Search Results for: Mystery thriller

Mystery & Thriller | 2024 Goodreads Choice Awards

- Bunny 2 Comments

Hi Friends,
It’s almost time for the 2024 Goodreads Choice Awards, so I thought it would be fun to share my predictions for certain categories. I might have more predictions in some categories than others, depending on how often I read that genre. In this post, I’ll discuss the mystery and thriller category and talk about ten books I think will be nominated. Please keep in mind that a book needs a Goodreads rating of at least 3.5 to be nominated for the Goodreads Choice Awards.

First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston
This 2024 mystery thriller release surprised everyone. While it leans more toward mystery and suspense, it still fits within the mystery and thriller category according to Goodreads. With a solid rating and overwhelmingly positive reviews, I expect it to receive a nomination.
Related Post: First Lie Wins | Book Review

The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley
Lucy Foley has not only been nominated before but also won in 2020 with her book ‘The Guest List’. However, this book hasn’t generated much discussion, and I haven’t heard many opinions about it. Still, considering she’s a past winner, I don’t see her getting left out as a nominee. However, I don’t think it will win or make it into the top 10.
Related Post: The Guest List | Book Review

Middle of the Night by Riley Sager
I’ll be shocked if Riley Sager’s newest book isn’t nominated or doesn’t make it into the top 5. He’s pretty much a staple in the mystery thriller genre, and I believe he’s received nominations for almost every new release. While this book didn’t receive as much hype as some of his previous ones, its average rating is decent enough for a nomination.

The Last One at the Wedding by Jason Rekulak
This is probably just wishful thinking on my part because I loved ‘Hidden Pictures’ by this author, which won the horror category in 2022. I have high hopes for his latest book to be nominated. I’m placing it in the mystery and thriller category since Goodreads lists thriller as the primary genre, but it could just as easily fit into the horror category.
Related Post: Hidden Pictures | Book Review

The Housemaid Is Watching by Freida McFadden
I have no doubt that this book will be nominated. Honestly, I predict that multiple Freida books may receive nominations, as they did last year. However, I hope that doesn’t happen again, since nominating only one book per author would give other writers a better chance of winning. Still, given the popularity of the Housemaid books, I see this as an automatic nominee.
Related Post: The Housemaid | Book Review

Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera
This book was one of the most hyped mystery thrillers of the past year. I haven’t read it yet, which is a bit disappointing, but I’ve heard the story and twists are amazing. I’m pretty sure it gained popularity with the help of Bookstagram and is still being recommended frequently. So, if they select books based on ratings and popularity, it will most likely be a contender in the mystery and thriller category.

The Night We Lost Him by Laura Dave
This book released in September, and while the ratings aren’t incredibly strong, they’re still good enough for a nomination. Given that her book ‘The Last Thing He Told Me’ won in the mystery and thriller category, I don’t think she’ll get snubbed this year. However, I don’t predict a win, as this book has been overshadowed by other 2024 releases.

We Solve Murders by Richard Osman
I haven’t seen much buzz about this book, but it has a fairly high rating. Plus, Richard Osman has a solid fanbase and has received nominations in the past. His book ‘The Last Devil to Die’ placed fourth in the mystery and thriller category in 2023, but that was the last book in a series. Since this is the first book in a new mystery series, it could give him a better chance of winning.

The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
This book could be a strong contender for the mystery and thriller category this year. Not only does it have over a 4.20 rating on Goodreads, but I also haven’t seen many reviews below 4 stars. While I don’t know much about the plot, it seems to lean more toward the mystery and fiction side of things. Liz Moore received a Goodreads Choice Award nomination in 2020 and made it into the top 10 that year.

Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth
TThis might be the underdog of my predictions. Sally Hepworth is a successful mystery and thriller author, but she doesn’t get much attention in the book community. I was surprised to learn she’s only been nominated once for the Goodreads Choice Awards, back in 2019, despite her books having decent ratings. I’ve heard great things about this one and have been wanting to read it. I’d be pleasantly surprised to see it nominated.

