Tag: books

Posted in Horror
Posted on by Mama

Title: Goldielocks And The Three Men: Story 3 of Fairytales for Freaks

Author: Anne Snow

Pages: 32

Genre: Extreme Horror, Splatterpunk

Young girls get taken to the concrete warehouse of nightmares.

Some are fresh out of the womb, where Elites pay high prices to do as they wish to them, no matter how cruel or depraved. Of course, they always get away with their crimes, they are important and powerful.. duh.

Goldie must escape this nightmare, but the men aren’t the only threat surrounding the warehouse. Man or bear? Which will she choose?


EXTREME HORROR/SPLATTERPUNK THIS IS NOT FOR CHILDREN. READ THE TRIGGERS AND READ WITH CAUTION.

I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC of this short story directly from Anne Snow and once again, she absolutely delivers.

From the very first page, this story unsettled me. It wastes no time pulling you into a deeply uncomfortable space, and because of that, I have to emphasize:

⚠️ Please read the trigger warnings before diving in. ⚠️

I’ll be honest, stories involving harm to children are not something I typically gravitate toward. It’s a heavy, difficult subject, and not one I take lightly. However, this was handled with as much care and tact as possible, considering the nature of the content. At the same time, it doesn’t shy away from exposing a harsh and often overlooked reality…the darker, more disturbing underbelly of society. It leaves you sitting with some uncomfortable questions about just how cruel and depraved people can be.

And yes… it goes deep.

The story is monstrous, nightmarish, and undeniably grotesque, exactly what you’d expect from extreme horror. But it also manages to tug at your heart in unexpected ways. There’s an emotional undercurrent woven through the brutality that makes it linger long after you’ve finished.

You find yourself rooting for the protagonist from beginning to end. There’s a quiet strength to her that builds beneath the surface, something powerful that even the so-called “Bears” fail to recognize. While part of me craved an even more brutal, unrestrained revenge, there’s something to be said for the restraint in Anne’s storytelling. She walks a fine line between horror and humanity, and it’s done with intention.

This is an incredible short story…if you can stomach it.

I highly recommend it for fans of splatterpunk and extreme horror. But I’ll say it one more time:

⚠️ Please read the trigger warnings before reading. ⚠️

Your mental well-being always comes first.

Meet you after dark.

💀 Your cozy-macabre book bestie

Posted in Horror

The Ugly Duckling: Story 2 of Fairytales for Freaks

Posted on by Mama

Title: The Ugly Duckling: Story 2 of Fairytales for Freaks

Author: Anne Snow

Pages: 22

Genre: Extreme Horror

Dylan, a school shooter to be, incel, easy target to brutal bullying at school and at home, turns to an EXTREME gore-soaked murder spree.

Fairytales promise transformation. But when a heart is starved of kindness long enough, it does not sprout wings.

It grows bullets.

⚠️Please read the trigger warnings before reading⚠️

I thought Two Little Piggies was vivid and grotesque, but this one was on another level.

Shock and horror at it’s finest, author Anne Snow delivers it all in this one. Morbid, revolting, monstrous, and frankly made me take much needed breaks while reading. A short story that is fast paced and unapologetically brutal.

Major props to Anne Snow, this one is going to haunt my mind for a long time.

Hope you enjoyed the review and…

I was serious….read the trigger warnings before proceeding!

Meet you after dark.

💀Your cozy-macabre book bestie

Posted in Horror

Two Little Piggies: Story 1 of Fairytales for Freaks

Posted on by Mama

Title: Two Little Piggies: Story 1 of Fairytales for Freaks

Author: Anne Snow

Pages: 15

Genre: Extreme Horror

Jack and Jill had turned morbidly obese during COVID. They go to extreme and deadly measures to make themselves desirable again. After going into a trance, they start to self-mutilate to fit into today’s unrealistic beauty standards.

How far can someone go to look good again?

Please read with caution; this is shock value vomit.

THIS IS AN EXTREME HORROR SHORT STORY.

⚠️Please read the trigger warnings before reading⚠️

My first dive into splatterpunk/extreme horror, but not a regret.

We follow Jack and Jill, (yes, I laughed and they did come tumbling down in a big way!) a couple that turned gluttonous once COVID hit – really letting themselves go. One night they come across a commercial that seems targeted just for them and that’s when things turn horrific…

This one is not for the faint of heart, but it’s 15 pages of extremely vivid and grotesque imaginary. It literally makes your skin crawl from discomfort.

