Book Reviews

Mistletoe Season | Book Review

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About The Book
Step into the magic of Christmas with three heartwarming romances. From dodging mistletoe disasters, to reconnecting with an old flame, and a prince finding love in a small town, these stories are full of charm and holiday cheer.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4g6SDSj

My Rating

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me an ALC of this book.*

This is a short story collection featuring three very different holiday romance stories. Each story is written by a different author and is a fairly quick read. They all have that cheesy yet feel-good Hallmark Christmas movie vibe. I want to mention that upfront because I know some people don’t enjoy those types of holiday romances. Honestly, the stories lack much depth, but they’re cute and fluffy winter romances.

The first story follows Emmy, a single mom who runs an antique shop in Mistletoe, Missouri. When her best friend’s brother, Kieran, returns home after years spent abroad for his mother’s birthday, the two start a winter romance. Honestly, I didn’t love this story at all. The plot felt rushed, and the romance just kind of happened without much buildup or chemistry. They were thrown together and immediately fell in love. Also, Christmas wasn’t really central to the story—it’s just a romance that happens to take place during the holiday season. Needless to say, this story wasn’t for me.

The second story was definitely my favorite in the collection. We follow a prince who is sent to a small town in North Carolina as a punishment by his parents for his not-so-royal behavior. There, he meets a charming, beautiful woman with a troubled family history. They form a friendship, which eventually turns into something more as they team up to help with the town’s annual Christmas charity fundraiser, the Mistletoe Wish.

This one gave me Princess Switch vibes all the way and I absolutely adored it. If you’ve seen that Netflix movie, you’ll know exactly what I mean. I’m not typically a fan of the “royalty falls for regular person” trope, but this one worked so well. I loved how they started off as friends and gradually became something more. The story also had a lot of character development, which I didn’t get in the other stories in this collection.

“I am smart, I am strong, I can conquer any situation, and I can resist mistletoe.”

The last story follows Hailey, who believes mistletoe is her kryptonite. Every time she kisses a guy under the mistletoe, it ends in disaster. While home for Christmas, she vows to avoid mistletoe, but when she runs into her high school crush (the first guy she kissed under the mistletoe all those years ago), old feelings resurface. I thought the premise was good, and I didn’t mind the characters. The ending conflict was well done, but unfortunately, I felt like the romance was too insta-lovey. Also, there was a subplot that reminded me of the movie You Again starring Kristen Bell, which felt a bit odd.

Overall, I would say that only one of these stories was a win for me, so it isn’t necessarily a holiday romance collection I’d recommend. However, I’m not typically one to enjoy many short story collections, so take this review with a bit of caution. I did like how each of the stories had a mistletoe connection, though—it was a cute way to tie them together without directly interconnecting the plots.

In the comments, let me know if you’ve heard of this book and whether you’d recommend it. Don’t forget to like and share this post with others. Once again, thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read the book early. Please hit the follow button before you go, so my blog can continue to grow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Candy Cain Kills | Book Review

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About The Book
When Austin’s family retreats to a remote cottage for Christmas, he’s dreading the forced holiday bonding. But the cabin’s dark history brings a chilling twist, as a legendary killer named Candy Cain emerges with a deadly agenda. Now, surviving the season means staying off her sinister naughty list.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4fenRFM

My Rating

This book might not be for everyone because it is a bit cheesy; however, I found it to be a really fun, classic ‘90s and early 2000s horror story. If you’re a lover of horror movies, I think you’ll really enjoy this book. I love how it ties in the holiday aspect, and it was such a quick read.

In the book, we follow a family spending Christmas at a rental home in a small town. But once they arrive, they learn that the house has a gruesome history. Years ago, a family died in a fire there, although some townsfolk believe the family was actually murdered.

The plot is so engaging, and there’s never a slow moment, even though this isn’t the most intense horror story, nor is it an example of elevated horror. I really enjoyed the storyline and the characters—they felt like a real family with struggles and issues but still loved each other. Their reactions to everything that was happening was very normal.

“Why don’t we have one more cup of cocoa. . . then go to church and raise some hell?”

There was a twist that I didn’t see coming, and I loved it. I really enjoyed the nostalgic feel of the book, and the writing style was also a highlight for me. It wasn’t too gruesome or scary. If you’re looking to dip your toes into the horror genre, I think you should give this one a try.

Overall, this is an easy and creepy read that’s perfect for readers who want a holiday story that isn’t your classic Christmas romcom. You can easily finish it in a day! It has made me want to pick up more books from this author, especially since I know this book is part of a horror holiday novella series. It may not be the most original or intense horror I’ve ever read, but I would still recommend it to other horror lovers like me.