And that wraps up my predictions for the Mystery and Thriller category on Goodreads. In the comments, let me know if you agree or disagree with my predictions, and feel free to share any books you think will be nominated. I’m unsure how many of these books are available on Everand, but you can get a free trial using my link [here]. Don’t forget to share this post with others and hit the like button as well. If you love bookish content, follow the blog so you never miss a post.

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

Worst Books Of 2024!

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Hi Friends,
Today, I’m sharing my ‘Worst Books of 2024’ post. I do this every year, and I always like to include a disclaimer. This is not me hating on anyone who enjoyed these books or the authors. These are simply stories that didn’t work for me or that I didn’t enjoy—and that’s totally okay. Reading is subjective, and it’s perfectly fine to share your honest thoughts about a book. So, let’s dive into my list of the worst books of 2024!


12. Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark by Alvin Schwartz (Author), Stephen Gammell (Illustrator)
I don’t think this is necessarily a bad book, but there wasn’t much to it. It’s a collection of middle-grade spooky stories. My husband actually read it as a child, and these stories scared him a lot. However, reading it as an adult, I had a very different opinion. Some of the stories are quite cheesy, with a few silly ones and, yes, a couple of creepy ones. Overall, though, it was a very simple book that didn’t entertain me much, which is why it’s on this list.


11. Mistletoe Season by Kathleen Fuller, Pepper Basham, and Sheila Roberts
This is another book I didn’t exactly hate, but I didn’t love either. Surprise, surprise—it’s a collection of short holiday stories. I’ve been pretty vocal in the past about not typically enjoying short story collections, so it shouldn’t come as a shock that this book made this list. Unfortunately, the stories didn’t stand out, and I wasn’t a fan of most of them. It’s not a book I’m likely to remember, and it’s one I probably wouldn’t recommend.
Related Post: Mistletoe Season | Book Review


10. Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur
I hate including this book on this list or even giving it a rating because it’s a poetry collection, and it’s clear the poems are very personal to the author. However, poetry is a genre I don’t usually read, so I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. As one of my first poetry collections, I found it a bit too heavy. The subject matter was quite intense and not at all what I anticipated. While I can see how many readers might resonate with some of the poems, I didn’t feel any real connection to them personally.


9. I Hope This Doesn’t Find You by Ann Liang
I had such high hopes for this book, but it ended up being a major letdown. I’m not sure if I’m just aging out of YA, but the storyline didn’t unfold the way I expected, and the romance fell flat. In my opinion, it also sends a really problematic message about teenage love. Overall, I don’t have many positive things to say about this book.


8. What Lies in the Woods by Kate Alice Marshall
This is another book I was told was amazing, but for me, it was a miss. It’s an adult mystery thriller, and I expected the mystery to be fast-paced and shocking. However, I found the book slow, and the plot was very predictable. There were no jaw-dropping plot twists, and I saw the ending reveal coming.


7. Starling House by Alix E. Harrow
I really wanted to like this book, but the plot just wasn’t executed in a way I enjoyed. Sadly, my overall enjoyment while reading it was lacking. I will say that the ending was fairly interesting and somewhat surprising. However, it didn’t make up for the book as a whole, which felt very underwhelming and not enjoyable to read.


6. A Thousand Boy Kisses by Tillie Cole
I am so frustrated that I bought into the hype behind this book because it’s not a romance I think should be romanticized at all. Again, this is a YA novel, so I had to keep that in mind while reading. But the ending was horrible, in my opinion. I honestly cannot believe the author went that route—it really made me angry. It’s not a book I think should be as popular or raved about as it is.
Related Post: A Thousand Boy Kisses | Book Review


5. A Game Most Foul by Alison Gervais
This is another YA book that I just didn’t enjoy. I liked the mystery plot and the Sherlock Holmes element. However, the story didn’t flow well, and I felt that many aspects didn’t quite work. I wasn’t a fan of the writing style or the characters. It was an easy read, but nothing special.
Related Post: A Game Most Foul | Book Review


4. Mixed Signals by B.K. Borison
This book had so much promise in the beginning, but I was really upset by the end. I will say, though, please take this with a grain of salt, as I might be a bit dramatic with my feelings. However, some of the characters’ actions—especially those of the female main character—really frustrated me. The ending was probably what caused me to drop this book’s rating significantly. Let me just say, I literally almost threw my phone across the room while listening to it.