Kudos to the author, Anne Snow, for leaving an everlasting impression of my psyche!

Hope you enjoyed the review and…

I was serious….read the trigger warnings before proceeding!

Meet you after dark.

💀Your cozy-macabre book bestie

Posted in Fantasy

Daughters of the Moon

Posted on by Mama

Title: Daughters of the Moon

Author: Alexandra Do Nistro

Pages: 243

Genre: Dark Fantasy, Fantasy

Daughters of the Moon is an atmospheric dark folkloric novel rooted in Romania, where ancient beliefs still breathe beneath modern life — and where myth refuses to remain contained.


Ana’s quiet existence begins to fracture when she learns she is bound to the mythic female spirits born of grief, rage, and justice. As her journey unfolds across places and borders, folklore and reality intertwine, revealing a world shaped by silence, violence, and unspoken histories. The supernatural does not offer escape, but confrontation — with inherited trauma, moral ambiguity, and the cost of power.

Rather than embracing spectacle, Ana chooses restraint. She continues her studies, navigates a patriarchal system, and learns when not to wield the force she carries. Her transformation is not about domination, but endurance.


Blending Romanian mythology with contemporary realism, Daughters of the Moon is a haunting meditation on womanhood, vengeance, and the slow, difficult act of becoming whole.


Ideal for readers drawn to dark folklore, magical realism, and feminist narratives rooted in myth.


This is not a story of easy power or clean justice — but of choice, consequence, and the quiet rebellion of women who refuse to disappear.

Good day Brave Bookworms!

There’s something quietly haunting about Daughters of the Moon by Alexandra Do Nistor. The kind of story that doesn’t chase you, but lingers… watching from the shadows, waiting to be discovered.

Set against a backdrop of Romanian folklore, this novel feels less like a traditional narrative and more like stepping into an old myth. It’s atmospheric, a little whimsical, and threaded with that beautiful tension between modern life and ancient power.

At its heart, the story explores identity, family lineage/heritage, and feminine energy through Ana’s journey. It’s definitely a slower, more introspective read, one that leans into emotion and transformation rather than action.

At times, the story circles its secrets like a patient predator; building tension, layering mood, and refusing to rush. For readers who love immersive, atmospheric storytelling, this will feel intoxicating. For me, I kept waiting for it to sink its claws in a little deeper.

That said, the setting really shines. The way Romania is woven into the story; its cities, its history, its folklore which adds such a rich, lived-in feel. The mythology is subtle but always there, like a quiet hum beneath the surface.

While I personally wished for a darker edge and a more gripping pace, Alexandra Do Nistor’s writing has a soft, immersive quality and there’s a quiet confidence to her storytelling that sticks with you.

If you love slow-burn stories with strong feminine energy, a touch of old-world magic, and an immersive, moody vibe, this one might be for you.

Hope you enjoyed the review!

Meet you after dark.

💀Your cozy-macabre book bestie

Posted in Horror

Slasher Summer

Posted on by Mama

Title: Slasher Summer

Author: E.L. Chen

Pages: 250

Genre: Horror, Fiction

In this campy love letter to the slasher films of the 1980s, seven friends reunite for a weekend of fun—only to be hunted down by a cold-blooded killer. But the real horror is not being able to escape who you were in high school…

The sleepy town of Cedar Lake Falls is best known as the shooting location of the campy ’80s horror flick Slasher. In high school, preppy Patrick, jock Jason, cheerleader Tiffany, stoner Freddy, goth Jennifer, and nerdy Michael had played the cast of Slasher during midnight showings, with virginal Carrie as the Final Girl, of course.

Years later, the friends reunite at the remote cabin where Slasher was filmed. They’ve changed since high school—Patrick came out, Mikey bulked up, and, well, Freddy’s still stoned—and they’re looking forward to a weekend to catch up. But when night falls, and the eponymous masked killer is spotted, the reunion takes a deadly turn. The friends discover their tires deflated and the phone line disconnected, and soon they’re being stalked by a mysterious assailant. Is someone trying to make their Slasher experience as authentic as possible?

One thing is for sure. Before the night is over, they each will have to take on the role they thought they’d left behind.

Evenin’ Brave Bookworms! 🔪📼

First things first, thank you to NetGalley and Crown Publishing for the advanced copy of Slasher Summer. And let me tell you… this one? It absolutely understood the assignment.