In the comments, let me know if this book has been on your radar. If you enjoy book reviews and other bookish content, go ahead and hit the follow button so you never miss out on a new post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Nightmare Before Kissmas | Book Review

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About The Book
Nicholas “Coal” Claus, heir to Christmas, finds himself stuck in a PR-driven holiday spectacle, including an arranged marriage to Iris, the Easter Princess. Things spiral when Coal’s mysterious one-night fling, Hex, the Prince of Halloween, becomes his rival in a competition for her hand. Amid chaos, forbidden chemistry, and holiday drama.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4ihyH0p

My Rating

I had high hopes for this book, especially since people compared it to Red, White & Royal Blue and The Nightmare Before Christmas. While I haven’t read Red, White & Royal Blue, this felt like how I imagine that book would be. Unfortunately, I didn’t get much of a The Nightmare Before Christmas vibe—it’s more of a reimagining than a retelling.

The story is a fun M/M romance with a bit of a marriage-of-convenience twist (but not with who you’d expect). The main trope is forced proximity, which was enjoyable, but I struggled with the main character, Coal, the Prince of Christmas. He’s supposed to be rebellious and carefree, but he came off more as a sensitive prankster. The author seemed to want him to be emotionally closed-off, but he didn’t come across that way to me at all.

On the other hand, I really liked Hex, the Prince of Halloween. He’s serious but has a playful side that made him really interesting. Honestly, I think the story would’ve worked better from his point of view—or, even better, a dual perspective. Coal’s narration didn’t quite do it for me, and I think seeing Hex’s side would’ve added more depth to the romance.

“Ah-ah, no arguing, Christmas Prince. You are the one who sought me out for Halloween’s undeniable better qualities.”

One part I really loved was Coal’s relationship with his brother Kris and their friend Iris. The sibling dynamic between the three of them was one of my favorite parts of the book. I do wish we got to know Iris a bit better, but the three of them shared such great moments. Honestly, their friendship and banter was probably my favorite aspect of the book. It even topped the romance for me.

As for the plot—it was fine but nothing special. It felt a bit too long in places, and I was hoping for a more standout story. That said, the world-building was really well done. The author took the essence of The Nightmare Before Christmas and made it their own, which I thought was very creative. However, keep in mind that it might not give you those nostalgic Nightmare Before Christmas feelings.

Overall, it wasn’t a bad book, but it didn’t wow me either. I wanted more from the characters, the story, and especially the banter. And yes, if you’ve read any of my book reviews before, you know that me wanting more banter is a crazy thing to say. Still, if you’re looking for a queer holiday romance with a fantasy setting, it’s worth checking out. Just don’t go in with too many expectations either way.

In the comments, let me know if you watch The Nightmare Before Christmas at Halloween or Christmas. Don’t forget to hit the follow button so you can stay updated on book reviews and other bookish posts!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Lovelight Farms | Book Review

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About The Book
Stella Bloom enters a contest with influencer Evelyn St. James to save her struggling Christmas tree farm, hoping the publicity and $100,000 prize will solve its financial troubles. The catch? She lied, claiming to own the farm with her boyfriend—who doesn’t exist. Enter her best friend, Luka, who steps in as her fake boyfriend, turning their holiday charade into something unexpectedly real.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3CO7MsQ

My Rating

I’m not gonna lie—at first, I really hated this book. I even put it down for a while, thinking I was going to have to DNF it. But I will say, one thing this book has going for it—even though I didn’t love it—is that it’s a fairly quick read, and the plot moves at a decent pace.

This is a friends-to-lovers, fake-dating story. Our main character owns a failing Christmas tree farm and enlists her best friend, Luka, to pretend to be her boyfriend while a social media influencer visits the farm. It has small-town vibes and is definitely a slow burn.

However, the writing was super cringey. Some of the things the characters said—especially our female protagonist, Stella—were just plain cheesy. People don’t actually talk like that, at least not in my experience. On top of that, Stella and Luka gave off serious teenager vibes. They acted like they were in high school, even though they were supposed to be in their late 20s or early 30s.

“I guess I thought owning a Christmas tree farm would be romantic.”

Maybe it’s just where I am in life now, being in my early 30s, but I don’t want to read an adult romance where the characters feel like teenagers. I might as well pick up a young adult contemporary instead. Stella overthought everything, even when Luka clearly told her what he wanted, and it was so frustrating.

The whole story felt unrealistic and overly dramatic. The ending conflict, which boiled down to denial and miscommunication, was resolved within a single chapter. What’s the point of a big blow-up if it’s going to be fixed immediately? It came off as lazy writing to me, but that’s just my opinion.

Overall, you can probably tell this book wasn’t for me. The characters were immature, the small-town setting was very stereotypical, and I wasn’t a fan of Luka’s jealous streak. I also don’t enjoy slow-burn romances, and the intimate scenes here were pretty basic. That said, it’s an easy read, and the Christmas tree farm setting does give it some holiday charm. If you’re looking for a light festive romance, it might work for you.

