Book Review!! Cross My Heart, I Hope You Die by Mallory Arnold

Cross My Heart, I Hope You Die by Mallory Arnold
Genre: Adult Fiction (Mystery/Horror/Thriller)
Expected Publication: July 14, 2026
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press

One isolated cabin. One cheating boyfriend. One plan to get even.

When Nora, Ruby, and Cham discover that they've each been dating the same man, what starts as outrage quickly spirals into a plot for revenge. Together they hatch a plan to lure their boyfriend to a romantic getaway in a secluded cabin at the top of a snow-covered mountain.

Only what was meant to be harmless payback soon takes a chilling turn when their not-so-adoring boyfriend is found dead in the cabin. 

Stranded and snowed in, the women begin to look at each other with increasing suspicion. And as tensions rise, hidden motives come to light. To survive, each woman must confront her own demons as they fight to uncover if one of them is the killer, or if something else lurks in the freezing wilderness, waiting to pick them off one by one. 

Cross My Heart, I Hope You Die by Mallory Arnold pulled me in, in the beginning. I enjoyed getting the back story of each of the women with Jason. They each stood on their own as characters and had their charm. The setting was perfect once they got to the cabin. But, once they got to the cabin is also when things started to really change for me. It became harder to tell Ruby and Nora apart for whatever reason. A death happened way too soon. I wanted to hear more from that person. And, as things started happening, it was so much of the unlikely that it became a little too much to be realistic anymore. I was pleased with how the story wrapped up. Unfortunately, it seemed like there was a possible cliff hanger. I really hope it stays a stand alone. I say that, because I feel like adding any more to this story would take it way over the top.. not in a good way. I do think it'd make a fun movie, and I did enjoy this author's writing style. I'm curious about her other book. I'll have to check it out. This novel will be released on July 14, 2026

The ARC of Cross My Heart, I Hope You Die by Mallory Arnold was kindly provided to me by the publisher through NetGalley. for review. The opinions are my own.

Mallory Arnold is an editor and writer who resides in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband and three cats. She's part of the Women's Fiction Writer's Association and enjoys writing drama, thrillers, and horror.

To learn more about Mallory Arnold and her books, visit her  on Goodreads & Instagram.

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Book Review: Rook & Rebel by Kate Crew

Rook & Rebel (The Mavericks #1) by Kate Crew
Genre: Adult Fiction (Dark Contemporary Romance)
Date Published: October 1, 2024
Publisher: Avon 

A dark revenge romance filled with tattooed bikers, hilarious banter, heat, and high speeds.

Regan Fletcher

I used to have big dreams: finish college, make beautiful art, all while taking over my dad’s business. He wanted a legacy, and I wanted to give it to him. But his illness wasn’t part of the plan. Neither was his sudden need to keep me locked up in our mansion, safe and isolated. I want more from life, but could only spend my days waiting. Until one night, I came face-to-face with a street biker from a world far different from mine. What starts as him stalking me, quickly spirals into something deeper, and more deadly. I’m falling for a man who’s everything I should fear, yet he’s the only one who’s ever made me feel truly alive. But loving him means risking everything—my heart, my future, and my father.

Rook Emberson

Revenge has been my driving force for as long as I can remember. Cameron Fletcher stole everything from me, and I’ve spent years plotting the perfect way to take it all back. When fate puts his daughter in my sights, I know I’ve found the key to his destruction. But from the moment I meet her, my plans begin to unravel. Regan is everything I didn’t expect and I can’t help but be drawn to her. What starts as a twisted game of vengeance turns into an obsession. I need her, but I also need to destroy her father.

The lines between love and vengeance blur, and I’m not sure where one ends and the other begins.

Rook + Rebel is the first book in the Mavericks series by Kate Crew. I liked the premise. It could go in a few interesting directions. It started off promising, but it's really hard for me to get into a story where I'm not a big fan of the main characters. Rebel didn't seem like much of a rebel to me for the most part, and she has no self preservation. In my opinion, stupid doesn't equal rebel. And Rook? I didn't like his personality, and he was sooo flipping wishy washy with his emotions for Rebel... to the point of being too repetitious. Yet, he typically has no remorse over just killing someone. So, it didn't match his personality at all. They are completely oblivious to each other’s intentions and emotions, and it drove me a lil crazy, but at the same time.. it's so them. I liked a lot of the tropes in this story. I feel like I could like it more if maybe these characters were a little more believable. It wasn't for me, but it seems to have some fans, so don't take my word for it.

Rook & Rebel by Kate Crew was kindly provided to me by the publisher through NetGalley for review. The opinions are my own.

Hey, I’m Kate! I write dark, humor-filled romances packed with tension, suspense, and lovable, morally grey characters. I live near the mountains with my husband and two dogs, drawing inspiration from the wild beauty around me, that and my obsession with fast cars and motorcycles. When I’m not writing, you’ll find me on the road, lost in a book, or spending way too much time in antique stores and bookstores. I’ve always been drawn to all things gothic and a little rebellious, and that passion fuels every story I write. My books are filled with broody antiheroes, sharp-witted heroines, and chemistry that crackles. If you love tension, banter, and just the right amount of chaos, you’re in the right place.

To learn more about Kate Crew and her books, visit her website. You can also find her on Goodreads & Facebook.

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Book Review! Here Lie All the Boys Who Broke My Heart by Emma Simmerman

Here Lie All the Boys Who Broke My Heart by Emma Simmerman
Genre: Young Adult Fiction (Mystery/Thriller)
Date Published: February 3, 2026
Publisher: Avon 

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder meets Tell Me Lies in this binge-worthy debut murder mystery about a college student whose senior year takes a deadly turn when her exes start turning up dead…

Every time a guy breaks my heart, I write him a eulogy in my journal. It’s kind of my thing—closure through creative mourning. They don't actually die... or, at least, they didn't.

Now? These guys aren’t just dead to me, they’re dead to everyone. And I’m the prime suspect.

With my senior year at Pembroke College—and my entire future—on the line, I’ve got no choice but to play detective. Unfortunately, that means teaming up with my long-standing frenemy, Asher, who is insufferable and somehow always there when I need him the least. We bicker, we banter, we occasionally almost hook up, but with the body count rising and my name all over the suspect board, there’s no time to get distracted.

Between college parties, messy exes, suspicious deaths, and a murder investigation I never asked to be a part of—one thing’s for this is not how I thought my last year would go.

Here’s to hoping I can find out who the real killer is... before someone ends up writing my eulogy.

Here Lie All the Boys Who Broke My Heart by Emma Simmerman is a stand alone book that had that I Know What You Did Last Summer / Scream feel to it. Basically, all her exes in her journal of obituaries keep getting murdered. It was a fun mystery. Who did it? The answer wasn't as obvious as some stories out there, which I enjoyed. I wasn't too keen on many of the main characters though. Asher was as the blurb said... insufferable. I have no idea how someone could fall for him. You eventually got his sob story, but it wasn't good enough for me to excuse his brand of mean. And Sloane? She has no sense. On top of that, she clearly has a drinking problem. Every single one of her friends enables her and then get mad at her when she acts like a drunk. Even sober, she makes bad decisions. I liked the premise a lot, because I love these kinds of horror/mysteries. They're just plain fun! And this one was fun too, despite my frustration towards Sloane. I hope this debut author writes more.

The ARC if  Here Lie All the Boys Who Broke My Heart by Emma Simmerman was kindly provided to me by the publisher through NetGalley for review. The opinions are my own.

Emma Simmerman is a debut author with an advertising degree from Kent State University. She is a Youngstown, Ohio, native who now resides in Cleveland with her husband Nick, and her two cats Kitty and Cleo. When she’s not writing, she enjoys reading, crocheting, and drinking overpriced cocktails with her friends.

To learn more about Emma Simmerman and her books, visit her on Goodreads.

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Book Review: Three Queens by Geneva Lee Albin

Three Queens (Filthy Rich Vampires #3) by Geneva Lee Albin
Genre: Adult Fiction (Paranormal Romance)
Date Published: February 7, 2023
Publisher: Estate Books

All magic will die, and with it, all who carry it. Every last one of us...

Thea and Julian have made their choice, but can they survive the fallout? Experience the decadent, magical world of Three Queens, the third book in the Filthy Rich Vampire series from New York Times bestselling author Geneva Lee.

Returning to the world of the vampire elite as Solstice falls, they must navigate new dangers, treacherous allies, and morally grey friendships. When information leads them to Venice, the couple finds themselves at odds. Following the clue isn’t just dangerous, it could be deadly. With the fate of her family on the line, Thea rushes to Venice, and Julian follows despite his haunted history with the city.

The past might hold the key to their future, but to find out, Julian must face the monster he was once, and as forgotten magic stirs in Thea's blood, the search for answers leads to devastating consequences.

With the future of the magical world hanging in the balance, tensions rising in their family, and war looming on the horizon, will their love triumph, or will they pay the ultimate price?

Check out the other books in this series!

Geneva Lee Albin is the New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author of over thirty novels. Her bestselling Royals Saga has sold nearly four million copies worldwide. She's shamelessly addicted to recovering alpha males, headstrong heroines, and drop-your-jaw plot twists. People Magazine calls Geneva's books "convincing with fluid writing that's full of drama." When she isn't writing or reading, you might find her on another adventure with her real-life hero and their three kids. 

To learn more about Geneva Lee Albin and her books, visit her website. You can also find her on Goodreads, Goodreads, Facebook, & Instagram.

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Book Review: Belladonna by Adalyn Grace

Belladonna (Belladonna #1) by Adalyn Grace
Genre: Young Adult Fiction (Paranormal / Fantasy Romance)
Date Published: August 30, 2022
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company

The  New York Times  bestselling author of  All the Stars and Teeth  brings to life a highly romantic, Gothic-infused world of wealth, desire, and betrayal. ​

Orphaned as a baby, nineteen-year-old Signa has been raised by a string of guardians, each one more interested in her wealth than her well-being—and each has met an untimely end. Her remaining relatives are the elusive Hawthornes, an eccentric family living at Thorn Grove, an estate both glittering and gloomy. Its patriarch mourns his late wife through wild parties, while his son grapples for control of the family’s waning reputation, and his daughter suffers from a mysterious illness. But when their mother’s restless spirit appears claiming she was poisoned, Signa realizes that the family she depends on could be in grave danger and enlists the help of a surly stable boy to hunt down the killer.

 

However, Signa’s best chance of uncovering the murderer is an alliance with Death himself, a fascinating, dangerous shadow who has never been far from her side. Though he’s made her life a living hell, Death shows Signa that their growing connection may be more powerful—and more irresistible—than she ever dared imagine.

Belladonna is the first book in the Belladonna series by Adalyn Grace. Signa was a strong, female lead. She stood her ground even through her fear, and she was believable. The supporting characters all played their parts well and flowed in and out of the story nicely. Then there's Death. Am I the only one that pictured the scenes with death in a "Harry Potter/Deathly Hallows movie style"? I have to say... that imagery only made the story more enchanting. Overall, I really enjoyed this story. It was pretty unique. It took "Death"- something we all fear- and made him human.. well sorta.. not really. But you can understand him within this story. Maybe not right away, but this story line builds in many ways. So, yes, I'm going to read the next book.

Adalyn Grace is the #1 New York Times, USA Today, Wall Street Journal, International, and Indiebound bestselling author of Belladonna and the All the Stars and Teeth duology.

Prior to becoming an author, Adalyn spent several years working in live theatre and studied storytelling as an intern on Nickelodeon Animation’s popular series The Legend of Korra.

Local to San Diego, Adalyn spends her non-writing days by watching too much anime, and by playing video games with her two dorky dogs.

To learn more about Adalyn Grace and her books, visit her website. You can also find her on Goodreads & Instagram.

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Book Review: Boy in Luv by Jay Crownover & Rebecca Yarros

Boyin Luv (In Luv Duet #1) by Jay Crownover & Rebecca Yarros
Genre: New Adult Fiction (Contemporary Romance)
Date Published: October 19, 2019
Publisher: Jay Crownover LLC

Distance sure as hell made his heart grow fonder… But it shattered hers into a million pieces.

Langley Vaughn knows she's never going to make the same mistake again.

Who falls head over heels in love in a week? Langley did, and she's regretted it every day since she handed her heart to a boy with too many secrets and too much baggage. Iker doesn't fit into Langley's world, and he made it clear he doesn't want to. He left before she even got a chance to try and change his mind or to prove to him how good they could be together. Langley's spent the last nine months healing her heart and making big plans for the future. Plans that absolutely don't include Iker… even though he's back, looking better than ever, and saying all the right things.

Iker Alvarez knows he made the biggest mistake of his life.

At first, the pretty blonde in the red dress was nothing more than a means to an end. But, she quickly became so much more. As soon as Iker walked away from Langley, claiming it was for her own good, he knew he screwed up. He left her so she wouldn't worry about him when he deployed, so she wouldn't waste her time waiting around for a guy who was never going to be good enough for her. Only, nine months and a deployment later, Iker still can't get Langley out of his head… and he totally underestimated the hold she has on his hardened heart. He's a guy who's not sure how love should work, or how to go about winning his girl back…he's about to get a crash course in both.

Boy in Love is the second book in the In Love Duet by Jay Crownover & Rebecca Yarros.I was looking forward to this book, but once I got into it, I just couldn't get into it. And, what really bothers me, is I can't really put a finger on what I didn't mesh with. I just couldn't connect with them this time around. I like the characters a lot, and I'm glad the story went about things the way they did. I don't know. I kinda wish they could have wrapped things up in the first book. You know? Just made that one a bit longer.  

Read the second book yet?

Jay Crownover is the International and multiple New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Marked Men Series, The Saints of Denver Series, The Point and Breaking Point Series, and the Loveless, Texas series. Her books can be found translated in many different languages all around the world. She is a tattooed, crazy haired Colorado native who lives at the base of the Rockies with her awesome dogs. This is where she can frequently be found enjoying a cold beer and Taco Tuesdays. Jay is a self-declared music snob and outspoken book lover who is always looking for her next adventure, between the pages and on the road.

To learn more about Jay Crownover and her books, visit her website. You can also find her on Goodreads and Twitter.

Rebecca Yarros is a hopeless romantic and coffee addict. She is the New York Times bestselling author of over twenty novels, including Fourth Wing, The Last Letter and The Things We Leave Unfinished. She’s also the recipient of the Colorado Romance Writer’s Award of Excellence for Eyes Turned Skyward. Rebecca loves military heroes and has been blissfully married to hers for over twenty years. A mother of six, she is currently surviving the teenage years with all four of her hockey-playing sons.

To learn more about Rebecca Yarros and her books, visit her website. You can also find her on Goodreads, Facebook, Instagram,  Pinterest, and Twitter.

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