3. We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer
I don’t understand why people say this is one of the best horror stories they’ve read. For me, there were too many unanswered questions, and the ending felt a bit open-ended. It seemed like the author was trying to be experimental and make this an elevated horror story, and maybe that’s what it is, but I just didn’t get it. That said, I’m not on the hype train for this book.
Related Post: We Used to Live Her | Book Review


2. Resting Scrooge Face by Meghan Quinn
This book had many good things going for it, but the love story was probably its downfall, which isn’t ideal since it’s a romance. One thing to note is that this is a second-chance romance, a trope I typically dislike. However, I’m slowly warming up to it, which is why I decided to give this book a chance. I feel like if the author had taken a completely different approach to resolving their relationship, I might’ve liked it more. But honestly, I didn’t care for the male main character or all of his excuses.
Related Post: Resting Scrooge Face | Book Review


1. Lovelight Farms by B.K. Borison
I had heard nothing but good things about this book, and the cover is adorable, but unfortunately, I don’t want to say I hated it, but I really hated it. Everything about the friends-to-lovers trope, the characters, the writing style, and the plot just didn’t work for me. There are many other things about the book that I didn’t enjoy, and it was almost a DNF for me, which should tell you how much I disliked it.
Related Post: Lovelight Farms | Book Review

There you have it—my Worst Books of 2024. It was actually a challenge making this list because I’ve had a very good reading year. In the comments, let me know if you agree with any of my thoughts on these books. Feel free to share some of the books you didn’t like in 2024. And, as always, hit the follow button so you never miss a new post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

These Books Will Self Destruct | 2025 Challenge

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Hi Friends,
Happy Bookmas Day Thirteen! Writing that seriously shocked me—I can’t believe we’re almost two weeks into December. Today, I’m doing a post I tend to write around this time every year, where I choose books from my shelves that I either need to read next year or unhaul. As a huge reader and book hoarding addict, there are always books I never seem to get around to, and end up completely ignoring for years. This little challenge helps me prioritize those neglected books and declutter my bookshelves.

Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price
This is a mystery retelling of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. I bought it on a whim without knowing much about the plot, and I still haven’t picked it up. Honestly, I don’t have much desire to read it, so it’s going on this list. If I don’t get to it, I’ll unhaul it. I believe it’s part of a Jane Austen retelling mystery series, so if I do end up reading it, I might inadvertently start a new series.

The Appeal by Janice Hallett
I found this for three dollars at Half Price Books, and at the time, the plot sounded somewhat interesting. However, I’m not sure it’s my kind of book, which is probably why I’ve been avoiding it. That said, I still want to give it a chance. If I end up unhauling it, I won’t be too upset.

Wilder Girls by Rory Power
I believe this is a YA version of Lord of the Flies with female characters. It’s set in isolation and involves a pandemic—possibly a horror story as well. I’ve owned it for a while but completely forgot about it, so it’s officially on my self-destruct TBR.

Hollow Fires by Samira Ahmed
I only bought this book because Karen M. McManus blurbed it—she’s one of my favorite YA thriller authors. However, I’m not particularly excited to read it. It’s a chunky book, and the plot doesn’t sound all that intriguing. Hopefully, it will pleasantly surprise me.

Wicked As You Wish by Rin Chupeco
I’ve tried to unhaul this book so many times, yet something keeps telling me I’ll actually enjoy it. I think it’s a retelling, though I could be wrong. I do know it’s a fantasy, and the premise seems promising. Fingers crossed that I’ll finally get to it in 2025.

The Honeys by Ryan La Sala
I remember being excited about this book because it sounded like an interesting YA horror. However, the cover screams springtime, and since I’m a seasonal reader, I haven’t picked it up yet. I’ll likely get to it next year, but don’t hold me to that.

The Midnight Game by Cynthia Murphy
I haven’t had much luck with YA mystery thrillers lately, but I want to give this author’s books a try. I own three of them, but haven’t read a single one, so I decided to start with this one, as it sounds the most interesting. If I don’t read or like this book, I’ll unhaul all three.