In the comments, let me know if you think it would be fun to own a Christmas tree farm. Don’t forget to follow the blog and like this post.

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

Such Sharp Teeth | Book Review

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About The Book
Rory Morris returns to her hometown to support her pregnant twin sister, Scarlett, despite bad memories. After a run-in with an old flame and a mysterious animal attack, Rory discovers she’s changing into something dangerous. As she grapples with her transformation, Rory must decide if embracing her new nature is the key to acceptance or a threat to those she loves.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3Z0X21R

My Rating

I can’t say I’m necessarily disappointed in this book because I didn’t have any expectations either way. I am disappointed that it’s classified as a horror, which it clearly isn’t. The book isn’t bad by any means, but it didn’t deliver what I expected from something marketed as a horror novel.

The plot is simple. Rory returns home because her twin sister, Scarlet, is pregnant, and her boyfriend left her. Then Rory gets attacked by a werewolf and becomes one herself. Sounds intriguing, right? It could have been, with a little more focus on the werewolf storyline.

A big con of the book was the characters. I disliked most of them—they all acted so juvenile. None of the characters communicated with each other, and everyone felt completely self-centered. It drove me crazy. I didn’t even see any real bond between Rory and her sister.

“It’s a miracle and it’s a curse, the secrets our bodies keep. The ability to carry the invisible burden of these secrets.”

The romance plot was cute, but the book focused way too heavily on this developing relationship. I didn’t expect it to be such a romance-heavy story. I wanted more of the supernatural side of the plot. And I’m not exactly sure why the author threw in childhood trauma, but it became a major aspect of the story.

In my opinion, the story packed in too much—pregnancy, a new relationship, personal development, and becoming a werewolf. And don’t even get me started on the predictable villain. I wouldn’t even call them a true villain because, by the end of the book, I felt sorry for them.

Overall, the writing is what kept me reading. The premise was good, but the execution wasn’t there. I wanted so much more from this story. For one, I expected it to be a true thriller horror. However, if you’re looking for a cozy paranormal contemporary, you might enjoy this book.

Let me know in the comments if you’ve read this book and felt disappointed too! If you’re looking for more reviews, feel free to browse the site since I try to review every book I read. Don’t forget to like and share this post, and if you want to support my blog, please follow it!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Heartless | Book Review

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About The Book
Working as a nanny for a grumpy single dad should’ve been simple, but sparks fly when Cade Eaton and I end up in a hot tub one night. He’s thirteen years older, rough around the edges, but I can’t resist his rugged charm. Beneath his tough exterior lies a man who softens in quiet moments and melts my heart with his tenderness. My contract says two months, but my heart says forever.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/40Nc6CO

My Rating

I was both excited and nervous to start this book because I wasn’t the biggest fan of Flawless, the first book in this cowboy romance series. However, this book has single dad, nanny, age gap, and grumpy/sunshine tropes—things I usually enjoy.

From the first chapter, I didn’t think I’d love this book as much as I did. It had a similar vibe to Flawless, and the writing felt a bit awkward and forced at times. I wasn’t really invested in Willow and Cade’s story, which made it hard for me to enjoy the book.

However, by about 30% in, my opinion changed completely. I ended up loving the story and the characters. I liked Willow and Cade more than Summer and Rhett from Flawless. The grumpy/sunshine dynamic was great, and Willow and Cade really complemented each other.

Their relationship felt natural. They didn’t dwell on their age difference, which I liked because they were both consenting adults. Even though Willow was younger, she wasn’t immature. She was driven and had her own goals, which I admired. She also helped Cade learn to put himself first sometimes.

“I’m definitely in my country-boy era.”

Cade was the perfect grumpy cowboy and single dad. He put his family first and had been through a lot, which made sense for why he was so guarded. What made their relationship even better was that Willow fell in love with Cade’s son before she even started to be interested in Cade.

The ending surprised me. I didn’t expect it to go where it did, and yes, I cried. It was an unexpected but fitting way to wrap up the book, even though it included a trope that isn’t usually people’s favorite. I loved the epilogue and am looking forward to seeing where the characters will be in the next book.

The only downside was the writing. The steamy scenes were good for the most part, but as I mentioned earlier, the writing felt a bit awkward at times. I’m hoping it improves in future books. I had similar thoughts about Flawless, so I’m keeping my expectations low regarding whether the writing will start to wow me.

Overall, Elsie Silver delivers another binge-worthy cowboy romance. This was my first single dad/nanny romance, and I’ll definitely be reading more. If you’re new to this trope, give this one a try. I’m excited to continue with the series and see more of these characters.

In the comments, let me know if this book is on your TBR! Don’t forget to like this post and share it with other bookworms. Hit the follow button to get notified whenever there’s a new post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

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