This book feels like digging up a dusty VHS tape from the back of a horror-obsessed childhood; one of those slightly warped, static-laced gems you know you probably shouldn’t have watched so young, but did anyway. The vibes? Pure 80s slasher goodness. Campy, cliché, and completely self-aware in the best possible way. It doesn’t try to reinvent the genre instead it lovingly resurrects it.

We’ve got our classic lineup: the jock, the cheerleader, the goth, the nerd, the preppy, the stoner… and of course, our sweet “final girl.” Together, they once formed the delightfully named Jumpscare Society, bonding over horror films, including their town’s claim to fame—a slasher film simply titled Slasher. Subtle? Never. Perfect? Absolutely.

Fast forward a few years (and one scandal later), and this rag-tag group reunites in their hometown of Cedar Lake, because what could possibly go wrong with a weekend getaway at the very cabin where the film was shot?

…yeah. Exactly.

What starts as nostalgia-fueled fun quickly curdles into something far more sinister. A prank call turns into a very real threat, and suddenly, they’re no longer reminiscing about horror but they’re living it. Paranoia creeps in like fog over the lake. Old friendships feel… off. And when you haven’t seen someone in years, you start to wonder…were they always like this?

Or is something darker hiding beneath the surface?

And oh, the tropes… they come in swinging like an axe in the dark. Pun intended! We’re talking: eerie lakeside cabin, ominous phone call, dead lines, no cell service, power outages, and yes, you guessed it – someone in a mask who turned unresolved issues into a body count. Sprinkle in some questionable decision-making (because of course they split up), and it’s basically a love letter to everything that made 80s horror iconic.

It does take a little time to get going, a bit like that slow pan across a quiet forest before the chaos begins, but once it hits its stride… you’re hooked. I had theories. Multiple. I was side-eyeing everyone. And while I thought I had it figured out… the twist still managed to land in a satisfying way.

My one little gripe? The ending. I was craving something grittier – maybe a touch more tragic, something that lingers under your skin. Don’t get me wrong, I see why they went the more crowd-pleasing route, but I was really hoping that final cabin scene would lean a bit more bittersweet… leave us with a chill and a heavy heart instead of comfort.

Still… something tells me this might not be the last we see of the Slasher. 👀

If you’re craving that nostalgic, popcorn-horror energy with a modern twist, this one is absolutely worth the read. Just maybe… don’t answer the phone while you’re reading.

You’ve been warned. ☎️

Hope you enjoyed the review and keep an eye out for this when it is released.

Meet you after dark.

💀Your cozy-macabre book bestie

Posted in Horror, Romance

Such Sharp Teeth

Posted on by Mama

Title: Such Sharp Teeth

Author: Rachel Harrison

Pages: 325

Genre: Horror, Fantasy, Romance

A young woman in need of a transformations finds herself in touch with the animal inside in this gripping, incisive novel from the author of Cackle and The Return.

Rory Morris isn’t thrilled to be moving back to her hometown, even if it’s only temporary. There are bad memories there. But her twin sister, Scarlett, is pregnant, estranged from the baby’s father, and needs support, so Rory returns to the place she thought she’d put in her rearview. After a night out at a bar where she runs into an old almost-flame, she hits a large animal with her car. And when she gets out to investigate, she’s attacked.

Rory survives, miraculously, but life begins to look and feel different. She’s unnaturally strong, with an aversion to silver – and suddenly the moon has her in its thrall. She’s changing into someone else – something else, maybe even a monster. But does that mean she’s putting those close to her in danger? Or is embracing the wildness inside her the key to acceptance?

This dark, comedic love story is a brilliantly layered portrait of trauma, rage and vulnerability.

Hey Brave Bookworms!

This novel caught me by surprise because it’s more then meets the eye. At it’s heart it’s a werewolf story wrapped in real human experience and life crisis. The author does a brilliant job with the writing; combining humor, body horror and emotional introspection and growth.

The novel follows our protagonist Aurora “Rory” Morris, a sarcastic and emotionally guarded woman who returns to her small town to help her pregnant twin sister, Scarlett. However, one night while driving on a dark rural road coming home from the bar, Rory hits what she thinks is an animal….a very large animal. When she goes to see what she’s hit, well…things take a turn for the worst and she finds herself in the woods being attacked by something.

She survives, clearly! But something is very different, wrong even.

Soon Rory begins to experience strange symptoms she can’t explain. Yes, you guessed it, she’s turning into a werewolf.

Instead of the novel focusing on the sheer monstrous horror of the classic werewolf tale, the story leans into personal transformation. Rory has to deal with her strained family dynamics, an unexpected romance, and the terrifying realization that she may be dangerous to not only strangers, but those she truly loves.

