Our Crooked Hearts // Book Review

About The Book
Ivy and her soon-to-be ex nearly run over a nude young woman standing in the middle of a tree-lined road. It’s only the first in a string of increasingly eerie events and offerings: a dead rabbit in the driveway, a bizarre concoction buried by her mother in the backyard, a box of childhood keepsakes hidden in her parents’ closet safe. Most unsettling of all, corroded recollections of Ivy and her enigmatic mother’s past resurface, with the help of the boy next door.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/46Zvkoi

My Rating


I am still not sure what I think of this book because I found only one-half of the dual-timeline plot fairly interesting. Furthermore, I did not love the characters or the way the story was told. In the first few chapters, we get tossed right into the story – there’s no build up, or getting to know the characters, which I did not really love. I am all for a fast-paced book, but this was too much.

In this book, we follow Ivy, a 17 years old who has a strained relationship with her mother. However, once her mother disappears, weird things start happening, and Ivy starts to wonder if there are pieces of her life that she has forgotten. Ivy as a character was not necessarily bad, but she was a teenager who thought that they knew everything. This was irritating to say the least.

As mentioned, the book has dual timelines, so we have a present timeline following Ivy, coupled with a past timeline following her mother. The past chapters help us learn why this is all happening in the present, which is probably why we do not get much backstory at the beginning of the book. Unfortunately, I enjoyed only the past timeline chapters.

“So. Magic. It is the loneliest thing in the world.”

I would’ve loved the book just to be about the girls in the past, because those chapters were giving me ‘The Craft’ movie vibes, and I loved it. I liked Ivy’s mother in the past because she was very smart and strong. Seeing how all of this came to be, it was really interesting. It was dark and twisty, which is something I did not get from the present storyline with Ivy.

My biggest con in the book is the fact that Ivy, even after everything, did not understand her mother more or why she made the choices she made. Yes, some of the things her mother did were out of line, but Ivy had a hand in her mother making these choices. It annoyed me that she did not give her mother any sort of grace. However, I guess that a teenager for you.

Overall, the book kept me entertained, and the writing style was good. The plot was interesting enough, and I did not want to DNF the book. However, I just feel like this type of witchy story was not my cup of tea, but if you are looking for a dark, young adult, witchy book, then I would recommend you picking this one up.

In the comments, leave me with some more witchy book recommendations. Do not forget to like and share this post with others. And follow the blog to get post notifications.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

She Is A Haunting // Book Review

About The Book
A House with a terrifying appetite haunts a broken family in this atmospheric horror, perfect for fans of Mexican Gothic. Chilling, evocative, and atmospheric, She Is a Haunting is a slow burn debut horror novel about the ghosts of the past and the ways in which they connect to our present. Tran’s vivid imagery makes this terrifying tale a true standout. This house eats and is eaten . . .
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/47fvqbV

My Rating


This is a haunted house story that has been compared to ‘Mexican Gothic’ by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, and I can see why it can be seen as a YA version of that book. However, I did not enjoy it as much. This story was not gripping, and it was also slightly more confusing. And if I am being honest, I do not remember a lot of the book, which should say something.

The plot follows Jade, as she goes to Vietnam with her sister to visit their estranged father. However, weird things start happening in the house where they are staying with their Ba. Although, it didn’t feel like a ‘true’ spooky haunted house story, which probably doesn’t make any sense.

As a main character, Jada was mediocre, and she did not want to be there, which was apparent throughout much of the story. Truthfully, she had reasons for coming to Vietnam, but she could have left at any time instead of forcing herself to be in a situation that made her uncomfortable.

“I know this is a dream because I am not afraid of my father.”

The book was entertaining but kind of all over the place. I found myself becoming confused and having to reread passages. I found it easy to read mindlessly, without really understanding it. At the end of the book, I was confused, shocked and disappointed.

The writing was not my favorite and did not keep me engaged. The story felt slow moving, and I kept waiting for more to happen. The author is a great storyteller, but her writing form is not what I prefer.

Overall, I did not get the spooky vibes that I was looking for in the story. I would not call it a bad read at all, it just was not something that really interested me. However, I am willing to give the author another shot in the future.

