• The sequel to the beloved first horror novel Bunny. Have I read the first book? No, am I still excited to pick this one up? Absolutely! These are must reads for me this fall!

    Release: September 23rd, 2025

    In the cult classic novel Bunny, Samantha Heather Mackey, a lonely outsider student at a highly selective MFA program in New England, was first ostracized and then seduced by a clique of creepy-sweet rich girls who call themselves “Bunny.” An invitation to the Bunnies’ Smut Salon leads Samantha down a dark rabbit hole (pun intended) into the violently surreal world of their off-campus workshops where monstrous creations are conjured with deadly and wondrous consequences. When We Love You, Bunny opens, Sam has just published her first novel to critical acclaim. But at a New England stop on her book tour, her one-time frenemies, furious at the way they’ve been portrayed, kidnap her. Now a captive audience, it’s her (and our) turn to hear the Bunnies’ side of the story. One by one, they take turns holding the axe, and recount the birth throes of their unholy alliance, their discovery of their unusual creative powers—and the phantasmagoric adventure of conjuring their first creation. With a bound and gagged Sam, we embark on a wickedly intoxicating journey into the heart of dark academia: a fairy tale slasher that explores the wonder and horror of creation itself. Not to mention the transformative powers of love and friendship, Bunny. Frankenstein by way of HeathersWe Love You, Bunny is both a prequel and a sequel, and an unabashedly wild and totally complete stand-alone novel. Open your hearts, Bunny, to another dazzlingly original and darkly hilarious romp in the Bunny-verse from the queen of the fever-dream, Mona Awad. – Goodreads


    The 5th installment (2nd novella), of the Powerless series will be published before we know it! I am so excited to read this as Fearless was MY FAVORITE book in the series, and this takes place during the same time.

    Release: September 2nd, 2025

    Set during the time of Fearless, a mysterious figure arrives in the kingdom of Ilya to witness the fight for the throne and the price it costs those sworn to defend the land in this beautiful and heart-wrenching story in the #1 New York Times bestselling Powerless trilogy. Love too grand, it kills. Mara never intended to set foot in Ilya again. But when the king makes a life-altering decision, her interest is piqued, and Death is determined to understand Kitt Azer’s mind if he is destined to join her in the Mors. Spending time with the king while observing the castle’s inhabitants reminds Mara that there is more to life than just death. There is love. But even the purest of intentions spur revenge and the pursuit of power. And fate will have its way with all of them—to live, to rule, to love, and most certainly, to die… – Goodreads


    I really haven’t been reading much romance lately. But this is the coziest fall cover I may have ever seen. Also the author said if you like Gilmore Girls you need to read this. I mean I am already seeing the Stars Hollow references in the cover alone, so I can only imagine the story itself.

    Release: September 2nd, 2025

    My new next-door neighbor seems to have everything figured out. Small town golden boy? Check. Single dad extraordinaire? Check. Hot baker forearms? I didn’t notice them, I swear. I, on the other hand, don’t–at all–have anything figured out. Trust me, I didn’t think taking over my mom’s dream bed and breakfast in Copper Run Vermont was going to be easy. It should be a good place to heal after my divorce. But apparently my scones belong in the garbage with my small talk skills. As pointed out by none other than Cliff. Cliff is inescapable. He knows exactly what people need–always. His charm, the way he wears flannel, and even his pastries, make not wanting to be friends with Cliff and his daughters pretty hard. Friends? I can make friends. That’s safe. Except I’m leaving in three months to pass the inn off to my little sister and get the promotion in Seattle I’ve been working towards. So ask me why I’m thinking about kissing my hot neighbor. – Goodreads


    This is the third book in the Sworn Soldier series, each one with a captivating title and cover. Every book is less then 200 pages allowing for a great snack size read.

    Release: September 30th, 2025

    The next installment in the New York Times bestselling Sworn Soldier series, featuring Alex Easton investigating the dark, mysterious depths of a coal mine in America. Alex Easton does not want to visit America. They particularly do not want to visit an abandoned coal mine in West Virginia with a reputation for being haunted. But when their old friend Dr. Denton summons them to help find his lost cousin—who went missing in that very mine—well, sometimes a sworn soldier has to do what a sworn soldier has to do… – Goodreads


    September is way to early for holiday books but I loved Icebreaker and the idea of a toy business sounds so fun and magical.

