Hidden Bookshelves

Category: Reviews

  • My Favourite Novel as Child: Darci in Cabin 13

    My Favourite Novel as Child: Darci in Cabin 13

    As a child, if you have parents who read to you a lot then all of the books may blur together. All but one. For me that book was Darci in Cabin 13 by Martha Tolls

    I think I would have gotten my mother to read this to me on repeat if she would let me (she said we had to read other stuff). Every night it was one more chapter, just one more.

    Now that I’m older, I can’t remember why I was so obsessed with this book. I just was. Maybe it was the characters, maybe it was that they were at a summer camp ( I was an introverted child, no way was I going to go to summer camp by myself).

    I was also obsessed with trying to figure out what character on the cover was actually Darci and who was the bunk mates.

    I think the friendship of these girls really spoke to me and maybe I wanted that in my own life (again introverted and never wanted to talk to other children.)

    As I got older, we got rid of a lot of my children’s books, this one included and for years I forgot about it until I saw a picture of it. Then I had to get another copy and I searched for years to try and find one. But as this was an older novel it was super hard to find. Luckily I have amazing parents who were able to locate it and two of Darci’s other adventure novels online and bought all three for me ( I was only interested in Darci in Cabin 13).

    Now I have my own copy to read to my daughter when she gets older and I truly hope that she is able to connect and enjoy this story just as much as me.

    For now, it is safely tucked away in a box for me to pull out when she is older.

    Do you guys have any books from your childhood that really stood out? Or that you wish you could find a copy of?

    Let me know in the comments

    -Fallon

  • Books That Have Summer Vibes

    Books That Have Summer Vibes

    With Summer 2025 just around the corner here are some book recommendations that have summer vibes. Perfect to read at the beach, on vacation or at home just enjoying the sun on your back patio.

    We have included links to each book so you can grab your own copy to add to your never ending TBR

    1. Beach Read by Emily Henry

    It is a contemporary romance novel that follows January Andrews, a romance writer, and Augustus “Gus” Everett, a literary fiction author. Both are struggling with writer’s block and end up spending the summer as neighbors in beach houses. They strike a deal to swap genres—January will try writing something more serious, and Gus will attempt a feel-good romance. As they challenge each other and spend more time together, their playful rivalry turns into something deeper, forcing them to confront past traumas and rediscover inspiration through love.

    While I haven’t read this novel myself (it is on my TBR) the title says it all. ‘Beach Read’ is clearly meant to be read in the summer at the beach and when you go on Goodreads it has been shelved in ‘Summer vibes’ at least 122 times.

    2. The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren

    It is a romantic comedy about Olive Torres and Ethan Thomas, two sworn enemies who are the only ones not affected by a bout of food poisoning at a wedding. As a result, they end up going on the honeymoon trip meant for the bride and groom. To make the most of the free vacation, they pretend to be newlyweds—despite their mutual dislike. But as they spend more time together in paradise, sparks begin to fly, and their fake relationship starts to feel very real. The novel blends humor, witty banter, and a slow-burn romance.

    Now this one I did read and I adored it. With the cover, the setting, and even the characters the entire book is giving off summer vibes. Also whole wedding party and guests get food poisonings? Yikes!

    Grab your copy here!

    https://amzn.to/3FvIFN5

    3. Hook, Line, and Sinker by Tessa Bailey

    It is the second book in the Bellinger Sisters series. This romantic comedy follows Hannah Bellinger, a spirited and music-loving woman who returns to the small fishing town of Westport, Washington, to work on a film project. There, she reconnects with Fox Thornton, a charming and flirtatious fisherman known for his commitment issues. As they spend more time together, their friendship deepens, and they both begin to confront their fears about love and vulnerability. The novel blends humor, heartfelt moments, and a slow-burn romance, exploring themes of self-discovery and emotional growth.

    While you technically don’t have to read the first one to be able to read the second one it is highly recommended because of other characters in this book. So I guess this is a two book recommendation? Because the first book also gives off summer vibes.

    You can grab your copy here.

    https://amzn.to/4dwvoAu

    4. Good Girl Complex by Elle Kennedy

    The story follows Mackenzie “Mac” Cabot, a wealthy 20-year-old who moves to Avalon Bay in the Carolinas to attend Garnet College. Though she has her life meticulously planned, including a long-term boyfriend and a successful internet business, her world is upended when she meets Cooper Hartley, a local bad boy with a rough exterior. Initially, Cooper approaches Mac with ulterior motives, seeking revenge on her boyfriend who wronged him. However, as they spend time together, their relationship evolves from a calculated plan to genuine affection. Mac begins to question her life choices, while Cooper grapples with the secret he’s keeping from her, threatening their budding romance.