In the comments, let me know if you have read the book. Also, did you know I have an Instagram (@books.with.bunny) account? I post bookish photos each week, so if you are looking for more content from me, you can always follow me on there as well. Please support my blog by hitting the follow button.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

House Of Salt And Sorrows // Book Review

About The Book
Annaleigh lives a sheltered life at Highmoor with her sisters and their father and stepmother. Once there were twelve, but loneliness fills the grand halls now that four of the girls’ lives have been cut short. When Annaleigh’s involvement with a mysterious stranger who has secrets of his own intensifies, it’s a race to unravel the darkness that has fallen over her family–before it claims her next.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3PYe4sV

My Rating


I thought this book would be a five-star, because of its interesting plot, but it did not quite live up to my expectations. This is a young adult horror retelling of “The Twelve Dancing Princesses.” Being someone who had never heard of the original version, I did not know exactly what to expect. However, after reading this book, I am curious about the original story.

In the book, we follow Annaleigh, she was one out of a family of 12 daughters, however, four of her sisters, along with her mother, passed away. Because of this, people assume that the family is cursed. However, when strange things start happening, Annaleigh begins to wonder if these deaths are not accidents.

This book is full of many twists and turns. Annaleigh was a very smart main character, and I loved how she was willing to believe in the impossible. However, grief clouds our judgment slightly, which could be why she was quick to believe in unusal and strange things going on.

“We are born of the Salt, we live by the Salt, and to the Salt we return.”

The plot was interesting, and it kept me engaged. There is even a romance that I did not see coming but loved. However, there were times when I thought the story lagged, and I did not want to pick up the book quite as much as I would have hoped. However, I never saw the ending coming, and it was amazing.

Overall, I enjoyed how the author brought this story to life, and it was almost a bit of a gothic haunted spin on ‘Rosemary’s Baby’ story. The last few chapters were fairly creepy, so I would say it is a true horror story, even if it is on the tamer side of things.

In the comments, let me know if you have read the “The Twelve Dancing Princesses” and what you thought of this retelling. Do not forget to like and share this post with other book lovers. If you want to become part of my little bookish family, hit the follow button!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Every Last Fear // Book Review

About The Book
A family made infamous by a true crime documentary is found dead, leaving their surviving son to uncover the truth about their final days. Told through multiple points-of-view and alternating between past and present, Alex Finlay’s Every Last Fear is not only a page-turning thriller, it’s also a poignant story about a family managing heartbreak and tragedy, and living through a fame they never wanted.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3Qhbcsi

My Rating


This book was not exactly like I had imagined it, but then again, I went into it, not knowing much about the plot. I was hoping for a thriller that I could not put down, but sadly, that was not the case. However, I do not think that is the book fault, but mainly my expectations being too high.

The plot centers around Matt Pine, a college student whose family was found dead in Mexico due to a gas leak. However, the FBI gets involved, believing that there may be more to the Pine family’s deaths. In addition, Matt’s older brother is in jail for murdering his girlfriend when he was a teenager. A murder that none of his family thinks that he has committed.

The characters in the story failed to draw me in. I found it challenging to care about them sufficiently to truly become invested in the narrative. The story is told from multiple points of view, as well as the past-and-present timelines. I understand the authors’ reasoning for this, but it did not work for me. I generally prefer more focused narratives with fewer perspectives.

“You have two choices when you’re confronted with your every last fear: Give up or fight like hell.”

The story unfolds at a slow pace, lacking the fast-paced tension that often keeps me hooked. Throughout the book, I found myself waiting for more substantial developments that would truly captivate me, but these moments never truly came. The ending did not pack the shocking punch that I had hoped for either, which left me to want more from the story.

The narrative had a familiar feel, akin to a typical episode of a crime show like “Law and Order.” This similarity to formulaic crime dramas was somewhat disappointing. As a fan of the author’s previous work, “The Night Shift,” I had higher expectations of this novel. Unfortunately, these were not met. The plot and ending, while well executed, left a lingering sense of sadness, which might not be everyones cup of tea.

Overall, it is a decent read, but it did not have the magnetic pull that made me excited to pick it up. It falls safely into the tamer side of the thriller category, making it better suited to readers who prefer a less intense experience. So, not really aligned with my tastes, but while it might not be the most captivating, it still has its merits and could very well be an enjoyable read for those seeking a milder kind of thriller/suspense.

