Young Adult

Camp Foxenwood Readathon | Summer 2025

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Hi Friends,
I’ve mentioned on the blog before that I’m part of Alexandra Roselyn’s Patreon. There are many benefits to being a member of her Patreon, but my favorite is the exclusive readathons. This summer we’re doing a camp-inspired one that starts June 9th and doesn’t end until the middle of July. While I can’t share the different bingo boards for the readathon, I will be sharing the prompts I’ll be doing. However, I’m only going to be participating in the readathon for the month of June!

Set In A Different World: Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree
Honestly, I read the first book in this cozy, low-stakes fantasy series, and I didn’t love it as much as I hoped I would. However, I’ve been wanting to pick up the second book, which is actually a prequel story. So, this prompt gives me the perfect reason to finally read it.
Related Post: Legends and Lattes | Book Review

5 Star Prediction: A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal
If you’ve seen my June TBR, then you might remember seeing this book on there. I’ve been wanting to read this fantasy since it came out because the plot seems like something I would absolutely love. I truly think this could be a 5-star—possibly 6-star—read for me!

High Stakes: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
This is such a beloved fantasy book that I can’t wait to reread. The first time I read it was back in 2019, and I didn’t even have my blog then, so I never reviewed it on here. I’d love to reread the book and see if it still lives up to my original 5-star rating.

Any Fantasy: Fearless by Lauren Roberts
This is another book on my monthly TBR. I’m nervous about reading it because this series hasn’t been a favorite of mine, yet it’s the final book in the trilogy, and I’ll be happy to finally complete it. I just hope it doesn’t put me in a reading slump.
Related Post: Powerless | Book Review

Free Space: Thornhedge by T. Kingfisher
I need as many short books as possible on this TBR, so for the free space, I decided a fantasy fairy-tale retelling novella would be the smart choice. I’ve only read one other book by this author, but I really enjoyed it, and I hope that’s the case here too.

Found Family: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
This is the second book in The Hunger Games series. I don’t think I’m stretching the prompt because from my research, it says the found family trope plays a big role in this book. I’m hoping that’s true. However, correct me in the comments if it isn’t, and I’ll swap it out for a different book.

Ocean on the Cover: Vengeance of the Pirate Queen by Tricia Levenseller
This is the third and final book in The Daughter of the Pirate King trilogy. I’ve had very different opinions about the first two books, but I love Tricia Levenseller’s writing. So, whether I end up enjoying it or not, I at least know it’ll likely be an easy read.
Related Post: Daughter Of The Pirate King | Book Review

New Release: Our Infinite Fates by Laura Steven
This is a 2025 new release that I’ve been wanting to read. I haven’t heard anyone talking about it yet, but the plot sounds incredible. I’m not sure if it’s the start of a series or a standalone fantasy, but either way, I’m excited to give it a try.

Favorite Fantasy Trope: The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King by Carissa Broadbent
This book includes enemies-to-lovers and vampires—two of my favorite tropes. I’m being a bit ambitious putting such a long book on the TBR, but I flew through the first book in this series, so I suspect this one will be a quick read too.
Related Post: The Serpent And The Wings Of Night | Book Review

There you have my TBR for this fun exclusive summer readathon! Let me know in the comments if you’re doing any readathons this summer. Don’t forget to like and share this post with your reader friends. If you never want to miss out on a post or my reviews for any of the books I mentioned, please sign up for my mailing list.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Sally’s Lament | Book Review

- Bunny 1 Comment

About The Book
Despite loving Halloween Town, Sally feels trapped and longs for more. She learns that Jack, the Pumpkin King, shares her desire for change, and they vow to reshape their fates together. Guided by a vision, Sally discovers the festive Christmas Town, but she grows suspicious of its overly perfect appearance. Dark secrets threaten Christmas Town, and Sally must save it before it’s too late.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/43wUmeq

My Rating

This book is part of the Disney Twisted Tales series, where each story takes a Disney classic we all know and love and reimagines it. In this one, we get a full story set in The Nightmare Before Christmas universe. But this time, Sally finds Christmas Town instead of Jack. Honestly, it was such a fun ride. I never know what I’m going to get with a retelling, but I was pleasantly surprised by this book.

I really enjoyed the concept of Sally being the one to discover Christmas Town, especially because it wasn’t as holly jolly as it is in the movie. There’s no kidnapping Santa, and the direction of the story is quite different from the classic film. But it still manages to be just as fun and interesting. That said, I’ve read other books that follow Sally, like Long Live The Pumpkin Queen, and I’m still not sure if I truly enjoy her character. In the movie, we only know a little about her thoughts and her feelings for Jack. The more I read from her perspective, the more I feel like she just isn’t a character who fully intrigues me.