    We all get the story, good girl pleaser set on a beach with a ‘bad boy’? With Romance? Can it get anymore summer vibes then this?

    https://amzn.to/4kunUjO

    5. The Roughest Draft by Emily Wimberley

    The story centers on Katrina Freeling and Nathan Van Huysen, once a successful co-author duo whose partnership ended abruptly after their second novel became a bestseller. Three years later, both are at crossroads in their personal and professional lives. Bound by a contractual obligation to deliver one final book, they reluctantly reunite in the same Florida town where they previously found success. As they work together, old tensions resurface, and they must confront the reasons behind their estrangement while navigating the lingering chemistry between them

    Just looking at the cover alone it is giving summer vibes. The setting of the novel, writing by the pool side? Summer vibes all the way.

    https://amzn.to/3ZwL8h8

    While yes all of these novels are romance, I personally feel that summer vibes are romance novels, fun ones. I did try to include different authors instead of having it all just one author (Emily Henry and Tessa Bailey could have add way more novels included in this.)

    Are there any novels that you would add to this list?

    Let us know in the comments

    -Fallon

  • B.A Paris- An Underrated Thriller Author?

    B.A Paris- An Underrated Thriller Author?

    When folks think of a thriller writer? They think of Freida McFadden – a current Tik Tok sensation-, they think of Stephen King, Agatha Christie, James Patterson, and Gillian Flynn. All of these authors are very popular (for good reason)but an author I think should be included on that list is BA Paris.

    BA Paris is the author of the book Behind Closed Doors, which I am absolutely obsessed with. (I have no words on how I processed with end scene with her friend, it lives rent free in my mind.)

    While her books have received the titles New York Times Best Seller and Sunday Times Best Seller, her name is not one that comes up when discussing ‘thriller authors.’ Her name isn’t one that I have seen come up in conversation and I really don’t know why. When folks ask me for thriller recommendation I always make sure to bring up her name and books.

    I’ve seen that there are some mixed reviews on her books, but I just can’t help but devour her novels.

    I do have quite a backlog of her books to read. I have only read two of her novels, but I know that I will easily buy and read the rest as the two novels I did read have left me thinking and trying to process. The twists, the turns, the misdirection. The novels leave you feeling a little helpless and give you chills.

    If you are looking for a thriller author who is underrated, but still known I would recommend picking up BA Paris and I would recommend starting with Behind Closed Doors. I have included the link below.

    https://amzn.to/4iYrWzN

    -Fallon

  • Kindle Paperwhite VS Kindle Scribe

    Kindle Paperwhite VS Kindle Scribe

    All readers whether they read physical or just e-books have considered buying a Kindle and the biggest question they currently have is which one?

    I have had both the Kindle Paperwhite and the Kindle Scribe so this is my opinion on both.

    The first big difference I noticed between the two is the size. A Kindle Scribe is so much larger then Kindle Paperwhite. If you are looking for an e-reader that is easier to travel with then maybe a Kindle Paperwhite is the choice for you. If you are looking for a Kindle with a larger screen so it is easier to see then I would choose the Kindle Scribe. While yes, you can adjust the size of the font on both, a Kindle Scribe definitely has the advantage of increasing the size of the font while also keeping a page on the screen.

    The second biggest difference I noticed is the ability to highlight and write on the Kindle.

    While a Kindle Paperwhite does offer the ability to highlight quotes, the way it does it allows other folks to see your highlights. The Kindle Scribe allows for note-taking, highlighting and annotating. It even comes with its own stylus.

    The Kindle Paperwhite comes with an adjustable warm light while the Scribe comes with the adjustable warm light but also an auto light adjuster.

    You can also buy a Scribe that has a larger storage space (great for all you book dragons out there).

    The Scribe is obviously more expensive ranging from $400+ while the Kindle Paperwhite is closer to $200

    If you are looking for a small compact, budget friendly e-reader that is just for reading. Then I would recommend getting the Kindle Paperwhite. Link Below.

    https://amzn.to/4mcgqnp

    If you’re looking for an e-reader to take notes that is larger and still allows you to read comfortably then I would recommend getting the Kindle Scribe. Link Below.

    https://amzn.to/4mn7bkr

    Let us know if you have any more recommendations. Or what Kindle you would use!

    -Fallon

  • Review: King of Envy by Ana Huang

    Review: King of Envy by Ana Huang

    King of Envy by Ana Huang is the fifth installment in the Kings of Sin series, a collection of standalone billionaire romances inspired by the seven deadly sins. Released on April 29, 2025, this novel delves into a complex love triangle filled with desire, loyalty, and hidden truths.