The horror is real, bloody and visceral, but it’s also deeply emotional.

Ahh Rory, well I’ll be completely honest, I had a love/hate relationship for this character. At times I loved the fact that she was imperfect, real, funny, sarcastic, but has a strength that is undeniable. But she was frustrating due to being so extremely guarded, defensive, self-sabotaging and emotionally distant. It was clear that she is used to running from problems and people that make her emotionally uncomfortable. For good reason, I do have to admit.

However, her messiness makes her feel real and authentic.

She has a complicated relationship with her sister Scarlett. They are close in the way twins often are, but their childhood holds a lot of baggage. Scarlett’s life is completely different then Rory’s; she is expecting a baby, more settled down and trying to main some semblance of family stability. All foreign to Rory and her life back in the city.

The tension between them adds emotional depth and weight to the novel, almost like a static in the air. There relationship definitely has it’s ups and downs, but between them both, their love trumps all the negative in the end.

Then there is Ian Pedretti, who is Rory’s blast from the past and a emotional turning point for her. He is patient, kind, and surprisingly understanding. The romance between them doesn’t feel forced due to their history, but instead provides moments of warmth, affection and humanity in a very chaotic situation.

I actually really loved Ian as a “leading man” because he wasn’t this cookie cutter bad boy. He was sweet and caring, but pushed her emotional buttons. Challenged her to stop pushing those she cares for away, which I thought was a wonderful addition. He ultimately became her emotional grounding point when nothing else made sense.

Her transformation ultimately forces her to confront suppressed emotions and memories: anger, grief, fear and extremely vulnerability. Her strength and resilience isn’t born from the suffering she experienced, but the choice to rise beyond it.

Her transformation also isn’t just a physical one, but shows her that it’s okay to stop hiding from who she is and who she truly wants to be now. It causes her to find a balance in her life with the creature she is becoming and her humanity.

Such Sharp Teeth is certainly not your average werewolf novel, though it has some classic tropes about it.

This is not your nonstop creature horror, and by the end of the novel it felt less like a werewolf story, but instead focusing on romance and a reflection on what is means to live life, even when things are messy.

So, if you are looking for an action-packed, blood-soaked werewolf horror, this one may not be for you. However, if you are looking for a bit of comedy and emotional growth wrapped in some classic werewolf tropes, this one should be thrown onto your TBR list.

Just a word of advice, whenever you are diving into werewolf fiction, please keep silver nearby. It’s basic book safety!

Hope you enjoyed the review and until next time…

Meet you after dark

💀Your cozy-macabre book bestie

Posted in Fantasy, Romance

The Ex Hex

Posted on by Mama

Title: The Ex Hex

Author: Erin Sterling

Pages: 308

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Fiction

Never mix vodka and witchcraft

Nine years ago, Vivienne Jones nursed her broken heart like any young witch would: vodka, weepy music, bubble baths… and a curse on the horrible boyfriend. Sure, Vivi knows she shouldn’t use her magic this way, but with only an “Orchard Hayride” -scented candle on hand, she isn’t worried it will cause him anything more than a bad hair day or two.

That is until Rhys Penhallow, descendant of the town’s ancestors, breaker of hearts, and annoyingly just as gorgeous as he always was, returns to Graves Glen, Georgia. What should be a quick trip to recharge the town’s ley lines and make an appearance at the annual Fall Fair turns disastrously wrong. With one calamity after another striking Rhys, Vivi realizes her silly little ex hex may not have been so harmless after all.

Suddenly, Graves Glen is under attack from murderous windup toys, a pissed-off ghost, and a talking cat with some interesting things to say. 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 breakup curse before it’s too late.

Evenin’ Brave Bookworms!

I’ll start by admitting this isn’t my usual reading lane. But I was in the mood for something light, a little mischievous, and preferably sprinkled with a dash of paranormal chaos. You know… the literary equivalent of a cozy night with a candle, a cup of tea, and a ghost that’s mostly harmless.

I actually bought this book ages ago because the premise practically winked at me from the shelf. A witchy rom-com? Say less. My curiosity was officially summoned, and honestly… my instincts were pretty spot on.

This is the first of three books in the series, and yes, I do fully intend to make my way through the rest. Because if you’re anything like me, once you start a series you feel morally obligated to see it through to the end. It’s a commitment. A pact. A slightly unhinged promise to fictional characters.

That said, there is a limit. If a series has, say… twenty five books? Suddenly I develop selective amnesia and pretend I never started it in the first place. Even the most dedicated reader has boundaries.