I will say that I loved the version of Christmas Town in this book. There was something a little sinister going on there that added an extra layer to the story. I also really liked the friend Sally made along the way and how quickly she picked up on the fact that Christmas Town wasn’t as perfect as it seemed. It was also funny that she didn’t realize just how different the town was from Halloween Town. Being in a new place really made her appreciate her home more.

“She found herself staring straight into the eyes of Jack Skellington.”

But honestly, the highlight of the book for me was Jack. His character felt very true to the movie. I loved his confidence and the way he spoke his mind a little too much, not always realizing he might want to blend in. It felt so very Jack, especially since in Halloween Town he’s the Pumpkin King and naturally stands out. I enjoyed watching him and Sally go on this journey together, helping the people of Christmas Town and growing closer along the way.

Overall, this is a solid read for teens and adults. It’s a quick book with a cool twist on a classic Disney film. My all-time favorite part was the ending. I cried, which isn’t saying much since books make me cry pretty easily, but still. The final moment was just so sweet, I think even readers who don’t usually cry at books might tear up. But don’t worry, they’ll be happy tears. If you’re looking for something that feels like Christmas, I definitely recommend giving this one a read.

I’d say that if you’re interested in the book, you should give the audiobook a listen on Everand, as the narration really helps bring the story to life. If you enjoy retellings and book reviews, please consider signing up for my mailing list before you go. And if you could leave a comment, like, and share this post with others, that would be amazing!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

All The Stars And Teeth | Book Review

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About The Book
Princess Amora spent her life training to become the High Animancer, the only one capable of wielding soul magic. However, when she fails to properly demonstrate her powers, she flees her kingdom and joins forces with the rogue pirate Bastian. Together they must restore Bastian’s magic and prove Amora’s worth. But dangerous creatures and dark magic threaten Amora’s crown and kingdom.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4kEzNE3

My Rating

If you’re a fan of YA fantasy with magic and mermaids, then this might be the book for you. This is the first book in a YA fantasy duology where we follow Princess Amora, a powerful and determined female lead who is destined to be the master of souls. When she fails to prove to her people that she can control her dangerous magic, she sets off on an epic adventure with Bastian, a pirate, and Ferrick, a healer and her fiancé.

This book is filled with magic, curses, and plenty of twists. I didn’t love Amora’s character, but I didn’t dislike her either. There were times when I liked her, and other times when she came across as a little too harsh, especially toward Ferrick. Since their engagement wasn’t by choice, it felt like she didn’t care much about him or his feelings, which I didn’t love, given that they were supposed to be friends. That said, their argument ended up being one of my favorite parts of the book.

Bastian was definitely a favorite character. I love a good pirate bad boy, and he had that charm and edge that kept things interesting. He and Amora had obvious chemistry that added a touch of romance to the story. I also really enjoyed the addition of Vataea, a mermaid with siren-like magic. She was interesting, likable, and a strong addition to the group. I hope the sequel gives her more development because I want to know more about her.

“I am a monster, and if you stand in my way, I will destroy you.”

The beginning of the story was a little hard to get into. The world and the magic system could be confusing, and it took some time to understand everything. But around the 40% mark, things really picked up. From that point on, the plot moved quickly, the stakes kept rising, and I felt fully hooked. I just had to know what was going to happen next.

I’m a big fan of Adalyn Grace’s writing, and I thought this book was well written. She does a great job bringing the story to life, and I appreciated that the characters didn’t feel overly young or immature. The cliffhanger at the end was amazing. It didn’t make me want to pick up the sequel right away, but I’m definitely curious to see how everything wraps up.

Overall, this was a fun read, and I would recommend it to other readers, especially those who enjoyed the Daughter of the Pirate King series. While there is a romance element, it is not the main focus. I would not call this true romantasy, and it is completely closed door, which I know some readers will prefer.

Let me know in the comments if this book is on your TBR! Don’t forget you can always like and share my posts with other readers. If you’d like to listen to the audiobook or read the ebook, both are available on Everand. Before you go, make sure to sign up for my mailing list so you never miss a new post!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

All In | Book Review

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About The Book
A killer’s on the loose in Vegas, leaving no trace and changing their MO every time, so Cassie Hobbes and the Naturals are called in. Each victim has a mysterious number tattoo, and it’s a code the team has to crack. With each clue, the Naturals get closer to the killer, but the risk grows higher. As tensions escalate and the personal cost increases, the team faces deadly challenges and impossible decisions.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4lQ8MPr

My Rating

The Naturals series continues with its third installment, focusing on teens with special abilities working for the FBI. Each teen has a unique skill, with Cassie, the protagonist, being one of the profilers in the group. Together, they are all essential in catching the most dangerous serial killers. I thought this book had a really good storyline. In addition to the captivating mystery, there were also several intriguing subplots. Plus, the Las Vegas setting was amazing.