They’re Watching You by Chelsea Ichaso
This is another YA thriller, but I don’t have high hopes for it. I previously tried a book by this author and DNF’ed it, because I didn’t enjoy the story or writing style. Still, I want to give the author another chance. If I don’t like it, I’ll unhaul it without any hesitation.

The Witch, the Sword, and the Cursed Knights by Alexandria Rogers
This is a middle-grade book, and possibly the start of a series. The premise sounds compelling and fun, but I’m not a big middle-grade reader. I have several middle-grade books on my shelves, and this challenge is the push I need to read at least one of them.

The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels by India Holton
I tried to read this earlier this year but DNF’d it because I couldn’t focus on the audiobook. I’m hoping it was just bad timing. If I don’t pick it up next year, I’ll say goodbye and pass it along to someone else.

Ice Planet Barbarians by Ruby Dixon
I’ve heard this series is terrible but also a lot of fun. It’s an alien smut series, which intimidates me because I’ve never read anything like that before. I’ve heard they’re quick reads, and since I like spicy books and enjoy light, mindless reads between heavier novels, I want to give it a try. But if I don’t read it next year, I’ll accept that it’s not for me and unhaul it.

Sanctuary of Shadows by Aurora Ascher
Truthfully, I don’t even remember what this book is about. I bought it secondhand because it has beautiful sprayed edges. But it’s been sitting on my shelf untouched. If I’m not going to read it, I have no reason to keep it—no matter how pretty it is.

Do you have a self-destruct TBR? I don’t usually do well with this challenge, but I’m hoping to make a real dent in it next year. I’ve been pretty good about unhauling books lately, but I’d like to read some of them before letting them go.

In the comments, let me know which book from this list you think I should prioritize in 2025. And before you go, don’t forget to follow the blog so you never miss a new post!

Until the next chapter,
Bunny

Books I Couldn’t Finish | 2024 DNFs

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Hi Friends,
Happy Bookmas Day Seven! I can’t believe we’re already a week into Bookmas. Today, I’m talking about the books I DNFed this year. Honestly, I didn’t DNF many books this year, which I’m very happy about! Still, there were a few that I just couldn’t get through.


Mistakes Were Made by Meryl Wilsner
I got about halfway through this book before I had to stop reading. It’s an adult queer romance where a divorced woman falls for one of her daughter’s college friends. The plot sounded interesting, but I wasn’t a fan of the characters. Also, the way they both handled the situation wasn’t great. Both the friend and the mom seemed to show little care for how the daughter might feel about their relationship.


Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica
This is a mystery thriller that I’ve heard nothing but good things about. However, I didn’t know before starting it that it comes with a trigger warning for child abuse. Let me just say—that’s a hard no for me. I can handle mentions, but I can’t deal with scenes where it’s described or a central part of the story. Unfortunately, the first few chapters were just too much for me, and I had to DNF for that reason alone.


Never by Jessa Hastings
I’ll be completely honest—this was a cover buy. Let me keep this short and to the point: the chapters were too long, the story was boring, and I was totally wrong in thinking this book would be spicy. Also, I hate Peter Pan, so why I thought I’d enjoy a retelling is beyond me!


A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft
I had such high hopes for this book because it sounded so good. But calling it a romantasy is a bit of a stretch. I would categorize it as a fantasy with some mystery thrown in. I got 40% in and was still waiting for the romance. Unfortunately, the mystery wasn’t compelling, and the story as a whole just didn’t hold my interest.


The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston
This one hurt to DNF because it’s so popular. However, I felt like the story dragged and just wasn’t capturing my attention. I was going to push through it, but that plan went out the window when the main character’s jerk of an ex referred to her as “Bunny.” Maybe hearing it once would’ve been okay, but every time she thought of him, that nickname came up. I couldn’t handle it—for obvious reasons (my amazing husband calls me Bunny, hence Book With Bunny).
Related Post: The Seven Year Slip | Book Review

So, there you have it—my DNFs of 2024! Even though I didn’t DNF many books this year, there are still a lot of books I’ve started but haven’t yet finished. Leave me a comment and let me know: are you pro- or anti-DNFing? Don’t forget to come back every day for more Bookmas content, or hit the follow button so you never miss a post!