Though I will admit, I devoured this in three days.

This story introduces us to Vivienne “Vivi” Jones, a young witch who had a whirlwind romance with a charming young male witch named Rhys Penhallow, while they were both in college. Like many intense romances, it burns very bright and fades just as quickly, leaving Vivi with a broken heart.

So, what do most of us teenage girls do when we’re nursing a broken heart and maybe a slight buzz?

Well…if you’re Vivi the teenage witch, you grab your cousin and cast a curse upon your ex! Nothing serious of course. Just attack his hair and maybe his sexual prowess.

Or so she thought.

Fast forward nine years and Rhy is forced to return to Graves Glen, the charming magical town where Vivi resides. Even with reluctance, his family as the founders of the town, have a responsibility to recharge the town’s magical ley lines and attend the Founder’s Day festivities. However, the moment he arrives, strange and increasingly dangerous occurrences begin to happen to Rhys. It only becomes exasperated for the town, after Rhys has an incident with the ley lines.

Objects attack people in town. One really pissed-off ghost. Along with magic that goes haywire for every single witch residing or practicing witchcraft within town limits and the general vibe is pure magical chaos. That’s when Vivi has a bit of a horrifying epiphany….

That tiny breakup curse may have worked….a little too well.

Now Vivi and Rhys are thrown together to unravel the spell before the magic spirals completely out of control and potentially destroys the town along with it. In doing so, they uncover a piece of magical history tied to both of their families, a dark secret that was buried for far too long.

Of course, being stuck together while solving this magical disaster means the sparks of the past begin to surface and confronting the past they never quite resolved.

Vivi is such a wonderfully relatable protagonist. She’s emotional, chaotic, sarcastic, bubbly and vulnerable in the mistakes she makes. Despite coming from a pretty powerful witch family, she has always been hesitant about her abilities and embracing them to their full potential. She struggles with her confidence as a witch throughout the whole story, but slowly but surely she steps into her power, which is satisfying to see her growth.

Rhys, on the other hand, is almost obnoxiously charming, smooth, witty, and a little mysterious. As the story unfolds, you get to witness a deeper side to him, one he doesn’t let most people see, his vulnerability. He carries a lot of family expectations and emotional baggage that he tends to hide with humor and charm. But as Vivi comes back into his life and is thrust upon him nine years later, his softer side becomes more apparent.

The chemistry between these two is tangible, incredible, however you’d like to say it. The sparks instantly fly again, or maybe they just never left? Regardless, their romance flourishes quickly throughout the book.

However, I do have to admit the intimate scenes were a bit lackluster for my taste. Especially after nine years of separation, but then again, I shouldn’t expect it to be pure erotica. It is a romance-fantasy novel after all. I just would have liked a little more….heat.

An honourable mention is Gwyn, Vivi’s cousin, who is a breath of pure comedic relief and frankly a delight the whole story. She is by far my favourite and I feel like her an I would be friends if she actually existed. Gwyn doesn’t hide from who she is, she embraces her magical identity fully and brings a lot of humor, warmth and light-hearted moments to this novel. She’s confident, creative and just a touch of chaos that makes every scene with her a little more fun and the need for her scenes to be just a little bit longer.

Overall, The Ex Hex is a light, playful paranormal romance that leans heavily on the cozy witchy vibes rather than the darker fantasy elements. The plot is fairly predictable and some scenes feel a bit rushed, especially toward the end of the novel. It’s definitely the kind of read when you want something comforting, a little magical, and just enough drama to keep things interesting and moving along.

So, if you enjoy small town settings, second chance romance and just a splash of witchcraft…this just might be the charming little read for you.

Just remember, maybe think twice before mixing alcohol and casting spells on your ex.

Hope you enjoyed the review and until next time…

Meet you after dark

💀Your cozy-macabre book bestie

Posted in Fantasy, Novella/Short Story

The Knight and the Butcherbird

Posted on by Mama

Title: The Knight and the Butcherbird

Author: Alix E. Harrow

Pages: 40

Genre: Short Story, Horror, Fantasy, Fiction, Dystopian

New York Times bestselling author Alix E. Harrow weaves a dystopian fairy tale that follows the town storyteller as she struggles to protect a local demon from the knight hired to kill it.

In this gritty, haunting tale about doing whatever it takes for love, a small-town storyteller resolves to keep the local monster—and her own secrets—safe from a legendary knight.

