Welcome, book friends!

If you’d prefer to listen to these reviews, you can check out the full episode on The Bookmarks ‘n Blankets Podcast on your favorite podcast platform or listen below.

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I was on a bit of a reading kick in March and April and found some amazing new authors I can’t stop thinking about! I read two thrillers that totally messed with my head (in the best way) and three fantasy books that swept me off my feet. If you’re looking for something twisty or magical, come check out what I’ve been reading lately!

5 More Books I Read in March & April

2 Mystery & Thriller Books:

Survive the Night by Riley Sager

Format: Audiobook – Narrator: Savannah Gilmore
GR Rating: 3.52
My GR Rating: 3
Read more on GoodReads.

GR Description: It’s November 1991. George H. W. Bush is in the White House, Nirvana’s in the tape deck, and movie-obsessed college student Charlie Jordan is in a car with a man who might be a serial killer.

Josh Baxter, the man behind the wheel, is a virtual stranger to Charlie. They met at the campus ride board, each looking to share the long drive home to Ohio. Both have good reasons for wanting to get away. For Charlie, it’s guilt and grief over the murder of her best friend, who became the third victim of the man known as the Campus Killer. For Josh, it’s to help care for his sick father. Or so he says. Like the Hitchcock heroine she’s named after, Charlie has her doubts. There’s something suspicious about Josh, from the holes in his story about his father to how he doesn’t seem to want Charlie to see inside the car’s trunk. As they travel an empty highway in the dead of night, an increasingly worried Charlie begins to think she’s sharing a car with the Campus Killer. Is Josh truly dangerous? Or is Charlie’s suspicion merely a figment of her movie-fueled imagination?

What follows is a game of cat-and-mouse played out on night-shrouded roads and in neon-lit parking lots, during an age when the only call for help can be made on a pay phone and in a place where there’s nowhere to run. In order to win, Charlie must do one thing – survive the night.

My Review:

Riley Sager is a hit-or-miss author for me, and unfortunately, this book landed somewhere in the middle. I’m slowly working my way through his backlist, and while I didn’t dislike this one, it certainly didn’t blow me away either. It was decent, just not memorable. There’s some language, but no spice.

Based on the premise, I expected to be completely hooked. I was hoping for a gripping, high-stakes road trip thriller that would keep me on the edge of my seat. Instead, what I got felt more like a laid-back joyride with only a few bumps in the road. The plot dragged for most of the book, and I kept waiting for something big to happen, but it didn’t really kick into gear until the final stretch.

The twist? Totally predictable. I don’t know if it’s just because I’ve read so many thrillers at this point, but the big reveal didn’t surprise me in the slightest. I actually rolled my eyes and thought, “Of course it’s that person. Shocker! How original.” Maybe it was a fresher concept when it was first released, but reading it now in 2025, it felt tired and tropey.

That said, the last portion of the book did pick up, and I found myself more engaged by the end. I listened to the audiobook version, and while the narrator did a solid job, I often found myself tuning out while working. The story just didn’t hold my attention consistently.

Still, I’m committed to reading through all of Sager’s work, so I’m glad I can check this one off the list. Would I reread it? No. Would I recommend it? Not really. If the premise intrigues you, it might still be worth a try, but personally, I think there are stronger, more suspenseful thrillers out there.

Hidden Bodies by Caroline Kepnes

Format: Audiobook – Narrator: Santino Fontana
GR Rating: 3.74
My GR Rating: 4
Read more on GoodReads.

GR Description: Joe Goldberg is no stranger to hiding bodies. In the past ten years, this thirty-something has buried four of them, collateral damage in his quest for love. Now he’s heading west to Los Angeles, the city of second chances, determined to put his past behind him.

In Hollywood, Joe blends in effortlessly with the other young upstarts. He eats guac, works in a bookstore, and flirts with a journalist neighbor. But while others seem fixated on their own reflections, Joe can’t stop looking over his shoulder. The problem with hidden bodies is that they don’t always stay that way. They re-emerge, like dark thoughts, multiplying and threatening to destroy what Joe wants most: true love. And when he finds it in a darkened room in Soho House, he’s more desperate than ever to keep his secrets buried. He doesn’t want to hurt his new girlfriend—he wants to be with her forever. But if she ever finds out what he’s done, he may not have a choice…

My Review:

This was a re-read for me, and this time I decided to try the audiobook instead of the physical copy I read originally. While the narrator did a solid job bringing the story to life, I personally struggled to connect with his portrayal of Joe. Having watched the first two seasons of the You TV series before diving into the books, Penn Badgley’s voice is permanently embedded in my mind as the voice of Joe Goldberg. So hearing someone else just felt… off. That’s on me, though, so for future reads, I’ll be sticking to the physical or digital versions.

