hi Friends,
As a huge audiobook lover, I’m always on the hunt for the best deals because, let’s be real, they can get pricey. Lately, I’ve noticed more and more books being included with an Audible subscription, so I figured I’d share some audiobooks you can listen to for free if you’re a member. Basically, I did the work for you—now you can just add these to your library without the hassle of searching. You’re welcome!

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

I’m gonna be completely honest—I’m not an SJM fan and probably never will be. But I know her books are wildly popular. So when I saw this was free with an Audible membership, I knew I had to mention it!

Binding 13 by Chloe Walsh

I’ve been wanting to listen to this series for the longest time, but I know it’s super emotional with a few intense TW. Honestly, I don’t know if I’m ready to sob that much. But since it’s free with an Audible subscription, I might just have to bite the bullet and start it.

The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen

This is actually an Audible exclusive audiobook! I believe it’s the first book in a fantasy romance series (correct me in the comments if I’m wrong!). I’ve been wanting to read A Fate Inked in Blood by this author, but this is her first fantasy series, and I’ve heard great things about it. Since it’s included with my Audible membership, I may need to give it a try.

Lightlark by Alex Aster

I’ve heard so many mixed opinions on this YA fantasy series, which is probably why I haven’t picked it up yet. But apparently, the books just keep getting better, so I’m curious! Right now, it’s free to listen to if you have an Audible subscription. I’m not sure if I’ll actually take advantage of that since I have other books I’m more interested in. Still, if you’ve been wanting to start this series, now might be the perfect time.

If We Meet Again by Ana Huang

This is the first book in the If Love romance series, and to be totally honest, I know nothing about it. Ana Huang is an author I’ve been open to trying, but I’ve never felt a strong pull towards her books. I believe she writes a lot of mafia romances, which aren’t really my thing. That said, she’s a BookTok favorite author, so I wanted to mention that this audiobook is free right now with an Audible membership in case anyone wants to check it out.

Have you listened to any of these? Do you recommend them? Let me know in the comments! If you want to stay up-to-date with the blog and never miss a post, give it a follow! You’ll get notified whenever there’s something new, and it also helps the blog grow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Shadows Between Us | Book Review

- Bunny 1 Comment

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

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

- Bunny 1 Comment

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

The Naturals | Book Review

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About The Book
Seventeen-year-old Cassie can read people like an open book, but she never took her talent seriously—until the FBI recruits her for a classified program for teens with unique abilities. Living with a group of gifted teens, Cassie quickly learns no one is as they seem, and when a new killer emerges, danger is closer than ever.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3AUWEdi

My Rating

If you’re looking for a fun, thrilling read, this one’s a great pick! This young adult mystery series is often called “Criminal Minds but with teens,” and honestly, that’s spot on. The story follows Cassie, a teenager with a knack for profiling people. Her talent earns her a spot in a special FBI program, all while she’s grappling with her mom’s unsolved murder.

Cassie’s not solving these mysteries alone. She’s part of a diverse group of teens, each with unique abilities. There’s Michael, who reads emotions; Lia, a human lie detector; Sloane, a stats genius; and Dean, another profiler like Cassie. I loved how each character brought something different to the table, and I can’t wait to dig deeper into their backstories.

The book’s fast-paced and keeps you hooked from start to finish. One of my favorite parts? The chapters written from the perspective of the unknown subject (unsub). I always find it fascinating when authors dive into the mind of a dangerous character—it adds this eerie, chilling vibe that takes the mystery to another level.

“I’m not scared of this place. I’m not afraid to learn how to think like a killer, and I’m not afraid of you.”

There’s also a romance subplot. You can spot where it’s heading pretty early, and honestly, it didn’t feel necessary. The mystery and character dynamics were strong enough without it. That said, it didn’t hinder enjoyment of the book.

Jennifer Lynn Barnes nails the young adult writing style, making it easy to dive in and stay engaged. The ending? Shocking! While I did guess part of it, it still packed a punch and left me excited for the next book in the series.

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised. It’s a fun, fast-paced mystery with a fascinating cast of characters. I loved how each teen had a special skill, and I’m so curious to see where the series goes next. If you’re into YA mysteries, you’ll definitely want to check this one out.

Let me know in the comments—are you a fan of Criminal Minds or young adult mysteries? And don’t forget to hit follow so you never miss a post!

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

5 October Reads | Book Recommendations

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Hi Friends,
The spooky season is ending soon, so I thought it would be fun to share some books that I think would make great October reads. I’ve put together a list of 5 books to recommend that will work for many different types of readers. I understand that not all of us enjoy thrillers and mysteries but still want a book to get us in the mood for the season.

House of Hollow By Krystal Sutherland
I think this is a great book for anyone who wants a tamer horror story. This book nails the creepy and mysterious elements, but since it’s a young adult book, it isn’t too scary.
Related Post: House Of Hollow | Book Review

Hidden Pictures By Jason Rekulak
This is one of my all-time favorite thrillers! If you love a suspenseful page-turner, you’ll enjoy this book. It has plenty of twists and turns and played out like a thriller movie in my head. Hopefully, we’ll get a screen adaptation one day.
Related Post: Hidden Pictures | Book Review

The Only One Left By Riley Sager
This book got me to jump on the Riley Sager bandwagon. The fact that it’s a Lizzie Borden retelling of sorts makes the plot even more intriguing. I found the story captivating, thrilling, and the twists were really good.
Related Post: The Only One Left | Book Review

How To Survive Your Murder By Danielle Valentine
This book isn’t the most complex plot, and some might find it over the top and a little far-fetched. However, I loved it! It’s a classic teen slasher with a twist. The book is set on Halloween, which makes it perfect for October, and the ending was wild.
Related Post: How To Survive Your Murder | Book Review

The Ex Hex By Erin Sterling
I found this to be a cute, witchy romcom! It kind of has a Good Witch feel to it, which I found quite fun. I’m not the biggest fan of second-chance romances, but I think this book really embraces Halloween vibes. If you’re someone who only reads romances, this is a great fall book option.
Related Post: The Ex Hex | Book Review

In the comments, leave me some fall book recommendations. You can find all of these books in my Amazon storefront! And don’t forget to use my link [Here] to sign up for a free trial of the audiobook and ebook service Everand, so you can read some of these books. Are you a fan of book recommendations? Let me know by giving this post a like and following the blog.

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