Nestled deep in the steep hills, valleys, and surrounding woodlands lies Iron Hollow, a rural community beset by demons. Such horrors are common in the outlands, where most folks die young, if they don’t turn into monsters first. But what’s causing these transformations?

No one has the answer, not even the town’s oral historian, seventeen-year-old Shrike. And when a legendary knight is summoned to hunt down the latest beast to haunt their woods, Shrike has more reason than most to be concerned. Because that demon was her wife. And while Shrike is certain that May still recognizes her—that May is still human, somewhere beneath it all—she can’t prove it.

Determined to keep May safe, Shrike stalks the knight and his demon-hunting hawk through the recesses of the forest. But as they creep through toxic creeks and overgrown kudzu, Shrike realizes the knight has a secret of his own. And he’ll do anything to protect it.

Evenin’ brave bookworms!

I’ll be completely honest with you on this one, I had never read anything by Alix E. Harrow before I picked up this one on my Kindle. I don’t generally enjoy reading on my Kindle, however I thought I’d take a “boo” and see what was out there. I occasionally enjoy short stories and novellas and when I saw the cover of this one, well….I was hooked! I instantly downloaded and began my descent into the wonderful dystopian-fantasy crafted by Alix E. Harrow.

This is the kind you read when the house is quiet, no one is awake, and the shadows in the corners feel just a little bit darker than usual. That’s the mood I felt when I read The Knight and the Butcherbird.

And let me tell you something…..this one is strange in the best possible way. I couldn’t put it down!

From the very beginning, the story carries an eerie sense throughout, not overwhelming or in your face, but present enough to know it’s lurking there. The writing style feels almost like a folklore, as if the story itself has been passed down for generations, but in whispered hushed tones. The feeling that magic might still exist just beyond the edge of the path.

The author masterfully sets the scene, utilizing the desolate, remote wilderness to perfection in this dystopian-fantasy. The way the author combines the “old world” with the “new” is skillfully accomplished and it made a smile spread across my face every time I read those portions.

There are two main characters in this short story: the knight Sir John and the young town historian known as shrike.

Sir John is of the conclaves and he carries the weight of duty, expectation and a solitary existence for the most part. Even though he is considered legendary and privileged for being a knight of the conclaves, there is almost a worn strength and thoughtfulness about him. Just looking at him, you know that he has seen too many battles.

The Shrike, or otherwise named by Sir John as the butcherbird, is the polar opposite.

She is sharp, clever and a bit unsettling. There is an edge to her, almost feral and chaotic to be honest. She keeps you guessing with every decision she makes throughout the story. However, there is also a loyalty, protectiveness and hopefulness for those she loves.

The dynamic between the two is a palpable tension that you feel throughout the whole thing. It’s not a simple black and white tale or good versus evil or even hero versus villain. It’s more murky then you’d expect and I found that made the character dynamics interesting.

I also loved the authors take on “demons” in this story. It’s something I hadn’t read in a story like this before and I found it a breath of fresh air if I’m being truthful. I won’t spoil it, but when I read the climatic portion of this, I literally said out loud “So cool!” Maybe I’m just a nerd though!

I will say I enjoyed the fact that this short story doesn’t hold your hand, it trusts the reader to follow along without over-explaining everything. The plot, atmosphere and characters build naturally, which shows a strong confidence in the author’s writing.

I will be honest, this is definitely an atmospheric and character driven tale rather than a fast paced plot. Which for some, may not be your type of read.

The Knight and the Butcherbird is elegant and eerie at the same time. So, if you enjoy a dark folklore vibe, morally complicated characters and a story that feels like whispered legends in a dystopian world, then this one might be worth adding to your reading list.

Hope you enjoyed the review and until next time…

Meet you after dark

💀Your cozy-macabre book bestie

Posted in Romance, Young Adult

The Summer I Turned Pretty Trilogy

Posted on by Mama

Original post from my Mom blog here – https://mamaonthemove1.wordpress.com/2026/03/03/book-review-the-summer-i-turned-pretty-trilogy/

Title: The Summer I Turned Pretty Trilogy


Author: Jenny Han


Genre: Romance, Young Adult, Fiction


Number of Pages: 896


My Rating: 💋💋💋💋


Book Summary:

Belly has always lived for the summertime because it means all her favorite things: swimming, the beach and the Fisher boys, Conrad and Jeremiah. She has spent every summer with them at Cousins Beach for as long as she can remember. She has always been in love with Conrad and finally, one summer, it seems like he might have feelings for her too. But it turns out, so does Jeremiah.