That said, I’m really glad I revisited this book. The book is VERY different from the show, and this refresher was perfect as I prepare to continue the rest of the series. Joe remains one of my all-time favorite villain characters. Being inside his deranged, obsessive, clever, sarcastic, and deeply cynical mind is such a wild ride. He’s terrifying and hilarious all at once…and I love every second of it.

In this installment, Joe heads west to Los Angeles, and it’s fascinating to see him out of his comfort zone. Watching him adapt (and snarkily judge) LA’s fame-obsessed culture is one of the highlights of the book. His inner monologue is razor-sharp and bitingly funny, especially when he’s ranting about California clichés and celebrity wannabes. And of course, there’s a new love interest, ironically named Love, because Joe never strays far from his twisted brand of romance.

While the pacing is slower at times and parts of the story feel a bit drawn out, the tension builds steadily, and Joe’s inevitable descent into murder keeps things engaging. The book ends on a strong cliffhanger that has me ready to dive into book three ASAP.

Highly recommend this book and the entire series, especially if you love a smart, twisted psychological thriller with a compelling antihero at its core. And if you enjoy the TV show, the books offer a darker, more introspective take on Joe that’s well worth exploring.

3 Fantasy Books:

New Moon by Stephanie Meyer

Format: Digital eBook
GR Rating: 3.61
My GR Rating: 3
Read more on GoodReads.

GR Description: For Bella Swan, there is one thing more important than life: Edward Cullen. But being in love with a vampire is even more dangerous than Bella could ever have imagined. Edward has already rescued Bella from the clutches of one evil vampire, but now, as their daring relationship threatens all that is near and dear to them, they realize their troubles may be just beginning. Bella and Edward face a devastating separation, the mysterious appearance of dangerous wolves roaming the forest in Forks, a terrifying threat of revenge from a female vampire, and a deliciously sinister encounter with Italy’s reigning royal family of vampires, the Volturi. Passionate, riveting, and full of surprising twists and turns, this vampire love saga is well on its way to literary immortality.

My Review:

Another installment of teen angst and dramatic paranormal romance—this one leaned heavily into the love triangle trope and unfortunately didn’t deliver much beyond that. While there were moments I enjoyed, overall the book felt lackluster, tedious, and far too drawn out for how little actually happened. It seriously needed more action to keep things interesting; instead, it dragged along until about the 75% mark, when something finally sparked a little excitement. This could’ve been cut by 200 pages. 

Bella remains insufferable. Jacob, on the other hand, has become my favorite character. He’s too kind for his own good and absolutely didn’t deserve the way Bella treated him. Edward? Barely present. It honestly felt like a rehash of book one—except instead of James hunting Bella, now it’s his vengeful girlfriend, Victoria. Not exactly a thrilling plot twist.

However, I did really enjoy the chemistry between Jacob and Bella. Their friendship, the way he helped her heal and protected her, had so much more emotional weight than anything with Edward. If I’d read this back in the day, I definitely would have been Team Jacob. He got the short end of the stick, and it was frustrating to watch.

Pacing was a real struggle. The book was unnecessarily long and bogged down with repetitive internal monologues and chunky paragraphs, I found myself skimming. I get that this is YA and aimed at teens, but I also love good YA fantasy that anyone of any age can read and enjoy. This felt overly dramatic, often absurd, and full of cheesy dialogue and eye-roll-worthy moments.

That said… is it addicting? Yep. Despite my many frustrations, I’ll continue with the series—though with some hesitation. This is my first time reading it, and I still don’t fully understand the hype. Here’s hoping the next one picks up the pace and gives Jacob the justice he deserves.

The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love by India Holton

Format: Audiobook – Narrator: Elizabeth Knowelden
GR Rating: 3.92
My GR Rating: 4
Read more on GoodReads.

GR Description: Rival ornithologists hunt through England for a rare magical bird in this historical-fantasy rom-com reminiscent of Indiana Jones but with manners, tea, and helicopter parasols.

Beth Pickering is on the verge of finally capturing the rare deathwhistler bird when Professor Devon Lockley swoops in, capturing both her bird and her imagination like a villain. Albeit a handsome and charming villain, but that’s beside the point. As someone highly educated in the ruthless discipline of ornithology, Beth knows trouble when she sees it, and she is determined to keep her distance from Devon.

For his part, Devon has never been more smitten than when he first set eyes on Professor Beth Pickering. She’s so pretty, so polite, so capable of bringing down a fiery, deadly bird using only her wits. In other words, an angel. Devon understands he must not get close to her, however, since they’re professional rivals.

When a competition to become Birder of the Year by capturing an endangered caladrius bird is announced, Beth and Devon are forced to team up to have any chance of winning. Now keeping their distance becomes a question of one bed or two. But they must take the risk, because fowl play is afoot, and they can’t trust anyone else—for all may be fair in love and war, but this is ornithology.