In the comments, let me know if you read the book. Don’t forget to like and share this post with others. As always, follow the blog to help it grow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

House Of Hunger // Book Review

About The Book
WANTED – Bloodmaid of exceptional taste. Must have a keen proclivity for life’s finer pleasures. Girls of weak will need not apply. Though she knows little about the far north—where wealthy nobles live in luxury and drink the blood of those in their service—Marion applies to the position. But when she discovers that the ancient walls of the House of Hunger hide even older secrets.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/48U7fkH

My Rating


If you are a fan of ‘The Vampire Diaries,’ then you are going to love this book. It seriously gives the “1800’s Salvatore Brothers/Katherine Pierce” vibes, and I loved it. This comes from a primarily non-historical fiction reader, but the fact that it was mixed with a bit of an odd blood drinking twist really made it work for me.

The book follows a young woman named Marion, who decides to take a position as a bloodmaid. Essentially, bloodmaids are women who are paid to bleed for very wealthy and powerful families. However, I thought that this was a Vampire-esque story. But don’t be mistaken, it is not. The author never references the blood drinking creatures of the night, so as I understand it, that these are regular wealthy families that use blood to sustain their lives.

Marion was an incredible protagonist. Yes, at times, she enjoyed being a bloodmaid, and submitting to Countess Lisavet charms. However, she was not easily fooled, and could tell that things were not as they seemed. She was smart, and I think that all her time growing up in a toxic environment made her more aware of when things seemed strange.

“Sometimes I feel like I’ve been building you a House out of my own bones.”

As for the Countess, she gave off major Katherine Pierce vibes. She was charming; she knew exactly what to say, and do, to get what she wanted. It was easy to fall under her spell. I simultaneously hated and loved her at the same time. She is a rather complex character.

I loved watching Marion, interacting with the other bloodmaids. They formed a family bond, which makes sense – when you sell your blood with a bunch of other women, you are going to feel a connection with them.

Overall, the writing is what made the story excellent, and it really came to life. It was well paced, and kept me wanting to read. And the ending? Incredible! It is not particularly a scary book, but it gives off eerie gothic vibes that make it a great fall read. I devoured this book! It may not be for everyone, but I highly enjoyed and recommend it.

In the comments, let me know if you have this book on your TBR. If you like my bookish content please support my blog by giving it a follow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Seven Year Slip // Book Review

About The Book
An overworked book publicist with a perfectly planned future hits a snag when she falls in love with her temporary roommate only to discover he lives seven years in the past, in this witty and wise new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Dead Romantics. After all, love is never a matter of time—but a matter of timing.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3M2jvWx

My Rating


This book is full of romance, time travel, and grief. Sure, they seem like a weird combination, but Ashley Poston somehow makes all these plot points work together. She gives us a story that deals with the past, present and future. I loved the ‘Lake House’ movie vibes of the story, yet grief is a huge topic, which at times did overshadow the romance plot.

The main character, Clementine, is struggling with her aunt’s passing, as well as the possibility of a promotion she doesn’t want. But, when her late aunt’s apartment keeps sending her backwards in time seven years, where she connects with a charming young southern man, she might be forced to start following her heart instead of her head.

I loved the romance side of things! Right away, you could feel the chemistry between Clementine and the stranger. A big thing in the story is how you just know when you’re in love with someone. And, I think that really showed when these two were together. Personally, I agree with the “when you know, you know sentiment”. I met my husband and we both just knew.

The entire story was very engaging, and I wanted to keep reading. I needed to know how things were going to turn out! Honestly, throughout the whole book, I kept guessing where things were going to go. Even though I wasn’t always right, some of my assessments were spot on. And, I loved how the past and present collided in a way that made total sense for the story.

“That was love, wasn’t it? It wasn’t just a quick drop — it was falling, over and over again, for your person.”

As for the grief plot, I felt that it was a bit heavy on the grief. However, in the author’s notes, she mentioned how she might not have tackled loss in the best way possible. I understand why loss and grief was such a big part of the story, because it really helped Clementine rethink her present life and what she wants for the future, yet was just an overwhelming dark cloud throughout the story.

The writing wasn’t my favorite, but that’s not to say it was bad either. I have read Poston’s young adult books before, and felt that her writing is very simple. But, it is easy to read, and her stories are unique in their own way. I really enjoyed how seamlessly the plot flowed, and would read another one of her adult romances in the future.

Overall, this was a solid read, with a fun magical realism element to it. I would have liked an epilogue, but that’s just a personal opinion, since the story didn’t really require it. I do want to mention something, and this might be a spoiler, but I feel that it is important to share. The book deals with suicide, so if that is at all triggering, please do keep that in mind.