Even though Cassie’s still the main character, this story’s really about Sloane, the statistics whiz. I’m glad we got more of her backstory, since her role was minimal in the first two books. I think this is the first time we see just how tight-knit this group of teenagers is. The FBI brought them together, but they’re family now.

That mystery was a page-turner; I always love the chapters from the unsub’s point of view. Those chapters aren’t scary, but they’re really cool. I can’t put down the books in this series because they’re so fast-paced and gripping. I also thought Sloane’s backstory was really interesting, but kind of heartbreaking.

“Luckily for us, I’ve never met a bad idea I did not immediately embrace like the dearest of friends.”

There’s a surprising twist in the book about a new development in Cassie’s mom’s case. This crazy twist totally shocked me and left me dying to know what is going to happen next! Unfortunately, my feelings toward Cassie haven’t changed; I’m still not a big fan. I’m always disappointed when I dislike the main character.

The author crafted the mystery in the third book exceptionally well and made it superior to the others in the series. The mystery was so good, I couldn’t guess the unsub’s identity. However, the book wasn’t perfect. There were way too many plots going on at the same time! But, it makes sense. With all the questions from earlier books, the author was probably using this one to connect everything.

Overall, the author’s writing in this series isn’t exceptional, but Criminal Minds and CSI fans will be hooked. For me, this series is a top-tier YA mystery, with each book being a quick and easy read. While the formula is similar for all these books, the plots and characters are engaging.

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Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Two Sides To Every Murder | Book Review

- Bunny 1 Comment

About The Book
Seventeen years after the infamous Camp Lost Lake murders and her birth, Olivia’s life couldn’t be better. But a family secret sends her searching Camp Lost Lake for answers. Reagan’s hellbent on clearing her mom’s name in the Camp Lost Lake murders. Camp Lost Lake’s reopening gives Olivia and Reagan a chance to find answers. But someone will kill to keep the past buried.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4bZSxKT

My Rating

This book is not for you if you prefer intense thrillers full of twists and turns. But if you enjoy well-written YA mystery thrillers that evoke the spirit of cheesy 90s teen slasher films, you’ll adore this book. Weirdly, I got ‘The Parent Trap’ vibes from this book, even though it’s nothing like it. It’s probably because the story centers on twin girls and the summer camp setting.

At Camp Lost Lake (aka Camp Crystal Lake, in my head!), Olivia and Reagan are on a researching for answers. A shout-out to all my fellow horror lovers who know which movie that camp’s in! Okay, back to the review. Olivia’s dad isn’t her biological father, and a past murder at Camp Lost Lake might reveal who is. Meanwhile, Reagan, who’s been lying low with her mom (the prime suspect in the Camp Lost Lake massacre), is dead set in going to the camp to prove her mom’s innocent.

The premise was so appealing, and it lived up to my expectations. The quick pace was perfect—exactly what I want in a thriller. It was non-stop excitement, and the suspense was awesome, which is something most YA thrillers tend to struggling with.

“Family takes care of each other.”

I really enjoy the campiness of this book. It’s not that gory, and it’s not a super intense plot. No huge surprises, but I really liked how the book gave us Olivia and Reagan’s points of view, and also included past chapters about the people connected to the camp killings.

Despite the multiple POVs and time jumps, the book didn’t feel overwhelming. The plot was easy to follow and never overly complicated. I guessed a lot of what would happen, and I was mostly right, but some stuff—like the ending—still shocked me.

Overall, Danielle Valentine really knows how to write a thriller that keeps you hooked. Her YA books are seriously addictive. They’re a fun, easy read that makes me want to watch a classic slasher flick. This book isn’t groundbreaking, but it’s an entertaining and engaging read worth your time.

Let me know in the comments if you’ve read it or want to! Don’t forget to like and share this review! Don’t forget to follow before you leave, it helps me out tons!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Shadows Between Us | Book Review

- Bunny 1 Comment

About The Book
Alessandra has always been overlooked, but she’s ready to change that with a bold plan—woo the Shadow King, marry him, and then kill him to take his kingdom. However, as she works to make the king hers, she discovers she’s not the only one trying to kill him. While keeping him alive long enough to become his queen, Alessandra must fight not to lose her heart along the way.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3CpgfmI

My Rating

From the very first chapters, this book grabbed my attention and didn’t let go. It’s the first in a standalone interconnected romantasy duology, and the story kept me hooked the whole way through. The author has a real talent for pulling readers in from start to finish! The characters are likable, and while the world-building isn’t overly detailed, it’s still immersive and easy to get lost in.

The story revolves around Alessandra, a strong and intriguing female protagonist. At first, she comes off as cold and calculated, but she undergoes significant development throughout the book. Her growth adds depth to her actions and motivations. Seeing her evolve from someone driven by a single, ruthless goal into a more compassionate, selfless, and empathetic person was a real highlight of the story.