My Review:

This was my first time reading this author, and I’m officially hooked! The story was absolutely hysterical and kept me laughing, swooning, and thoroughly entertained from start to finish. I loved the blend of fantasy and historical romance—it felt fresh and unique, with a premise I haven’t come across before. I’m already looking forward to reading more in this series.

There is some profanity (a few f-bombs) and open-door spice, but nothing overly graphic. Honestly, the scenes were a bit on the “proper” side, which made them feel more romantic than explicit. I’d rate it R, though it leans closer to a heavy PG-13. There were also a few feminist remarks sprinkled throughout, but they didn’t overwhelm the story or feel preachy.

I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the dual narration. Both voice actors did a fantastic job, and their use of distinct voices and accents brought the characters to life. It made the whole experience even more immersive. I loved getting to know these characters and joining them on their fun, enchanting, and slightly chaotic adventure. The magical birds were a delightful touch and added to the light, magical academia vibe, though the story itself felt more playful than intense.

The romance was sweet, though it had a bit of an insta-love feel, which isn’t usually my favorite. That said, the enemies-to-lovers tension worked well, and there were plenty of swoony moments and witty, flirtatious banter to enjoy. Their chemistry grew on me the more I listened.

I definitely recommend this book if you’re a fan of historical fantasy romance with charm, humor, magic, and heart. It’s a delightful, whimsical read that will keep you smiling the whole way through.

Hunted by Meagan Spooner

Format: Audiobook – Narrators: Saskia Maarleveld and Will Damron
GR Rating: 3.88
My GR Rating: 5
Read more on GoodReads.

GR Description: Beauty knows the Beast’s forest in her bones—and in her blood. After all, her father is the only hunter who’s ever come close to discovering its secrets. So when her father loses his fortune and moves Yeva and her sisters out of their comfortable home among the aristocracy and back to the outskirts of town, Yeva is secretly relieved. Out in the wilderness, there’s no pressure to make idle chatter with vapid baronessas…or to submit to marrying a wealthy gentleman. But Yeva’s father’s misfortune may have cost him his mind, and when he goes missing in the woods, Yeva sets her sights on one prey: the creature he’d been obsessively tracking just before his disappearance. The Beast.

Deaf to her sisters’ protests, Yeva hunts this strange creature back into his own territory—a cursed valley, a ruined castle, and a world of magical creatures that Yeva’s only heard about in fairy tales. A world that can bring her ruin, or salvation. Who will survive: the Beauty, or the Beast?

My Review:

This was my first time reading this author, and I absolutely loved her Beauty and the Beast retelling. I’m already planning to check out more of her work. This story is a clean, closed-door romantic fantasy, no spice, no language, which I really appreciated.

I read this one in tandem with the Kindle Unlimited ebook and the audiobook from my Libby library app. The narrators did a wonderful job bringing the characters to life and keeping me engaged throughout. I especially appreciated the audiobook because there were quite a few unfamiliar words I might’ve stumbled over in print, so listening definitely helped with pronunciation and immersion.

The atmosphere in this story was beautifully crafted. I felt transported into a snowy, fairy-tale world, walking through the woods beside Yeva. The Russian folklore influence added a rich, mysterious layer to the story, something I haven’t encountered before in a fairytale retelling, and it made the setting feel both magical and haunting.

One of the most unique elements was the portrayal of the Beast. In this version, he shifts between man and beast, creating a hybrid form I haven’t seen in other retellings. That added an eerie, primal feel to his character. He doesn’t speak much, but his inner thoughts and motivations are powerfully conveyed. Yeva, on the other hand, is independent, brave, and deeply devoted to her family. I loved her strength and vulnerability, and the balance of her fierce determination with her compassion.

This is a slow-burn story in every sense. The beginning is especially slow, and at times I grew a little impatient waiting for the plot to gain momentum. But once it did, I was completely swept up. The slow pacing actually worked in its favor by the end; it allowed for a deeper emotional payoff and a more meaningful journey.

The romance is subtle and restrained, but emotionally impactful. There’s not a lot of dialogue, but the descriptive writing and introspective narration more than made up for it. The castle-in-the-woods setting, the enchantment, and the introspective tone all came together to create something deeply atmospheric and moving.

What truly pushed this to a five-star read for me was the underlying message. This isn’t a light or fluffy Disney version of the tale. It’s thoughtful, immersive, and filled with deeper themes that stayed with me long after I finished. Some moments genuinely resonated and made me reflect. And that’s the kind of story I love most.

Highly recommend this beautifully written, richly atmospheric retelling, especially if you’re a fan of slow-burn fantasy with emotional depth and a fresh take on a classic favorite.