    Release: September 30th, 2025

    Clara Davenport wants to solve Fraser Falls’s biggest problem. According to Jack Kelly, Clara is Fraser Falls’s biggest problem. 
    All Clara Davenport has ever wanted to do is climb the ladder at Davenport Innovation Creative, her family’s toy business. Everything was going according to plan, until the company was accused of stealing a doll design from an independent toy maker, creating a flurry of bad publicity. With a promotion dangled in front of her like a carrot to a reindeer, Clara is tasked with charming the locals of the small town to solve the PR nightmare, by any means necessary.Jack Kelly would be happy to never hear the name Davenport ever again. Less than a year after a guy in a fancy suit appeared on his doorstep with a sleigh-full of promises, the company that once falsely claimed they wanted to sign him to their small business program has copied his design. So when Clara prances into town hoping to convince Fraser Falls that her company is not the enemy, Jack is determined not to be fooled by Davenport twice.But Clara has a plan to win over the community only to realize that beneath Jack’s frosty demeanor lies the key to the town’s heart—and maybe her own. – Goodreads


    I think the cover alone speaks for it. I mean a fourth of July murder mystery…… sign me up! Also I particularly love mystery’s/thrillers that deal with society’s most wealthy.

    Release: September 30th, 2025

    On the Fourth of July, a teenager dies at an exclusive country club. Twenty years later, her cousin returns to her hometown, seeking answers behind closed gates in this rich, atmospheric thriller for fans of Lucy Foley, Liz Moore and Ruth Ware. Twenty years ago, sixteen-year-old Caitlin Dale died unexpectedly on the Fourth of July. Like other affluent families of Briar’s Green, Caitlin joined hers at the country’s club’s annual party. They say she slipped by the pool. A tragic accident. But her cousin Alice knows the truth. Caitlin was murdered. And Alice saw who did it. Twenty years later, Alice returns to her childhood hometown of Briar’s Green, seeking answers. The club where Caitlin died has barely changed. But its secrets, Alice soon discovers, are carefully hidden—and there are powerful people in Briar’s Green who would like them to stay that way. In her deliciously dark debut novel, Kelsey Miller transports readers to a brooding enclave reminiscent of Sleepy Hollow, one with a long history, a short fuse and narrator determined to seek justice, at all costs. – Goodreads


    A horror book about motherhood?!! One of my favorite niches ever! I will read it every time!

    Release: September 30th, 2025

    Jordan Peele’s Us meets The School For Good Mothers in this horror-tinged intergenerational saga, as a single mother’s doppelganger forces her to confront the legacy of violence that has shaped every woman in their family. Single mother Alice Chow is drowning. With a booming online cloth diaper shop, her resentful teenage daughter Luna, and her screen-obsessed son Luca, Alice can never get everything done in a day. It’s all she can do to just collapse on the couch with a bottle of wine every night. It’s a relief when Alice wakes up one morning and everything has been done. The counters are clear, the kids’ rooms are tidy, orders are neatly packed and labeled. But no one confesses they’ve helped, and Alice doesn’t remember staying up late. Someone–or something–has been doing her chores for her. Alice should be uneasy, but the extra time lets her connect with her children and with her hard-edged mother, who begins to share their haunted family history from Alice’s great-grandmother, a comfort woman during WWII, through to Alice herself. But the family demons, both real and subconscious, are about to become impossible to ignore. Sharp and incisive, The Hunger We Pass Down traces the ways intergenerational trauma transforms from mother to daughter, and asks what it might take to break that cycle. – Goodreads


    Okay, maybe my interest is a little more broad then motherhood. I mean any horror novel that revolves around traditional roles I will be picking up.