    I just want to start off this review by saying how dare the author take time for herself and only give us the next book in the series in another year. I would like it now please.

    This entire series should be devoured immediately.

    I love the fact that in this novel the MMC doesn’t speak at the beginning and communicates via sign language and that everyone around him knows how to use it. I think that more people (myself included) should learn ASL. The author also clearly makes in known when ASL is being used and when the characters are speaking.

    One thing that I would like to see in this series is less famous/rich FMC and more ‘normal’ because it seems that everyone seems to fit into that category. Or they at least hang out with those folks. I still really enjoy.

    This is a grumpy/sunshine trope along with billionaire. The entire series is billionaire and they all seem to have a grumpy character involved. It is one of my favourite tropes out there.

    There is quite a bit of spice in this novel and what some folks would consider a ‘betrayal’.

    I’m glad with the way that this novel plays out. I do think that the MMC could have approached the end situation (with the groom) differently, but I won’t say anymore then that because I don’t want to spoil this for anybody.

    I also don’t live in the FMC world or know how her world would work, but I think she could have gotten out of her ‘sticky situation’ much faster. She should have just left it entirely instead of dragging it out for so long, but then there wouldn’t be much conflict in this novel and it would be much shorter

    When a romance novel is this long it does tend to drag some, but this novel didn’t have much of that. It does have some ‘lull’ spots, but they don’t last long.

    I would recommend this novel and this series to anyone who enjoys the grumpy/sunshine tropes and some levels of spice.

    I have included a link below to grab your own copy!

    https://amzn.to/4jCiB1G

    -Fallon

  • Review: A Kingdom of Iron & Wine by Candace Osmond

    Review: A Kingdom of Iron & Wine by Candace Osmond

    A Kingdom of Iron & Wine by Candace Osmond is the first installment in the Ironworld Series, a New Adult fantasy romance set against the artsy backdrop of downtown Halifax. The story follows Avery Quinn, a young woman who moves to the city with her closest friend, Julie, to attend her dream college. However, her life takes a dramatic turn when the shadows of her nightmares become real, revealing a hidden mythical world known as Ironworld. This realm is inhabited by Fae, shapeshifters, vampires, and witches, all vying for power

    Before we start I just was to state that this review will contain some spoilers as I can’t express my thoughts and opinions without giving some of the novel away.

    First, the book starts off with us seeing the future queen and the guy I’m calling the Dark Lord. Going into this book I thought that we would see more of this character in the novel because he sounded very important, but we truthfully don’t see him again till the very end. There were characters along the way that I thought he could have been pretending to be, but he just wasn’t there and I felt a little frustrated by that.

    I did enjoy the book, I enjoyed the way the author portrays the FMC (female main character) and her small character growth as she learns about the fae world. Because I totally would have freaked out to discover a fae amongst humans.

    I also enjoyed the fact that this story takes place in a city just a few hours away from where I live.

    Spoiler**

    Who I would consider the MMC (male main character) is attractive, but I find them annoying as a couple, but that could be because I thought he was going to be the Dark Lord.

    I knew that there was some sort of relationship between him and the FMC employer as the author hints at it very well.

    Now that I think back at the story I should have realized what type of ‘fae’ both the MMC and the employer were just based on the description and their actions, but I just didn’t catch on at the time. I was too focused on him being the Dark Lord.

    **Spoiler ending

    There is no main big fight scene, more of a bunch of small scenes that blend together nicely and help the story build. I can’t wait to read the second novel to see how the story continues.

    If you enjoy novels with fae, very little world building, character growth, hot MMC who is ‘mysterious’ and a FMC who is about as innocent as they come then I would recommend picking up this novel.

    Below is a link to grab your own copy from Amazon

    https://amzn.to/436bckk

    -Fallon

  • 5 Fantasy Completed Duologies

    Sometimes as a reader you don’t want a giant 14 book series, but a stand-a-lone just won’t cut it. That is where duologies come in. Below I have compiled a list of duologies I have read and would highly recommend to any reader. A lot of the books I’m recommending below are for fantasy readers.

    1. One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig

    One Dark Window is a dark, atmospheric fantasy about a woman with forbidden magic bound to an ancient spirit, who becomes entangled in a dangerous quest to save her kingdom—and herself.

    While I did enjoy the first book more then the second (As is normal for me) I will say that the series in itself was really good and entertaining. It became a Tik Tok sensation pretty much over night and is highly recommended for any fantasy reader.

    Here is the link for anyone interested

    https://amzn.to/3YZxZgh

    2. These Violet Delights by Chloe Gong

    It is a captivating young adult fantasy novel set in 1920s Shanghai. This reimagining of Romeo and Juliet follows Juliette Cai and Roma Montagov, heirs to rival gangs—the Scarlet Gang and the White Flowers—entangled in a brutal blood feud. When a mysterious contagion causes madness and death across the city, the two must set aside their grudges to confront a monstrous threat that endangers both their families and Shanghai itself.

    This series was on my shelf for the longest time and only the first book. Yet as soon as I read the first book I had no patience to wait for the second book to arrive so I had to buy it on my Kindle…immediately. That alone should be recommendation enough to convince you to read this series if you’re a big fantasy reader.

    Link Below!

    https://amzn.to/4d0PzXc

    3. Uninvited by Sophie Jordan

    It is a gripping young adult dystopian novel that explores themes of identity, free will, and societal prejudice. Set in a near-future society, the story follows Davy Hamilton, a talented and popular high school senior with a promising future at Juilliard. Her life is upended when genetic testing reveals she carries the Homicidal Tendency Syndrome (HTS) gene—dubbed the “kill gene”—which supposedly predisposes individuals to violence. As a result, Davy is expelled from her prestigious school, abandoned by friends and family, and marked as a potential threat despite never having committed a crime. She is placed in a special class with other HTS carriers, where she meets Sean, a fellow carrier who challenges her perceptions and becomes an unexpected ally. Together, they navigate a world that treats them as criminals-in-waiting, questioning whether one’s genetic makeup truly dictates destiny

    This is an older novel (published in 2015) and not a really well known one. But I devoured this series and I loved that it was only two books. Some authors would have tried to force it into a trilogy, but the author did great and knew that the story was done after two.

    Link Below

    https://amzn.to/4cYQQhj

    4. Reign of Shadows by Sophie Jordan

    In a kingdom shrouded in perpetual darkness following a catastrophic eclipse, Luna, the blind and hidden princess of Relhok, has spent her life concealed in a tower to protect her from the usurping chancellor who murdered her parents. Yearning for freedom and purpose beyond her confinement, Luna’s world changes when she encounters Fowler, a brooding archer navigating the treacherous woods. As monstrous creatures known as dwellers roam the land, Luna and Fowler embark on a perilous journey together, facing deadly threats and uncovering secrets that challenge their survival and their hearts. This dark, romantic fantasy offers a unique twist on the classic Rapunzel tale, blending suspense, danger, and a slow-burning romance in a richly imagined world.

    Another Sophie Jordan Duology? Shocker. I love that this author knows exactly when to end a series and how to not over do it. Again this is an older series, and one I truthfully haven’t heard much about, but it was really good when I read it years back.

    Link Below

    https://amzn.to/4jBAYDU

    5. Reboot by Amy Tintera

    It is a fast-paced young adult dystopian novel set in a future where a deadly virus, KDH, causes some teenagers to return from death as “Reboots”—stronger, faster, and less emotional than before. The longer a person is dead before rebooting, the less human they become. Wren Connolly, who rebooted after 178 minutes, is considered the deadliest Reboot in the Republic of Texas

    This is again an older duology, but it is so so good. It is definitely a young adult novel and I did originally read it when I was in my teen years. I have read it a few times since then and did enjoy it just as much as the first time.

    Link below to grab your own copy (don’t forget to buy the second book because you’re going to want to read it right away.)

    https://amzn.to/4iQYTy9

    These are some of my favourite fantasy duologies and I would recommend all of them.

    -Fallon

  • Review: Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey

    Review: Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey

    Fangirl Down by Tessa Bailey
    A former golf star teams up with his biggest fan-turned-caddy for a comeback—sparks and feelings fly.

    I borrowed this novel from the library on Libby and I’m surprised I got it as quick as I did (I didn’t even have to put the book on hold)

    Tessa Bailey is a popular author in my TBR collection and I have read quite a few of her books. This one, is not one of my favourites, but I did enjoy it all the same.

    I will start off this review by stating that I stopped reading the book at 95% roughly. Not because it wasn’t good, just because I knew how the book was going to end I just felt like it had started dragging and I have too many books to read to read books when they start dragging.

    The book follows Wells as he has troubles with his golf performance. He hires Josephine to be his new caddie as she is the only person who still somehow believes in him. Sparks fly between them and well, it goes from there. The beginning of the novel is really good. It was full grumpy sunshine trope and I thrive for this trope. Besides the fake dating and enemies to lovers (in the same book of course) the grumpy/sunshine trope is a definite read of mine.

    I enjoyed that the book first opened up with a Wells POV chapter instead of diving right into her POV which is normally how romantic comedies open up. It gave us immediate insight into his very grumpy mind. The fact that he shows us his sight of her right away, is also really entertaining.

    Josephine on the other hand. I find her annoyingly happy (that’s the goal I think) but she does show other emotions within the first few chapters which is great. Some novels you read the sunshine character is only full of sunshine, it is their only personality. Even though she has a sunshine personality she isn’t afraid to tell Wells how it is. Telling him to get out of his own head.

    Wells is definitely territorial and grumpy, so those two characteristics always put me in a good mood for the book.

    I wouldn’t say that this book has a lot of humor, but it does still have it’s moments.

    If you’re looking for a romantic comedy with spice (it is very spicy) with a grumpy territorial golfer and a sunshine caddie then this is a novel that you should pick up.

    Below we have included the Amazon link.

    https://amzn.to/4cU2Mkm

    -Fallon

  • Review: If you Give a CEO a Chance by Ann Einerson

    Review: If you Give a CEO a Chance by Ann Einerson

    ​If You Give a CEO a Chance by Ann Einerson is a delightful enemies-to-lovers, second-chance romance set in the charming town of Aspen Grove. This third installment in the Aspen Grove series follows Fallon Hayes, a private chef with a penchant for pranks, who finds herself working—and living—with her former one-night stand, Harrison Stafford

    I totally originally picked up this book because the main FMC had my name. I was also trying to read more book on Kindle Unlimited and support more indie authors. Before reading this I did go on Goodreads and check to see how many ratings it has and it did not have many in comparison to others.

    Enemies to lovers? Prank War with your boss? A demon cat? Bedazzling Hockey Sticks?

    This romantic comedy had me giggling and swooning.

    This is a second chance romance, which is a trope that I truthfully don’t read too often (I find that they move too quickly and trust too easily most of the time) but this one sort of won me over.

    It was an easy smooth read that doesn’t require a lot of thought to follow. You do not need to read the other books in the series to be able to read this one.

    While there is spice scenes in If You give a CEO a Chance, I personally think that they are well done. Tasteful. They don’t feel like the author just tossed them into the novel just to have them. I would rate it a 3 on the spice scale. AKA there is plenty, but it is well done.

    The conflict in this book was of course the miscommunication trope and it was definitely a little drawn out that could have been settled with a single conversation at the first of the book. It made me feel like the two main characters were a little childish, but that would also explain why they thought a prank war was a good idea.

    Could this book have been better? Yes, but if you’re looking for a light book that will have you producing some giggles with some spice then I would recommend checking it out.

    We have provided the link below to Amazon to get your own paper copy!

    -Fallon

    Link: https://amzn.to/4jzpzo4

  • Review: Never Been Worse by Morgan Elizabeth

    Review: Never Been Worse by Morgan Elizabeth

    ​Never Been Worse by Morgan Elizabeth is a charming romantic comedy that follows Harper Abbott, a fashion designer whose life takes a chaotic turn after a prank with her best friends leads to an unexpected arrest. As her cheating ex and his new girlfriend attempt to sabotage her budding career, Harper finds an unlikely ally in Wes Holden, the guitarist of the band Atlas Oaks. Wes, who has harbored feelings for Harper for years, proposes a marriage of convenience to help both their public images. What starts as a strategic arrangement soon blossoms into genuine affection, forcing Harper to confront her past and consider a future she never imagined

    Recently read via Kindle Unlimited Never Been Worse I think is an underrated romance that more people need to read. 

    This blog post contains spoilers, so please read at your own risk.

    The prank that this novel opens with is pure genius. Forking a yard? Amazing, if not time-consuming which is what caused them to be caught and charged in the first place. Her ex? A total A-hole who deserved everything that happened to him. 

    Wes? He seems to be the perfect fake husband and it doesn’t hurt that he already had feelings for her to begin with. 

    This book includes the tropes of marriage of convenience, he falls first, and friends-to-lovers.

    I normally don’t enjoy friends-to-lovers, but this author did the whole friendship-to-lovers very well, and it didn’t feel forced.

    I loved how petty Harper is as a person, going as far as out bidding her ex’s current girlfriend to get a meal with Wes who is a guitarist in the ex’s favourite band. Then to ‘marry him’ is amazing. 

    If you are looking for a romantic comedy with a petty FMC who sometimes takes pranks too far and a fake husband who encourages it, then I would recommend reading Never Been Worse by Morgan Elizabeth

    -Fallon