The relationship between Alessandra and the Shadow King is one of the most enjoyable parts of the book. Their connection feels natural and keeps you engaged. Their interactions are filled with chemistry and just the right amount of tension. The moments of sexual tension are especially well-written, making their relationship even more exciting to follow.

The plot moves quickly, which isn’t always the case with YA fantasy, especially when the story is so character-driven. However, it blends romance, mystery, and adventure really well. I was equally invested in both the romance and the overall plot. The author does a great job of balancing the different plot elements, keeping me completely engaged and excited to see what would happen next.

“A woman is not defined by what she does or doesn’t do in the bedroom.”

While the conclusion felt a little rushed and predictable, it still wrapped things up nicely. The quick ending didn’t take away from my enjoyment, though I would’ve liked a bit more depth in those final moments. That said, Tricia Levenseller’s writing is still great, and she does an excellent job creating engaging stories and memorable characters.

Overall, as someone who’s started moving away from YA, I found this to be a refreshing and entertaining read. The author’s take on the romantasy genre was captivating and fast-paced, making it a great starting point for anyone new to the genre. I’m definitely excited to read the sequel. Plus, this is a closed-door romantasy, so if you’re not into explicit scenes, this book is a safe pick.

In the comments, let me know your favorite romantasy books or what you look for in a great fantasy romance! I love stories with strong character development and a balance of romance and adventure. Don’t forget to like this post and share it with fellow book lovers. Before you go, if you could give the blog a follow, it would really help it grow and keep you up-to-date with all the latest reviews and bookish content!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

February 2025 | To Be Read

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Hi Friends,
I can’t believe it’s TBR time again! My reading in January started off so slow, but by the end of the month, I had fallen back in love with books. My two-week reading hiatus was partly due to the post-holiday slump but mostly because of my sudden urge to rewatch Grey’s Anatomy. What can I say? I’m dark and twisty!

That said, I still managed to read some great books in January, and I’m excited to use my prompt cards again to help pick my February TBR. This time, I decided to pick eight prompt cards—because why not have a bigger TBR for a short month? I really am a genius.

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And there you have it—the books on my February TBR! If I’m being completely honest, most of these are books I’ve been putting off for a while. Still, I think I can get through all of them since romances are usually pretty easy reads for me.

Let me know in the comments, what books are you planning to read in February? And if you’re not already following the blog, you should totally do that so you never miss a new post!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Our Violent Ends | Book Review

- Bunny 1 Comment

About The Book
In 1927 Shanghai, Juliette must make Roma believe she’s guilty of murder to protect him from the Scarlets, while Roma, still grieving his best friend’s death, is determined to set things right. Amidst rising political tensions and a monstrous new threat, they must team up to save the city. But as they battle danger and secrets, their tangled feelings for each other become the greatest challenge.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4hjcxK9

My Rating

This is the exciting sequel and conclusion to the These Violent Delights duology. For some context, it’s a Romeo and Juliet retelling set in 1920s Shanghai, and this book picks up right where the first one left off. It’s packed with just as much action and excitement, so be warned there are spoilers ahead!

We once again follow Juliette Cai and Roma Montagov. After everything that happened in the first book, they’re not on the best terms, but their feelings for each other are still there. This creates a lot of tension in the story as they try to navigate their personal drama while dealing with political and dangerous situations.

I actually liked the plot of this book even more than the first one. The slow-burn romance between Juliette and Roma is still there, keeping all the tension and angst without feeling repetitive. I’m honestly amazed at how Chloe Gong kept me hooked, especially since I usually prefer faster-paced romances.

The world-building in this series is so interesting, and all the characters are fun to read about. There’s also another romance in this book that I loved, adding even more to the story. Gong does such a great job creating an immersive world and characters that feel real.

“In this life and the next, for however long our souls remain, mine will always find yours.”

The plot kept me just as engaged as the first book. It builds on everything from book one and ties things together really well. I was hooked from start to finish, enjoying all the twists and surprises.

There was never a dull moment for me. There were some really heartbreaking parts that made me feel so much for the characters, and the ending hit me hard. I’m a sucker for a happier ending in Romeo and Juliet retellings, even though I know their story is always meant to end tragically.

Overall, this was an amazing and satisfying conclusion to Chloe Gong’s duology. I can’t wait to read more of her books, as she’s quickly become one of my favorite authors. If you haven’t started this series yet, I definitely recommend it!

Please let me know if you’ve read anything by this author! It would mean a lot if you could like this post, leave a comment, and share it with a friend. If you’d like to go the extra mile to help my blog grow, please consider following it.

Until the next chapter,
Bunny

The Naturals | Book Review

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

My Rating

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Haunting | Book Review

- Bunny 2 Comments

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

My Rating

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Until the next chapter,
Bunny