    Release: September 30th, 2025

    From bestselling author Meagan Church comes a haunting exploration of identity, motherhood, and the suffocating grip of societal expectations that will leave you questioning the lives we build―and the lies we live. They called it hysteria. She called it survival. Lulu Mayfield has spent the last five years molding herself into the perfect 1950s housewife. Despite the tragic memories that haunt her and the weight of exhausting expectations, she keeps her husband happy, her household running, and her gelatin salads the talk of the neighborhood. But after she gives birth to her second child, Lulu’s carefully crafted life begins to unravel. When a new neighbor, Bitsy, moves in, Lulu suspects that something darker lurks behind the woman’s constant smile. As her fixation on Bitsy deepens, Lulu is drawn into a web of unsettling truths that threaten to expose the cracks in her own life. The more she uncovers about Bitsy, the more she questions everything she thought she knew―and soon, others begin questioning her sanity. But is Lulu truly losing her mind? Or is she on the verge of discovering a reality too terrifying to accept? In the vein of The Bell Jar and The HoursThe Mad Wife weaves domestic drama with psychological suspense, so poignant and immersive, you won’t want to put it down.


    We as readers are really getting blessed this month with an abundance of Horror/Thriller releases. To say I am excited to really dive into those genres the next few months would be an understatement. I hope there was at least one book on this list that you added to your TBR! Be sure to check out these and other upcoming September 2025 releases. Happy reading! -Rachael xoxo

  • I am a lover of fiction. Always have been and always will be. However, I picked up my first Memoir in October 2022 and my life changed. Since then I make the effort to read a couple memoirs a year and I exclusively listen to them on audio. However, my first memoir (the first on this list) I read the physical book and still absolutely loved. I hope that one of these can peak your interest.

    All books on this list have a long list of trigger warnings. These include but are not limited to (manipulation, physical, mental, and emotional abuse, control, loss of infant, etc.) Please check TW(s) before reading.


    Like many kids my age I grew up watching icarly and eventually Sam and Cat. My friends and I would sometimes play iCarly and being the blonde, I would always end up playing Sam. I loved Sam she was spunky, loud and fun. Basically everything little Rachael wanted to be. I obviously knew Sam was just a character, a fake persona created to elevate the show and add humor all while supporting the main character Carly, but I loved her nonetheless. Due to my admiration for the character, I knew the name Jennette McCurdy.

    I grew up wishing I could play Sam, and do all of the silly, fun things Jennette seemed to be doing week after week. I figured that being on a show as silly as iCarly had to be an incredible experience. Not to mention she had to be making decent money plus she had lots of followers which seemed so cool at the time. However this book shows that the reality was very different from my assumptions. The book highlights the neglect, abuse, and control that was hidden behind the cameras.

    When I read this, the story sank particularly deep for me. I felt a sense of regret for the envy I had as a girl towards Jennette. Here in her memoir she pulled apart the scene of childhood stardom, parental control/ abuse and more. I realized for the first time how fake social media can be, how misguided the public can be and the pressure as well as trauma childhood stars face all at the expense of others entertainment . The grass truly isn’t always greener on the other side.


    19 Kids and Counting (formally 17 kids and counting) was one of the first reality family TV shows I can remember watching as a child. As a little girl I was intrigued by the premise of so many kids in a house. Partly because I was an only child but also because I loved the game babysitting mania and I could only imagine how hard it was to take care of 19 kids and their messes.

    The thing that stuck out to me the most throughout this book was how Jill handled so many difficult situations with a level of grace many people could only dream of having. It was truly admirable. Jill acknowledged flaws and shortcomings and held herself and others accountable for them. I also admired Jill’s courage to find her voice, her own beliefs, and ability to politely disagree with her family and some of their values.

    Jill discussed the pressure she felt with the expectations of being known as the sweet, good child. She discussed the role her families faith had in their growth, success and ultimately downfall. This book also brought into light the horrors of family reality tv. I honestly loved this book so much and think anyone especially those of faith should read it. It asks the question is the cost really worth all that is lost? Oftentimes it seems it is not.


    I don’t think a single book has had my jaw on the floor the way this one did. I genuinely said what the f**k out loud several times and had to pause the audio book to process what I just heard.

    This book follows Tara and her family, a Mormon survivalist family in Idaho. Tara describes the challenges she and her siblings faced growing up largely isolated from the rest of the world. She discusses the toll mental health had in her family and the seemingly impossible obstacles she had to overcome. It was truly remarkable to watch her growth throughout the book.

    Tara wasn’t a childhood TV star like the other previous authors on this list, she wasn’t famous or rich either. But her story is just as interesting. Tara brings to light the horrors of dysfunctional families, the power of manipulation and control, as well as the damage of poor mental health to a person and their family.