As the summers go on, Belly has to choose between two brothers who love her as she comes to the realization that she will have to break one of their hearts.



For the first time, all three Summer novels are in one collection, including The Summer I Turned Pretty, It’s Not Summer Without You and We’ll Always Have Summer.

My Thoughts:

Let me start by saying that I watched the show before reading the books and I watched all three seasons before I picked up this trilogy.

I enjoyed the television show, with some minor problems of the social political climate sprinkled in unnecessarily in my opinion. But unfortunately that’s all television and movies now a days. Also, notably after reading the books, it followed most of the story accurately, however there were story lines that didn’t even show up in the books and even some characters were changed to other roles within the show.

I was pleasantly surprised and actually grateful that none of that was within the novels. I will be honest that I tend to enjoy the novels more then the shows or movies, but there have been a few contenders in the past that were neck and neck.

Conrad was not as brooding and miserable in the novels as they make him out to be in the show. I found Conrad to be introspective, guarded and emotionally complicated. He internalized everything and shuts down when he’s hurting instead of reaching out for help. His silence feels cold, but it always came from the pain he was feeling and not from indifference. Contrary to what is portrayed, he was always very aware of his emotions.

He loves deeply for those he cares about, especially Belly. His feelings for her were consuming and so intense that he struggled to express himself in healthy ways. But it was always sincere and steady. He carried the emotional weight of his family, especially when it came to his mother. That responsibility and weight caused him to mature in some ways and break him in others. He often pushed people away when he needed them most because he believed he could handle everything himself. Even though he was incredibly intelligent, that made you mildly frustrated with certain decisions he made, even though deep down you knew he was doing this out of the goodness of his heart.

But he had a magnetic personality without trying, he was brainy and athletic and an all around golden boy. I was personally Team Conrad from the beginning.

But if Conrad is the ocean before the storm, then his brother Jeremiah is sunshine.

Now let’s jump into Jeremiah.

Jeremiah is warm, outgoing, affectionate, and emotionally open. He loves very easily, wears his heart directly on his sleeve, makes everyone feel included, enjoys having a good time and is very easy to be around.

Even though he is playful and flirty, he is deeper then just surface level which I found to be a nice twist for the sunshine boy. When he falls for Belly, he doesn’t hide a thing! He chooses her with no hesitation, no guessing games unlike Conrad’s unpredictability. Though he tends to hide his hurt behind jokes most the time, especially when he feels second best. Being in Conrad’s shadow allows some of his insecurity to bubble to the surface on occasion.

Though don’t underestimate Jeremiah, he’s not just the “nice brother.” He can get jealous and competitive. Sharp when he feels betrayed and his pain will run deep, especially when it comes to Belly and Conrad’s relationship. Jeremiah will show you his love outwardly as much as his hurt, he doesn’t swallow it and suffer in silence like Conrad.

If Conrad is longing and Jeremiah is warmth, Belly is the tide pulling between them — sometimes calm, sometimes chaotic, always changing.

See what I did there? *Snickers*

Isabel or better known as “Belly”, has been spending years feeling like the awkward little sister tagging along at Cousins Beach next to her brother Steven and the Fisher boys. However this summer changed everything, starting with her all around transformation and I’m not just talking purely physical but mentally and emotionally as well. But beneath her transformation, she is still trying to figure out who she is, but that doesn’t mean the boys who never noticed her before don’t begin to.

Belly is a true romantic at heart and believe in epic love. She is the type that holds on to memories like little treasures, replaying them over and over, especially when it comes to her first love Conrad. Her heart tends to lead first and logic follows later. She feels intensely about nearly EVERYTHING. She makes sometimes rash decisions without thinking about the long term consequences. She can be naive and selfish at times, however she is young and learning.

Belly is eventually torn between her dream since she was a kid, Conrad, and Jeremiah which represents the love that’s right in front of her. Belly’s journey is really about understanding the difference between wanting to be chosen and ultimately choosing for herself.

What makes Belly interesting isn’t perfection, but watching her growth throughout the novels. She messes up. She hurts people. She gets hurt. But across the trilogy, she slowly matures. She starts to understand that love isn’t just about butterflies. It’s about timing, communication, and knowing who you are outside of someone else.

Now let’s talk about some minor characters before I jump into my final conclusion.

Steven is Belly’s older brother. Steven is sarcastic, competitive, and very big-brother coded. He pretends not to care, but he’s protective underneath the jokes.