November 2024 | To Be Read

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
Today I’m sharing my November TBR and talking about the books I plan to read this month. I’m actually doing my TBR a little differently. I got this idea from Rachel Cerys, a BookTuber who uses prompts to pick her TBR. To make it more fun and challenging, she also uses a spinner wheel with added challenges. Some options on the spinner include picking two prompts and choosing one, selecting two books for one prompt, or combining two prompts. There’s also “add a spin” and “standard,” where I simply pick a prompt. I hope that makes sense! If it’s unclear, I’d definitely recommend checking out one of Rachel Cerys TBR videos.

I planned to do only seven spins, but throughout the game, I landed on “add a spin” four times, so I ended up with 11 spins/prompts.


Standard: A Book You’ve Been Putting Off

There are two books I’ve really been putting off, but one I definitely didn’t want to read. So, I chose Two Twisted Crowns, the sequel to One Dark Window and the conclusion to the duology.
Related Post: One Dark Window | Book Review


Combine 2 Prompts: An Illustrated Cover / Book You Wanted to Read Last Year

This was an easy choice. I’ve wanted to read Kiss Her Once for Me since it was released in 2022. It’s a holiday fake-dating queer romance that sounds fantastic.

1 Prompt, 2 Books: Two or More Authors / A Holiday Romance

For this, I chose A Holly Jolly Ever After, which I meant to read last year but didn’t get around to. This is the companion novel to A Merry Little Meet Cute, which I enjoyed. My second pick was Three Holidays and a Wedding, a festive story about two very different women who meet on a plane and share secrets during some scary turbulence.
Related Post: A Merry Little Meet Cute | Book Review


Choose 2, Pick 1: Owned for More Than a Year / Published This Year

I had my husband choose which prompt to pick, and he went with “Published This Year” because he’s been wanting me to read Bride by Ali Hazelwood. I’m nervous about this one since I’ve heard mixed things.


Combine 2 Prompts: Under 300 Pages / Red or Green on the Cover

This was another easy choice since I have so many holiday books on my list. I chose It’s a Fabulous Life, a queer reimagining of It’s A Wonderful Life. Need I say more?


Standard: A Book with a Family Relationship

For this prompt, I picked a mystery thriller, You Must Remember This by Kat Rosenfield. I tried reading it last year but couldn’t get into it. I’m hoping to finish it this time.


Standard: One-Word Title

I realized I don’t own many books with one-word titles, but I do have Hunted by Meagan Spooner. I’ve wanted to read this Beauty and the Beast retelling for years—it seems like the perfect winter read.

1 Prompt, 2 Books: Most Recent Purchases

I wasn’t too upset about picking two books here since it means I get to read some of my newer purchases. I chose The Nightmare Before Kissmas, a Nightmare Before Christmas-inspired M/M holiday romance, and The Stars Are Dying, a romantasy I know nothing about.


Standard: Published in the Current Month

Of course, I had to pick another holiday romance for this prompt! I chose The Christmas Wish, where the main character is stuck in a time loop, reliving Christmas Day over and over.


Combine 2 Prompts: A Gifted Book / A Book Over 400 Pages

I decided it was time to finish the Twilight saga and read Breaking Dawn. This book is over 700 pages, easily fitting the “over 400 pages” prompt, and it’s part of the Twilight white edition box set I received as a gift last Christmas.
Related Post: Twilight | Book Review


Choose 2, Pick 1: A Book About a Holiday / Author You’re Thankful For

I was torn between these prompts because both fit the season well. I ultimately chose “Author You’re Thankful For” and picked Elsie Silver. This is my first year reading her books, and I’ve quickly become a fan. I’ll be reading Powerless, the third book in the Chestnut Springs series.
Related Post: Flawless | Book Review

There you have my very ambitious November TBR! Here’s hoping I get to all or at least half of these books. Let me know in the comments what’s on your TBR for the month, and don’t forget to hit the follow button so you never miss a post!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Gilmore Girl Readathon | To Be Read

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
Today I’m sharing my Gilmore Girls Readathon TBR. If you haven’t already seen my announcement post for the readathon, I definitely recommend checking it out (read here). To give you a brief rundown, the readathon will take place from October 7 to October 21. There’s a bingo board with 12 bookish prompts and four non-bookish prompts. I’m going to try and clear the board, and to make it even more challenging, I’ll be reading a different book for each prompt. Let’s jump right into the books I’ll be reading.

Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice by Katie Cicatelli-Kuc
Not only does the synopsis say this book is perfect for fans of Gilmore Girls, but it’s also set in a charming village in New England. I’m interpreting “village” as a small town. Plus, the title Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice is so fall-coded. I can’t wait to read this story. I’m a little hesitant because it’s a YA novel, which isn’t a genre I’ve been gravitating toward lately, but it does involve coffee and I’m a coffee addict.

Maybe Meant To Be by K.L. Walters
This book takes place at Bexley School and follows best friends Sage and Charlie, who everyone assumes are destined to be together. The cover gives me fall vibes, and I’ve loved pretty much every book I’ve read by this author. I’m anticipating this will be a four or five star read.

Daisy Darker by Alice Feeney
This was a harder prompt for me, but I decided to go with Daisy Darker by Alice Feeney. It’s an adult mystery thriller inspired by Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None. The story revolves around a complicated family who are isolated together, with a killer among them. I don’t think there’s another book on my shelves that fits this prompt as perfectly as this one.

Funny Feelings by Tarah DeWitt
I had quite a few options for this prompt, but I’m trying to stick with cozy fall vibes since that’s what Gilmore Girls embodies for me. This is a single dad romance where he’s her manager and she’s a stand-up comedian. I’ve never read anything by this author, but I’ve been loving single parent romances lately.

A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon by Sarah Hawley
For this prompt, I picked a book that I’m really excited to read. Not only does it work for the readathon, but it also matches the witchy vibes of October. I don’t know much about it except that it’s a cozy fantasy fake-dating romance.

Business Casual by BK Borison
This is the last book in the Lovelight Farms small-town romance series. Each book in the series is set during a specific season, and this one takes place in the autumn. So, of course, October is the perfect time to read it! The last two books I read from this series had dual perspectives, so I’m assuming this one will as well. If not, I’ll switch it out with another book.

Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands by Heather Fawcett
This is another book I cannot wait to dive into! Even though the hardback version doesn’t have leaves on the cover, my copy—the Barnes and Noble exclusive paperback edition—certainly does. I read the first book in this series earlier this year, so I’m happy to be making progress on a series I’ve already started. This is a cozy fantasy series, and I’m pretty sure I’ll be able to finish the book fairly quickly.

The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore
Honestly, everyone is talking about how good this book is and how it’s very Gilmore Girls-inspired. I don’t know much about the plot except that it’s a small-town spicy romance, but I’m excited to read it for the readathon.

A Winter in New York by Josie Silver
Winter is my favorite season, so I had to pick a book that screamed wintertime to me. That’s why I chose a book with “winter” literally in the title. I’m hoping to love this book! All I know is that there’s a secret family recipe and a romance, but I think it’ll be a really cute read with some depth to the plot and characters.

The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose
Of course, I have to include a thriller on my TBR. The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose is being adapted into a movie. I believe Netflix is behind it, but I’m not entirely sure which streaming platform will be making the film. Still, this is a book I’ve wanted to read for a while, and I’m glad I will finally, hopefully, be getting to it.

A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft
I had a few books that fit this prompt, but this one seemed like it was made for a Gilmore Girls readathon since the main character’s name is Lorelei. This is a dark academia novel involving murder and an expedition. It seems like it will fit well with the spooky season, so I’m looking forward to it.

Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
Lastly, I have to finish a series I’m in the middle of, and what better time than spooky season to complete the Twilight saga? The final book was released in 2008, so it fits the prompt perfectly. I’ll definitely be rewatching the movies this month, making it an easy choice.