    Thank you so much for checking out my blog! I am having an absolute BLAST writing and hope you all are enjoying embarking on this journey with me! Happy reading!!! – Rachael xoxo

  • Unfortunately summer in Ohio doesn’t last forever. Soon it will be time to pull the winter coats out of the closet. Until then, lets continue to bask in the summer sun and read a few more books that give us that summer vacation feel we all know and love. No matter your taste there is sure to be a book on this list that peaks your interest.


    Literary Fiction: The Wedding People (Alison Espach)

    TW: severe depression, suicide, death of parent/partner/pets, cheating, (all described in detail – please take care when reading.)

    A propulsive and uncommonly wise novel about one unexpected wedding guest and the surprising people who help her start anew. It’s a beautiful day in Newport, Rhode Island, when Phoebe Stone arrives at the grand Cornwall Inn wearing a green dress and gold heels, not a bag in sight, alone. She’s immediately mistaken by everyone in the lobby for one of the wedding people, but she’s actually the only guest at the Cornwall who isn’t here for the big event. Phoebe is here because she’s dreamed of coming for years—she hoped to shuck oysters and take sunset sails with her husband, only now she’s here without him, at rock bottom, and determined to have one last decadent splurge on herself. Meanwhile, the bride has accounted for every detail and every possible disaster the weekend might yield except for, well, Phoebe and Phoebe’s plan—which makes it that much more surprising when the two women can’t stop confiding in each other. It turns absurdly funny and devastatingly tender, Alison Espach’s The Wedding People is ultimately an incredibly nuanced and resonant look at the winding paths we can take to places we never imagined—and the chance encounters it sometimes takes to reroute us.” – Goodreads

    Like many books the cover was what initially grabbed my attention (yes, I do judge a book by its cover). The blue waves, celebratory campaign, and millennial peace sign instantly intrigued me. This however is NOT the lighthearted, carefree book that I initially thought that it was. Instead, its a book that navigates grief, difficult expectations, loss, and the seemingly impossible world we live in. If I aloud myself to give 6 stars to a book this would be one of the few that received that impossible rating. This book is a beautiful reminder that life can be changed in a moment by one tiny decision, “inconvenience”, or stranger. This book depicts the highs, lows, and utterly ridiculous things life throws at us each day. It is emotionally insightful (one of my absolute favorite things in a book), humorous, and well written.

    My Goodreads Review: (5 stars)
    “Honestly wouldn’t be surprised if this is my top read for August….. heck one of my top reads of all time. Such a moving story. There were parts of this book that chipped away at my soul with a chisel particularly the dark, haunting emotions the characters felt. They were each so well developed and complex and I loved it. But, there were also moments where I was literally dying of laughter… particularly the vintage car scene (iykyk). The idea this book focuses on (the love and companionship of strangers) hits me deep in the heart. I am a FIRM believer that most people come into your life for a reason even if it’s just a small lesson you are to learn. Anyways I definitely recommend this book if you love literary fiction and story’s that discus the depth of human interaction and the love between them.”


    Mystery: The God of the Woods (Liz Moore)

    TW: missing child/death of child, substance use, mental illness, domestic abuse, grief.

    When a teenager vanishes from her Adirondack summer camp, two worlds collide. Early morning, August 1975: a camp counselor discovers an empty bunk. Its occupant, Barbara Van Laar, has gone missing. Barbara isn’t just any thirteen-year-old: she’s the daughter of the family that owns the summer camp and employs most of the region’s residents. And this isn’t the first time a Van Laar child has disappeared. Barbara’s older brother similarly vanished fourteen years ago, never to be found. As a panicked search begins, a thrilling drama unfolds. Chasing down the layered secrets of the Van Laar family and the blue-collar community working in its shadow, Moore’s multi-threaded story invites readers into a rich and gripping dynasty of secrets and second chances. It is Liz Moore’s most ambitious and wide-reaching novel yet.” – Goodreads

    The title = Grabbing! The setting = Unbeatable! The premise = Horrifying! A mystery or thriller set at a summer camp? SIGN ME UP! I have read many books with duel characters, some with duel timelines, and even several that had both, but none have been as in depth and complex as this. I can only imagine how difficult it was to keep track of everything while writing this book but Liz did a great job keeping it consistent all the way through. The multiple timelines and characters in their respective timeline(s) aloud the readers to become truly immersed in the story and setting. There is a reason this book was Book of the Month‘s, book of the year!