In the comments, let me know if this book is on your TBR. Don’t forget to like and share this post with other book lovers. If you enjoy my content, then hit the follow button, so that you can get notified whenever there’s a new post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Ace Of Spades // Book Review

About The Book
Gossip Girl meets Get Out in Ace of Spades, a YA contemporary thriller by debut author Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé about two students, Devon & Chiamaka, and their struggles against an anonymous bully. As Aces shows no sign of stopping, what seemed like a sick prank quickly turns into a dangerous game, with all the cards stacked against them. Can Devon and Chiamaka stop Aces before things become incredibly deadly?
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/46q5ZEa

My Rating


This is a gripping tale, with the main characters Devon Richards and Chiamaka Adebayo standing out as minorities in their high school. Chiamaka is portrayed as the classic, smart, ‘queen bee,’ and Devon as the music geek from the wrong side of the tracks.

The plot of the book is undeniably interesting, as it revolves around a mysterious threat targeting Devon and Chiamaka, the only two black students at Niveus Private Academy. This premise immediately captivated me, and kept me engaged throughout the book.

While the writing was commendable and entertaining, I found the book to be a bit lengthy. At times, it felt like I was waiting for something significant to occur. Additionally, the fact that Devon and Chiamaka spent a substantial portion of the book apart was somewhat disappointing, as I hoped for more interaction between them.

“But racism isn’t just about that—it’s not about being nice or mean. Or good versus bad. It’s bigger than that.”

Devon’s character was my favorite, and I felt that I enjoyed his chapters and point of view more than Chiamaka, who came across as somewhat cold. Once the two characters finally started to interact, I did not see much of a friendship form until closer to the end of the book. However, the opposites in their personalities may have been intentional, adding depth to their dynamic.

The ending of the book was shocking, and the revelation behind the attacks on Devon and Chiamaka was unexpected. Furthermore, the book’s unique approach to addressing racism was very impressive. The author was able to tackle such an important social issues in a compelling manner.

Overall, the story is an intriguing reading with engaging characters and captivating plot. It may feel a bit long, and the characters maybe could have interacted more. However, the ending, as well as its take on the topic of racism, makes it a good enough read. One quick thing is that the book features LGBT+ representation, which is something I always like to see in books.

In the comments, let me know if you have read anything from this author previously. Do not forget to like and share this post with others. Before you go, feel free to hit the following button.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Kiss Curse // Book Review

About The Book
The follow-up to Erin Sterling’s New York Times bestselling hit The Ex Hex features fan favorite Gwyn and the spine-tinglingly handsome Wells Penhallow as they battle a new band of witches and their own magical chemistry. When a mysterious new coven of witches come to town and Gwyn’s powers begin fading, she and Wells must work together to figure out just what these new witches want and how to restore Gwyn’s magic before it’s too late.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3rC4pjJ

My Rating


If you are looking for a witchy romcom, with the perfect amount of witty banter and romance, this is a great read for you. This is a companion novel to ‘The Ex Hex’ (also by Erin Sterling) – but this time around, we’re following Gwyn and Wells, instead of Vivi and Rhys.

Gwyn is Vivi’s cousin, and she is a strong, willed, and opinionated witch. Wells is a serious, non-nonsense-type warlock. He is also the brother of Rhys. Rhys, you may remember, was Vivi’s ex-boyfriend from the previous book.

The cute part is how well the pairing works. Gwyn brought out a more laid back side of Wells. I loved how she always teased him. He was able to keep up with her sarcasm, which was awesome. Thus, there was a ton of witty banter throughout the story.

“The best magic is always a little risky, right?”

The book contains some spicy scenes that I loved. There wasn’t a ton of smut, and most of the romance scenes are the ‘fade to black’ type, but the chemistry between the characters made the scenes even better. This is definitely a ‘he falls first’ type of romance.

In addition to the romance, the plot was amazing. I loved the storyline and all the fun magical moments. It gave me the cozy fall vibes that I look for in a witchy romcom. The pacing of the story was good, and I liked how everything was wrapped up.

Overall, this was a ten out of ten read. It is a great frenemies to lovers magical romance. The story is something I think many people will enjoy. I mean it is a witchy story with my favorite trope; no wonder I liked it.