Laurel is Belly’s mom who is reserved, intellectual, and emotionally guarded. She loves deeply but doesn’t always express it warmly. Laurel struggles with grief in a quiet, internal way, which sometimes creates distance between her and Belly. She’s strong, but not soft about it. She is best friends with Susannah Fisher and has been for nearly her whole life.

Susannah is mother to the wonderful fisher boys, Conrad and Jeremiah. She is truly heart of Cousins. Susannah is warm, romantic, and almost ethereal in how she loves her people. She believes in soulmates and summer magic. Even while battling her illness, she tries to preserve beauty and joy for the kids. Her presence shapes everything — and her absence shapes even more.

Taylor is Belly’s best friend (and my least favourite character if I’m being completely honest). Taylor is bold, dramatic, and fiercely loyal. She pushes Belly out of her comfort zone and isn’t afraid to say the thing everyone else is thinking. Yes, she can be impulsive and attention-loving, but she rides hard for her best friend.

In conclusion, do I love this trilogy?? Absolutely!

It was such an easy read and I flew through all three of these novels in record time, unable to put them down at all. I love the growth of each character, especially Belly and Conrad. However there were times, some of the characters made me want to shake their shoulders and say “GROW UP! Stop being brats and self-centered!” And I’m not just talking about the kids….

It was so wonderfully pure, raw and simply beautiful. From the atmosphere it was set in to the relationships between the character, I can’t rave about it enough. I would highly recommend this as a summer read for sure and will definitely allow my own daughter to read these when she’s older.

I hope you enjoyed this very lengthy review….sorry!

But I have some news! I have made the decision to make this blog strictly mom/kid related content and will be moving my book reviews to my new blog. So I hope you will join me at https://beneaththebooklight.blog/.

Ciao!

Posted in Mystery, Novella/Short Story, Thrillers

Graveyard Shift

Posted on by Mama

Original post from my Mom blog here – https://mamaonthemove1.wordpress.com/2026/02/25/book-review-graveyard-shift/

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Title: Graveyard Shift


Author: M.L. Rio


Genre: Fiction, Thriller, Mystery, Horror, Novella


Number of Pages: 126


My Rating: 💋💋💋💋


Book Summary:

Author of sales sensation If We Were Villains returns with a story about a ragtag group of night shift workers who meet in the local cemetery to unearth the secrets lurking in an open grave.

Every night, in the college’s ancient cemetery, five people cross paths as they work the late shift: a bartender, a rideshare driver, a hotel receptionist, the steward of the derelict church that looms over them, and the editor-in-chief of the college paper, always in search of a story.

One dark October evening in the defunct churchyard, they find a hole that wasn’t there before. A fresh, open grave where no grave should be. But who dug it, and for whom?

Before they go their separate ways, the gravedigger returns. As they trail him through the night, they realize he may be the key to a string of strange happenings around town that have made headlines for the last few weeks—and that they may be closer to the mystery than they thought.

Atmospheric and eerie, with the ensemble cast her fans love and a delightfully familiar academic backdrop, Graveyard Shift is a modern Gothic tale in If We Were Villains author M. L. Rio’s inimitable style.

My Thoughts:

I actually really enjoyed this novella. It was short, captivating and filled with intrigue. I truly couldn’t put it down and devoured the whole thing in a few hours. What?! I’m a bit of a slow reader okay!

It catches your attention right from the start and I love the individual chapters for each character. It allows for different perspectives and narratives. A bunch of insomniacs meeting in an abandon graveyard to have a few smokes and chat. Only to encounter a mysterious gravedigger, but what are they burying?!

There is a sense of foreboding as our edgy “Scooby gang” follows him around and slowly uncover the truth behind his midnight burial. There is more to this then meets the eye and is definitely linked to other events that have been happening around campus and the local bar haunt. I even loved that one of the characters in the group is also linked to what is going on to our mystery digger.

However I won’t give any spoilers in this one, but I just wish this was an actual novel rather then just a novel. I would have loved to see more character development, more links to the scientific aspect in all this and more justice frankly. But honestly my absolute favourite portion of the whole thing was the atmosphere that the author portrays.

I know a lot of the reviews thought this was meh, but for a novella I thought it was pretty spot on. Again, I honestly wish this was an actual novel, not just a novella. I do recommend if you want some strange vibes, awesome atmosphere and a little mystery for a quick read. I will be reading more from this author for sure!

Hope you enjoyed and keep an eye out for the next review which will be The Summer I Turned Pretty Trilogy by Jenny Han.

Ciao!