    My Goodreads Review: (4.75 stars)
    “First of all, this book was intimidating (it’s length mostly….I think). Don’t get me wrong it was interesting in the beginning but started off a little slow in my opinion. However, once I got about 100 pages in I really started to fly through it. I loved the world and found the imagery in this book spectacular. I think I’m going to find myself thinking about this place and its preserve for a long time. Tiny parts of the book were confusing, but I think everything tied up alright at the end (maybe not in the most straightforward way as some of it seemed a little doubtful) but nonetheless it all tied up. I read a lot of complaints about the timeline and all of the characters. I will agree there are a lot of characters. But I think that made me love it even more. I love the way it was written. I’ve never read a book that had so many timelines and people and things going on. I was truly never bored once getting into the actual mystery. I loved seeing it from all angles allowing me really feel like I was in the story myself. Also, the ending tugged at my heartstrings. Ugh if you know you know!”


    Classic: Anne of Green Gables (L.M. Montgomery)

    “This heartwarming story has beckoned generations of readers into the special world of Green Gables, an old-fashioned farm outside a town called Avonlea. Anne Shirley, an eleven-year-old orphan, has arrived in this verdant corner of Prince Edward Island only to discover that the Cuthberts-elderly Matthew and his stern sister, Marilla-want to adopt a boy, not a feisty redheaded girl. But before they can send her back, Anne-who simply must have more scope for her imagination and a real home-wins them over completely. A much-loved classic that explores all the vulnerability, expectations, and dreams of a child growing up, Anne of Green Gables is also a wonderful portrait of a time, a place, a family and, most of all, love.”- Goodreads

    The saying “the book is better then the movie” is no exception when it comes to Anne of Green Gables. As someone who grew up watching the movies, and later watching the Netflix adaption Ann With and E I can conform the book is better. It is such a cozy story filled with adventure and wonder. You truly can’t help but love Anne and Avonlea.

    My Goodreads Review: (5 stars)
    “I grew up watching the movies. Then moved on to Anne with an E and now I’ve read the book. I will forever love Anne, her personality and all of her adventures. I will admit it took me a minute to understand some of the phrases from the original text but I am so glad I read the unaltered text. Gil I love you as always, and Mathew, you were the dearest. I can’t wait to share Anne’s story with my daughter(s) someday!”


    Romance: Love Resigned (Lauren Asher)

    TW: anxiety, depression, child loss, grief, infertility, death of parent

    Julian
    If I ever caught on fire, Dahlia Muñoz would fan the flames with a smile.
    So, when she returns to Lake Wisteria, I fully intend to avoid the interior designer.
    At least until my meddling mother exploits my savior complex.
    The faster I help Dahlia find her creative spark, the sooner she will leave town.
    But while I was busy getting rid of Dahlia, I overlooked one potential issue.
    What happens if I want her to stay?

    Dahlia
    People say the devil has many faces, but I know only one.
    Julian Lopez—my childhood rival and family frenemy.
    I vow to steer clear of him while recovering from my broken engagement, but then the billionaire makes an irresistible offer.
    Renovate a historic house together and triple our profits.
    Our temporary truce becomes compromised as we face years’ worth of denied attraction and mixed emotions.
    Giving into our desire is inevitable…but falling in love?
    That isn’t part of the plan.

    Love Redesigned is a steamy, small town romance about two family friends-turned-childhood rivals. It is the first book in the standalone Lakefront Billionaires series and has a happy ending.” – Goodreads

    One of my favorite book boyfriends! The first book I read that really showed grand gestures as a type of love language. The third and final book in the trilogy comes out August 19th 2025. I have yet to read the second as my goal is to reread the this book before continuing the series. Each book is a standalone in the trilogy allowing a reader to choose if they want to read the whole series or just one of them independently. I really enjoyed this book so I don’t mind rereading it and am actually really excited to do so! The small town setting and vibes really feel like summer. Growing up I always loved architecture and interior design so this book was really fun to read as the characters work on making over an old home. Also this book does have some spice in it so look up a guide on chapters to skip if you aren’t interested in reading those parts.

    My Goodreads Review: (4.75 stars)
    “Dude…….. I love Julian. He is perfect. I will say this book did take me decent amount of time to read because it felt really slow in the beginning, but man did it get good. Oh and Oliver is gross.”


    Thriller: One By One (Freida McFadden)

    TW: murder

    “A night spent sleeping on dirt and leaves is not how Claire Matchett expected to spend her vacation. She thought this would be a break from the stresses of work and raising her young children. A chance to repair her damaged marriage. A week of hiking and hot tubs with two other couple friends. It sounded like heaven. Then Claire’s minivan breaks down on a lonely dirt road. With no cell reception, the group has no choice but to hike the rest of the way to their hotel. But it turns out the woods aren’t as easy to navigate as they thought. Hours later, they are lost. Hopelessly lost.  And as they navigate deeper into the woods, the members of their party are struck down mysteriously one by one. Has a wild animal been hunting them? Or is the hunter one of them? But as more time passes, one thing becomes clear: Only one of them will return home alive.” – Goodreads

    Let me start by saying I LOVE Freida McFadden! But there are several of her books that I am not as drawn too. This was one of them. I mean how many shows, movies, and other books have followed the plot of a group disappearing/getting killed off one by one? The answer….. A LOT! However, there was something about this book that made it different and particularly enjoyable. Maybe a large part of it was the narration done by Anonymous. There was not a single person in this book that I wasn’t suspicious of other then maybe Claire herself. I will say, I really thought I knew who Anonymous was but I was so wrong! The twists were absolutely twisting in this one! One of my favorite reads of hers thus far!

    My Goodreads Review: (4.5 stars)
    “READ THIS IN JUNE!! (if you can). I unknowingly read this at the perfect time…..the last week of June. (That is when this all takes place) I will be honest with you, I was not really looking forward to this book. It was one of the books along with The Crash that I figured I wouldn’t enjoy that well because I felt the premise has been done time after time. But Freida had a slightly different twist on this, for starters the fact that they got lost and not actually being at a luxury vacation destination the whole time was nice. Not to mention weird things kept happening, not just a simple slasher plot. The twist at the end was somewhat surprising. However when we found out who anonymous was, I was disappointed because in the flashbacks it didn’t quite make sense. I was picturing it a completely different person so that part disappointed me and that’s why it’s only 4.5 stars. Like I felt what was said during the anonymous chapters contradicts the truth too much and yeah. Anyways, a great summer and I’m so excited to continue her catalog. My goal is 2 every month (audio) – I really love them on audio!


    Psychological Thriller: The Compound (Aisling Rawle)

    TW: manipulation, control, animal cruelty, child abuse

    Nothing to lose. Everything to gain. Winner takes all. Lily a bored, beautiful twenty-something wakes up on a remote desert compound alongside nineteen other contestants on a popular reality TV show. To win, she must outlast her housemates while competing in challenges for luxury rewards, such as champagne and lipstick, and communal necessities to outfit their new home, like food, appliances, and a front door. The cameras are catching all her angles, good and bad, but Lily has no desire to leave: Why would she, when the world outside is falling apart? As the competition intensifies, intimacy between the players deepens, and it becomes increasingly difficult to distinguish between desire and desperation. When the producers raise the stakes, forcing contestants into upsetting, even dangerous situations, the line between playing the game and surviving it begins to blur. If Lily makes it to the end, she’ll receive prizes beyond her wildest dreams—but what will she have to do to win? Addictive and prescient, The Compound is an explosive debut from a major new voice in fiction and will linger in your mind long after the game ends. – Goodreads

    This is where the -ish comes in. I have not actually finished this book yet (hints the reason for no review) however, it is such a fun page turning read! The best way to describe this is love island, with both communal and personal tasks added that have high value rewards. The cover is absolutely stunning and the title draws my dystopian loving brain to attention. While there is subtle mention of some sort of dystopia on the outside of the compound it is not discussed in detail. The imagery in this book is fantastic, though truthfully possibly due to my understanding of the love island universe. I have found The Compound equally if not slightly more bingeable then love island itself. I honestly haven’t been bored once while reading.


    Thank you so much for taking the time to read MY FIRST BLOG POST! I am so excited to share more of my favorite stories with you. Please like + share! Feel free to engage with the content on my blog however, I ask that there are NO SPOILERS shared! Thank you and happy reading – Rachael xoxo