There you have it, all the books I’ll be reading for the Gilmore Girls Readathon. I really hope you all participate because this readathon is very near and dear to my heart. You can join the Discord to let me know what you’re reading and discuss the group book. Please leave a comment letting me know what you’re reading in October, and hit the follow button so you never miss a post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Back To School | Book Recommendations

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Hi Friends,
I can’t believe it’s already back-to-school season! The months have flown by so quickly, but I’m excited for fall. I know some of you might not be thrilled about school starting again, so I thought I’d share some book recommendations to help you get into the back-to-school spirit.

Matilda by Roald Dahl
This middle-grade novel is a quick read about a young girl with a tough home life. Matilda loves to read and is excited about going to school for the first time. I enjoyed both the book and its movie adaptation.

One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus
This book is packed with drama, friendships, and a murder mystery. It starts right at the beginning of a new school year, and it’s a fast-paced read that keeps you hooked.
Related Post: One Of Us Is Lying | Book Review

Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson
This YA mystery kicks off a series about a teenage girl who loves true crime and attends a boarding school where a murder takes place. I didn’t love it, but if you enjoy boarding school settings, it’s worth a read, especially in the fall.

The Ivies by Alexa Donne
Another YA mystery thriller, this book is set in a boarding school and revolves around students aiming for Ivy League colleges, with a murder thrown into the mix. It wasn’t my favorite, but it fits the back-to-school theme.
Related Post: The Ivies | Book Review

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli
This contemporary YA novel is great for starting the school year, especially if you’re figuring things out about yourself. The main character has a supportive family and friends but still struggles with his identity. The book has a fantastic ending and a movie adaptation worth watching.

The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake
I haven’t read this one yet, but it’s a dark academia novel involving a secret society and magic. It sounds like a good pick if you’re into fantasy elements.

There you go—some book recommendations for back-to-school reading. If you have an Everand subscription, some of these books are available there. If you want to try out the service, you can use my link (click here) for a free trial. Check out my Amazon Storefront page for all the titles mentioned here. Don’t forget to click follow so you never miss a post!

The Last Time I Lied | Book Review

- Bunny 1 Comment

About The Book
Fifteen years after her friends vanished at Camp Nightingale, Emma, now an artist still haunted by their disappearance, is invited back to the camp as an instructor. Despite her fears, she returns to the camp, finding it eerily unchanged except for a new security camera outside her former cabin. As she uncovers clues about her friends’ disappearance, Emma risks everything for the truth, facing potentially deadly consequences.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3SgRAVR

My Rating

‘The Last Time I Lied’ by Riley Sager is a book that had me hooked right from the start. The plot instantly kicks off and grabs your attention. We follow our main character, Emma, who is haunted by an event that took place fifteen years ago at Camp Nightingale. Her three older cabin mates went missing, but Emma has some secrets of her own—things she still feels guilty about today.

The plot revolves not only around the mystery of what happened to Emma’s three cabin mates but also Emma’s mission to gain answers and closure when the owner of the camp invites her back to be the art teacher for the camp’s reopening. I wouldn’t say that Emma is an unreliable narrator, but she was a teenager when all of this took place, so her memory isn’t the best.

One of my biggest problems with the book—and probably the only issue I had with it—was Emma’s character. I felt as if she still acted like she was 13. She wasn’t a very savvy protagonist. Also, the fact that she still had somewhat of a crush on Theo, the camp owner’s son, years later was a little weird. But nothing like your first crush who you accused of murder, right?

“Everything is a game, Em. Whether you know it or not. Which means that sometimes a lie is more than just a lie. Sometimes it’s the only way to win.”

The summertime vibes were definitely on point in this book, and it really gave me that chilling summer mystery feel. For me, it was more of a mystery than a thriller. It definitely isn’t a book that’s going to keep you up at night, but I did enjoy the dual timeline where we get chapters of the past, seeing Emma’s relationships with her cabin mates, especially Vivian, who is the alpha female of the group.