In the comments, let me know if you are a fan of Gwyn and Wells. Do not forget to like and share this post with others. And, hit that follow button before you go.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Delicate Conditions // Book Review

About The Book
Anna Alcott is desperate to have a family. But as she tries to balance her increasingly public life as an indie actress with a grueling IVF journey, she starts to suspect that someone is going to great lengths to make sure that never happens. And despite everything she’s gone through to make this pregnancy a reality, not even her husband is willing to believe that someone is playing twisted games with her.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3RM0GKP

My Rating


I picked this book up for two reasons – the first being that I loved Danielle Valentine‘s book ‘How To Survive Your Murder.’ Second, I learned that it was going to be the basis for season 12 of the show ‘American Horror Story.’ The book follows actress Anna Alcott, as she and her husband, Dex, are in their third IVF round. However, as Anna’s pregnancy progresses, weird events start to occur. She does not know who to trust or if she can trust her self.

Honestly, I had a hard time figuring out what was going on. There was one suspicion that I had early on in the book, which ended up being correct. However, I am not sure that many readers would jump to the same conclusion. The author did a great job with the storyline, so I would not want to spoil the book for anyone.

The book is based around Anna, and although there are other characters, we mostly learn about her. She is the center of the story and, at times, an unreliable narrator because Anna doubts herself and what she believes to be true. There were many other characters in the book, but they did not play a key part in the majority of the story.

“I didn’t know this then, but the truth is there’s no such thing as an uncomplicated pregnancy. We all give something up in exchange for our babies.”

However, Anna’s husband, Dexter, was central to the plot, and he was simply infuriating. The man did not listen to his wife. They were undergoing IVF together, and he kept ignoring her concerns. He was also acted very suspicious. At more than one point in the story, I wanted Anna to leave her husband for her bodyguard.

In addition to this interesting plot, the writing was phenomenal. There is just something about Danielle Valentine’s books that makes them enjoyable. I cannot wait to see what she puts out next! I already know that she can write a fun campy slasher. With this book, she proved that she could also put out a great adult thriller.

Overall, this is a good read-and-decent thriller. However, it is compared to Rosemary’s Baby, which I have never seen, but I understand the comparison. Although I do not think it follows the plot too similarly, so do not go into it, expecting it to be a spot-on retelling of that classic story.

In the comments, let me know if you will be watching the new season of ‘American Horror Story.’ Or, if you’re a fan of ‘Rosemary’s Baby.’ Do not forget to give my blog a follow, because your support helps my blog reach other book lovers.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Ex Hex // Book Review

About The Book
Erin Sterling casts a delightful spell with a spine-tingling romance full of wishes, witches, and hexes gone wrong. A small-town witch, Vivienne Jones, is forced to make magic with Rhys Penhallow the man who broke her heart when his return to Graves Glen sets a series of supernatural disasters in motion. Vivi and Rhys have to ignore their off the charts chemistry to work together to save the town and find a way to break the break-up curse before it’s too late.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3F3J31J

My Rating


If you’re looking for a cozy, witchy romance, then look no further. This is a second chance romance about a witch and a warlock that must work together to break a curse that has thrown their town into magical chaos.

In the book, we follow Vivienne, who is a college professor and witch. Vivi is the sensible type of girl, and hasn’t really given into her witchy side. I loved her relationship with her family. Her aunt and her cousin are her best friends and support system.

Rhys is Vivi ex-boyfriend and warlock that returns to town on his father orders. He’s very charming, and acts before he thinks. His personality is very go with the flow and I liked the contrast between his more easygoing demeanor and Vivi’s somewhat more methodical personality.

“Never mix vodka and witchcraft.”

I loved how Vivi’s teenage self is coming back to bite her in the book. Because, a harmless joking curse she put on Rhys after their bad breakup is the cause of all the town’s misfortune. I liked seeing Rhys and Vivi work together, and realize how much their past relationship meant to them.

Unfortunately, this was a second chance romance book, and although I liked the characters and the plot, I am not a fan of second chance romances. The fact that Vivi and Rhys were still carrying that baggage for each other, even after 9 years, is ridiculous. Neither of them were in a relationship or have even had any meaningful relationships.

Overall, the writing and storyline saved the book for me. I was completely engaged the entire time reading it, and I loved all the witchy Halloween vibes. The ending was so good, and it instantly put me in the fall mood. So, I would recommend this book for anyone looking for a good fall magical romance.

In the comments, leave me some witchy book recommendations. Don’t forget to share this post with other book lovers. And, as always, follow the blog before you go.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny