Book + Series Review | A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson – A Sharp, Addictive Mystery (But the Book Wins!)

10th Book Review — We Made It to Double Digits! 🎉

Hey hey! Back with my tenth book review (how did we get here already?!), and this one’s a little extra — it’s a combo review of both the book and the series adaptation of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson. Because seriously, when a mystery grabs me, I just can’t chill. 😅

The Book: Twisty, Smart & Surprisingly Addictive

From page one, I was hooked. The setup? Pip, a high school student, dives into an old murder case in her town for her senior project — only to discover that things are far messier than they seem. Honestly, I got some very confused looks reading this in public (the title does sound like “Crime 101”), but I didn’t care one bit.

What makes this book so immersive is its mixed-media style — texts, interviews, notes — that pull you into the investigation with Pip. She’s clever, persistent, and a total overthinker (relatable!), making her an engaging narrator to follow.

Yes, the middle dragged a bit — too many suspects and theories — but the ending? Chef’s kiss. Fast-paced, shocking, and completely worth the wait.

One quote that stuck with me:
"Everyone has secrets. It’s just a matter of finding out what they are." — Holly Jackson, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder

The Series: Visually Nice, Emotionally Meh

After finishing the book, I couldn’t resist watching the series. Visually, it’s sleek and stylish — definitely a binge-worthy watch. The pacing is tighter, which helps keep the momentum going.

But here’s the catch: if you’ve read the book, you’ll notice a big difference. Pip in the show doesn’t have the same sharpness or depth. Key scenes and emotional moments felt watered down. The tension and layers that made the book special were dialed back, making the series more surface-level.

So, if you’re new to the story, the show holds up as a decent mystery drama. But if you’ve read the book? No contest — the book wins every time.

Bonus: Series Progress Report 😅

I’m done with Good Girl, Bad Blood and currently reading As Good As Dead, the final book in the series. So stay tuned for — yes, you guessed it — another trilogy review coming your way soon! After years of starting and abandoning series, I’m actually finishing one — and honestly, I’m proud of this small win. 📚

Final Thoughts

If you love dark YA thrillers with smart plots, layered characters, and plenty of twists, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder is a must-read. The book offers more tension, grit, and heart than the series can capture. The show is a fun bonus, but it can’t quite match the depth of the original.

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood — Nerdy, Sweet, and a Little Predictable

My 9th book review is here! 🎉

Hey hey! Back again with my ninth book review — can you believe we’re almost at double digits?! This time, I’m diving into The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood — a book I finally picked up thanks to the chaotic charm of Bookstagram. After seeing it recommended literally everywhere, I thought, “Okay, let’s see what the hype is all about.”

And honestly? I got it. At least, I totally did when I first read it.

Nerds in Love + Fake Dating = A Classic for a Reason
The plot is simple and sweet: Olive, a PhD student, ends up fake-dating a grumpy, brooding professor (Adam) to convince her best friend she’s over an ex. One fake kiss turns into regular “pretend” meetups, and obviously… things get very real, very fast.

Is it predictable? Absolutely.
Is it still cute and worth the ride? Also yes.

There’s something oddly comforting about academic settings — messy buns, caffeine addictions, awkward lab run-ins. Hazelwood clearly writes from experience, and that grounding in academia gives the story a quirky, cozy vibe I really enjoyed. Honestly? Extremely relatable — minus the lab run-ins (not my world), but the messy buns and caffeine addiction? Yeah, that’s me.

And let’s talk about Adam. Tall, aloof, secretly sweet? Peak fictional man energy. He checks all the boxes if you like your male leads emotionally guarded but low-key romantic. Yes, I rolled my eyes. Yes, I still kicked my feet. No shame.

“You can fall in love: someone will catch you.”
— Ali Hazelwood, The Love Hypothesis

Tell me that didn’t melt something inside you. Go ahead, I’ll wait.

Looking Back With a Bit of Distance
Now that I’ve read more books (and explored heavier genres), The Love Hypothesis feels a little lighter than what I usually reach for. It’s cute and comforting, but not quite as impactful as I once thought.

That said — it hit right when I needed it. Sometimes a light-hearted, slow-burn romance with zero emotional damage is exactly the break your brain needs. And hey, my love for fictional men? Still going strong.

Final Thoughts
The Love Hypothesis is like that soft, silly rom-com you rewatch on a bad day — predictable, sure, but heartwarming in all the right ways. If you’re into fake dating, STEM girlies, and emotionally stunted men with soft hearts under all the grump — this one's for you.

It might not be a forever favorite for me, but I’ll always remember it as the first Bookstagram rec I ever followed — and that counts for something.

Book nine — done!
Still showing up every Friday, and weirdly proud of myself for it. Book 10 is going to be a fun one — I’m trying something new with a combo review. Until then, tell me — are you still riding the rom-com wave or has your reading taste done a full pivot too?

Let’s chat in the comments! 💬✨

Mafiosa by Catherine Doyle – A Fierce, Fiery Finale That Still Lives Rent-Free in My Head

Hey you lovely people! We’ve officially made it to my 8th book review — and more importantly, the final book in the Blood for Blood trilogy. Mafiosa by Catherine Doyle is one of those rare finales that actually lives up to the build-up. After Vendetta and Inferno turned me into a full-time Falcone fangirl, this one pulled me in one last time — and wow, what a send-off.

💻 A Little Nostalgia First...

Quick throwback: I first read this series back in that foggy phase between 12th grade and early college. All three books were devoured on an old-school desktop that sounded like a tractor revving up — the true vintage reading experience! My best friend introduced me to this series, and honestly, I still don’t know whether to thank her or blame her for sparking my brief but intense Mafia romance era.

💥 Sophie’s Moment of Reckoning

Mafiosa hits the ground running. It’s action-packed, emotionally chaotic, and full of high-stakes choices. Sophie is no longer the girl who stumbled into a crime family's world — she’s knee-deep in it now, and every decision she makes has real consequences. Watching her grapple with love, power, and morality was intense. Her growth from the first book to this one? Absolutely wild — and so satisfying.

And Luca? Don’t even get me started. If I had a crush in Vendetta, and full-on feels in Inferno, then Mafiosa just cemented the obsession. His evolution, his vulnerability, the way he looks at Sophie like she’s both a miracle and a curse? That’s book boyfriend energy right there.

“Even in the darkest moments, you were the only thing I could see clearly.”
— Luca Falcone, Mafiosa

Yeah. That line got me. It sums up their whole chaotic, intense, heartbreakingly beautiful connection.

🔫 No Mercy, Just Mayhem

Catherine Doyle doesn’t pull any punches in this finale. The violence is raw, the betrayals are brutal, and the tension never lets up. I remember being on edge the first time I read this book — and even now, on reread, those same emotions came flooding back.

What really stood out this time was how the emotional depth didn’t get drowned out by all the action. The story still makes space for friendship, grief, love, and family — all wrapped in a bittersweet, bloody bow. That balance is what made Mafiosa hit so hard.

😭 Saying Goodbye (Why Does This Hurt?)

Closing the final page of this trilogy felt like the end of an era. Mafiosa doesn’t go for a fairytale ending, but what it offers is honest, powerful, and ultimately satisfying. It leaves you a little wrecked — in the best way.

This trilogy remains criminally underrated. If you're into dark YA, Mafia drama, morally gray characters, fierce female leads, and slow-burn romance with tension so thick it could cut steel — please, read Blood for Blood. It deserves way more love than it gets.

📚 Wrapping Up the Trilogy

And that’s a wrap on my nostalgic reread of this wild, unforgettable trilogy. From the hum of my creaky old computer to this post right here, Vendetta, Inferno, and Mafiosa have been with me through a lot — and I’m so glad I finally gave them their spotlight.

Next up, I’ll be diving back into newer reads for future reviews. But thank you for following along this throwback arc — it’s been such a ride.

Yes, the Friday streak is still alive — 8 books down and counting. Here’s to actually staying consistent (for once)! 🖤📚

Until next time!

Inferno by Catherine Doyle – Darker, Wilder, and Totally Addictive

Hey friends! It’s Friday again, which means it’s time for my seventh book review, and we’re continuing the throwback journey with Inferno — the second book in the Blood for Blood trilogy by Catherine Doyle. If you’ve read my last review on Vendetta, you already know how obsessed I was (and still am) with this series.

I first read these books years ago — somewhere between 12th grade and early college — and Inferno felt like a full-blown emotional rollercoaster when I picked it up. I still remember reading it on my ancient computer that wheezed like a dying vacuum. Re-reading it now for this review? It’s like unlocking a time capsule of pure adrenaline and angst.

Chaos Has a New Name

If Vendetta introduced us to the dangerous charm of the Falcone family, Inferno rips the gloves off. It’s darker, grittier, and way more brutal. Sophie is pulled even deeper into the Mafia world — and what was once thrilling now feels terrifying. You feel the shift in tone: the stakes are higher, the secrets more twisted, and the emotions sharper.

The character arcs really pick up in this one. Sophie’s world is unraveling fast, and she’s torn between who she was and what she’s becoming. And Luca? He’s no longer just the brooding Falcone — his emotional depth finally cracks through. The push-and-pull between him and Sophie still echoes in my head.

“Sometimes we’re forced into situations and left with no choice but to be stronger than we ever thought we were capable of being.”
— Catherine Doyle, Inferno

This line? Felt like the heart of the book. It captured everything Sophie was going through — and honestly, it hit home too.

More Action, More Feels, More Everything

What I really love about Inferno is how it refuses to play it safe. Catherine Doyle gives us plot, emotion, danger, and romance — all amped up from the first book. The romantic tension stays electric, but the fear and grief Sophie experiences make it all feel real.

There were chapters that made me pause just to breathe. Some twists I saw coming, but others caught me off guard completely. The pacing stays fast, the writing sharp, and the emotional stakes never let up.

And that ending? I still remember gasping the first time. If I hadn’t already downloaded Mafiosa back then, I would've lost my mind waiting.

Still Criminally Underrated

I will keep yelling about this series until it gets the love it deserves. Inferno is everything a second book should be — deeper, riskier, and emotionally richer. It raises the stakes and gives you swoony moments while never letting you forget how dangerous this world really is.

One More to Go...

Two down, one to go. My eighth review next Friday will be all about Mafiosa, the finale that completely wrecked me in the best way. Can’t wait to share how it all ends — don’t worry, no spoilers.

Thank you for reading along — and for cheering me on as I stick to this Friday review rhythm. It’s honestly the most consistent I’ve ever been with anything, and I’m loving it. Catch you next week for the grand finale! 💥📖

Vendetta by Catherine Doyle – Mafia, Mayhem & Major Nostalgia | Book Review

Hey there! I’m back with my 6th book review, and this one is a real blast from the past. We’re going all the way back to my 12th-grade days, right when I was transitioning into college life—chaotic times, but oh-so-special. And the book that made that phase even more unforgettable? Vendetta by Catherine Doyle, the first in the Blood for Blood series.

This review is a love letter to that era, to those painfully slow but weirdly charming old computer systems I read the entire trilogy on (RIP to them 😔), and to my best friend who introduced me to this criminally underrated series. Honestly — thank you. I had no idea I could be this invested in a Mafia plot until Vendetta came into my life and knocked me sideways.

Mafia Boys, Mysterious Secrets & Pure Chaos

At its core, Vendetta is everything a YA fan didn’t know they needed. Five dangerously attractive brothers? Check. Mafia family secrets? Check. A headstrong heroine, Sophie, who stumbles right into the middle of it all? Big check.

This book had me in a chokehold from page one. It’s fast-paced, dramatic, and unafraid to get messy—in the best way. Sophie’s voice is sharp, funny, and relatable, and her gradual unraveling of the secrets surrounding her family and the mysterious Falcone brothers was chef’s kiss suspenseful.

And let’s talk about the vibes — romantic tension, thrill, danger, and that teenage heart-racing confusion when you can’t tell if you’re falling for a hero or a villain (or possibly both). Catherine Doyle seriously knew how to deliver.

Criminally Underrated (Pun Intended)

Honestly, I don’t see nearly enough people talking about this series, and it deserves the hype. If you like your YA with dark edges, swoony moments, and plot twists that keep you up at night, Vendetta is a gem. It gave me all the Romeo & Juliet but make it Mafia feels — without feeling cliché.

And the nostalgia? Ugh. Just writing this makes me want to go back to those simpler days, curled up with my creaky old desktop, devouring chapter after chapter like my life depended on it.

What’s Next

This is just the start of my deep dive into the Blood for Blood world — I’ll be reviewing the next two books (Inferno and Mafiosa) in my upcoming blog posts. So stay tuned for my 7th and 8th reviews as I fully indulge in this nostalgic reread journey.

As always, I’m posting every Friday — trying to stay consistent and slowly building this little reading corner of mine. If you’ve read Vendetta (or if this review just made you curious), I’d love to hear your thoughts! 💥📚

Until next Friday

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini — I was not ready for this emotional rollercoaster

Hey hey! Back again with my fifth book review (I know, I can’t believe it either 😭). And this one? This one absolutely wrecked me — in the most beautiful, painful, unforgettable way. I finally read The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini as part of my 2024 reading backlog, and… oh my god. I cried for days. DAYS.

I wasn’t prepared for how deeply this book would cut into my heart — and then gently, painfully, try to stitch it back up again.

The Story That Grabs You by the Soul

Set in Afghanistan, the novel follows Amir and his childhood friend Hassan, and explores the themes of guilt, redemption, betrayal, love, and the heavy, haunting weight of memory. The writing is lyrical and powerful — it doesn’t just tell you a story, it pulls you in and makes you feel every heartbreak, every moral dilemma, every ounce of longing.

There’s something timeless and terrifying about how Hosseini captures both the innocence of youth and the brutality of growing up in a war-torn world. I felt so many things — frustration at Amir, pure heartbreak for Hassan, and just this deep ache for everything that could’ve been different.

I Knew It Would Hurt. I Didn’t Know How Much.

It’s one of those books that feels so intimate it’s almost hard to read. And yet, you can’t stop. There were moments I had to put it down, breathe, cry a little (or a lot), and pick it back up. Because no matter how painful it got, I had to know what happened. I had to hope redemption was coming.

There’s a scene — if you’ve read it, you know — that just destroyed me. And it’s not just that one moment. It’s the aftershocks. The guilt that lives in Amir for years. The way that trauma stretches and reshapes itself in different parts of his life. It’s… haunting.

If I Had to Say One Thing That Didn’t Click

Okay, just to balance it out — if I had one small critique, it would be that at times, the pacing felt slightly uneven. Some sections felt a bit rushed in comparison to others, especially later in the book. But honestly? That didn’t take away from the emotional weight it carried. And in a way, the whirlwind of time kind of mirrors how life moves on, even when we’re stuck in the past.

Final Thoughts

The Kite Runner isn’t just a book — it’s a whole emotional experience. It stays with you long after you close the last page. It breaks you open, but also, quietly, shows you the power of atonement and forgiveness. It’s painful, but necessary. Tragic, but hopeful. And for me, it’s now etched in my heart forever.

This is officially my fifth review, and I’m still holding on to my promise of posting every Friday (shocking, I know). Every post feels like another step toward actually being consistent in something — and this one was tough to write because I still get teary just thinking about this book.

Have you read The Kite Runner? Did it hit you just as hard? Let’s cry and talk in the comments 💬💔

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides – A Slow Burn That Twists Your Mind

Hey everyone! I’m back with my fourth book review, and this one is special because it officially brought me out of my 2024 reading slump. You know that feeling when you’re stuck, bouncing between books but not really in any of them? Yeah, that was me — until I picked up The Silent Patient. And let me tell you, once I hit the halfway mark, I could not put it down.

A Slow Start, But Then…

I won’t lie — the book starts off a little slow. It takes its time setting up the mystery, introducing Theo Faber, a psychotherapist determined to uncover the truth behind Alicia Berenson, a famous painter who shot her husband five times and then never spoke another word. The build-up is quiet, psychological, and at times, a bit dense. But somewhere in the middle? The story grabs you, and suddenly, you’re flipping pages like your life depends on it.

The Mystery & The Mind Games

What makes The Silent Patient so compelling is its unreliable narratives. You think you know what’s going on, you think you understand these characters, but then Alex Michaelides just pulls the rug out from under you. Alicia’s diary entries add a haunting layer to the story, giving you glimpses of her mind while keeping her just out of reach. And Theo? Well, let’s just say I thought I had him figured out. I did not.

And that twist? It’s one of those that makes you immediately rethink everything you just read. I actually had to pause and process for a minute because my brain was just — what?!

Final Thoughts

If you love psychological thrillers that mess with your head, The Silent Patient is a must-read. It takes its time at first, but the payoff is so worth it. I’m honestly grateful this book found me when it did because it reminded me why I love reading in the first place.

This is officially my fourth book review, and I’m really starting to enjoy this whole blogging thing. I’ll be posting every Friday, so here’s to keeping the streak going!🍻 If you’ve read The Silent Patient, let’s talk — did you see that twist coming, or were you as mind-blown as I was? Drop a comment below!😊