The thing that I think Riley Sager does best is shocking twists. Most of the time, I feel like their books are going to be four stars, but by the end chapter, I am left completely shocked and have to add an extra half star. They write these mysteries where I have no clue where the story is going, and I don’t even try to guess.

Overall, this was such a fun summer mystery thriller that I think a lot of readers will enjoy. I can safely say that Riley Sager has not only become one of my favorite authors, but they are now an auto-buy author for me. I will absolutely read any book they release.

In the comments, let me know if you have read any books by Riley Sager. If you are a fan of mystery, thriller, or horror books, hit the follow button so that you never miss a post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Thanksgiving // Book Tag

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Hi Friends,
It is time for another seasonal book tag! I am going to be doing the ‘Thanksgiving’ Book Tag, created by Madison Goodyear on YouTube. This tag is filled with bookish Thanksgiving related questions, and I hope that you enjoy it.


I really had to think about this question, because it is hard to recommend a book that everyone would probably enjoy. However, I decided that ‘The Seven Year Slip’ by Ashley Poston would probably be liked by many readers. This is an adult romance with a magical realism element, so I believe that even fantasy readers will be fans of this plot.


I will forever say that ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens is a must read for everyone. It is my favorite book, and I have talked about it a lot on my blog. Therefore, I will never stop recommending it to others.


Something that I can’t get enough of when it comes to books would probably have to be a romance. I know that it is so lame and basic, but I love a good romance plot. Whether I am reading a fantasy, contemporary, or thriller, I do not mind there being a little bit of romance added into the story. However, it has to be done correctly and make sense with the plot.


For me, a palate cleanser book is rereading an old favorite book. After months of reading new books, it is always nice to go back to a story you know and love. Therefore, my perfect palate cleanser book would have to be ‘Better Than The Movies’ by Lynn Painter. This book is perfect!
Related Post: Better Than The Movies // Book Review


I am going to say, ‘How to Survive Your Murder’ by Danielle Valentine, although this book does not actually look gross, but more cheesy. Despite being cheesy and unrealistic, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I found it to be a fun, campy, young adult slasher, perfect for the spooky season.
Related Post: How to Survive Your Murder // Book Review


This is not only a comfort read for me but also a comfort movie, ‘Little Women,’ by Louisa May Alcott. It is such a wholesome read that it is all about family, loss, and love. Honestly, if you have never read the book or see any film adaptions, you are truly missing out.
Related Post: Little Women // Book Review


I am not going to pick one book for this prompt but an author. Katee Roberts writes some shall I say more adult steamy books that I just cannot seem to get enough of. I do not review the more mature books that I read on the blog, but let me just say – if you are looking to get into the erotic genre, then pick up one of her books.


I received ‘Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice: A Book-to-Table Classic’ as a gift, and it is a stunning book. The book contains the classic story but with recipes included throughout the book. I tried reading Jane Austen before, and she was not for me. However, this edition is too pretty not to have in my collection, so it is completely there for looks.


This question was difficult to answer because I was not sure there were any books I had read but liked better when rereading. However, I realized that the first time I read ‘The Afterlife of Holly Chase’ by Cynthia Hand, in 2018, I gave it only 3 stars. However, in 2021, I reread this and fell completely in love with the book. It has become a must read for me during every holiday season.
Related Post: The Afterlife of Holly Chase // Book Review


I had two options for this question, but the first one that came to mind was ‘The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue’ by V.E. Schwab. This book had a great plot, beautiful writing, and interesting characters, but needed to be at least 100 pages shorter.
Related Post: The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue // Book Review


I am not going to lie. I instantly knew that ‘Not a Happy Family’ by Shari Lapena would be the perfect answer to this question. It is a mystery thriller; therefore, there are some twists and turns, but it mainly has a ton of family drama. If you are looking for an adult mystery with a complicated family, then this is the book for you.


In 2024, when it comes to reading, I look forward to reading more books off my physical TBR. In addition, I am hoping to read books by some authors I have never read before. I have many reading plans for the new year; therefore, these are only two of my goals.

This tag was so fun that I would love it if you left your answers in the comments below. Do not forget that you can help my blog grow by giving it a follow before you leave.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny