Three friends. One Anti-Valentine’s day weekend. Screams at the cabin next door.
After a string of betrayals, Victoria, Megan, and Shawna decide to skip the clichés and spend Valentine’s weekend off the grid. No roses, no love songs, no men—just scary movies, junk food, and a promise to forget the past. Their remote lakeside cabin seems like the perfect escape... until the rain starts.
As a relentless storm traps them inside, strange sounds echo through the night—footsteps on wet boards, a door creaking next door, the faint glow of a lantern cutting through the rain. Then comes the scream.
Someone’s in the neighboring cabin. Someone who shouldn’t be.
The night spirals into a desperate fight for survival. With the power out, the roads washed away, and the killer closing in, their weekend of healing turns into a nightmare they may not escape alive.
This Valentine’s Day, love is the last thing they should fear.
Michelle Powers writes the kind of thrillers that keep you up way past bedtime—just one more chapter, right? What started with her breakout novella, The First Murder, quickly snowballed into a full-blown obsession with killers, clues, and crime scenes (the fictional kind, of course). She’s the internationally recognized indie author behind the addictive Detective Willoughby series, the fan-favorite Detective Kate Brown series, and a growing stack of standalone thrillers that will make you second-guess everyone you know. In 2024, she proudly earned the coveted KDP All-Star title—a gold star for authors who live on coffee, plot twists, and sheer grit. When she’s not working her day job in logistics or plotting her next murder (on paper, we swear), Michelle can be found writing at her desk with her Rottweiler sidekick, Ozzy, snoring nearby. Follow her on Facebook for new releases, giveaways, and all things murdery and mysterious. Just maybe leave the lights on.
“Valentine Getaway” by Michelle Powers, part of the My Bloody Valentine collection, turns a friends’ weekend into a terrifying nightmare. This story had me on the edge of my seat, holding my breath as the tension escalated with every page. The fear is relentless, the suspense sharp, and nothing feels safe. A fast, chilling read.
Okay. This had such great potential, but everything felt soooooo random and just thrown together. I feel like there are so many plot holes, and just we got nothing, no answers truly, nothing. It had such great potential and then it just unraveled into nothing
Mean Girls meets Friday the 13th If you’ve ever wanted to throw your phone into a lake and forget romance exists, Victoria, Megan, and Shawna are your new spirit animals. But as Michelle Powers proves in this blood-soaked addition to the My Bloody Valentine Collection, sometimes the "great outdoors" is just a giant, rain-slicked trap.
Sick of heartbreak and Hallmark clichés, three best friends retreat to a remote lakeside cabin for a weekend of junk food and horror flicks. It’s all fun and games until the "Anti-Valentine" vibes get a little too real. A brutal storm washes out the roads, the power flickers out, and a blood-curdling scream from the cabin next door turns their "healing retreat" into a frantic fight for their lives.
This story was creepy. It's the type of story that makes you rethink your cabin rental decisions. These ladies decided to rental a cabin to get away for an unvalentine day. Little did they know about the storm they were walking into. I hope everyone enjoys this story.
2.5⭐️ Like other reviews, this is a decent read for a short story but it did leave me very confused in areas as it is very fast paced and felt like storyline’s and backstories/context were quite random or came out of nowhere as well as the character depth. At first I assumed the characters were young adults in their early twenties or in college as it has not character building, but then one had an ex-husband brought up well into the story, and a memory flashback referenced the main character being twenty at the time of the memory. How old were these characters? I’m still not sure! I also didn’t really grasp the antagonists role/relationship to the protagonist either as it felt really random and surface level. Lots of points felt rushed for me.
An okay choice if you just want an extremely quick, "holiday-adjacent" filler. It definitely avoids the "mushy stuff," which might appeal to some, but without a strong thriller or character core to replace the romance, the story felt a bit hollow. While it was a short and easy read to knock out, it ultimately left a lot to be desired.
The girls in the story completely blended together; they lacked distinct development, making it nearly impossible to tell them apart or care about their individual stakes.
The plot was riddled with holes—specifically elements like the mist and the empty cabin—that made it difficult to fully buy into the narrative.
Instead of building naturally through the atmosphere or the plot, the suspense felt like it was "announced." You were told things were getting intense rather than actually feeling the stakes rise, which killed the mystery for me.
While the pacing is fast, the plot follows many "Horror Rule" cliches. Some of the character decisions felt a bit frustrating (the classic "don't go in there" moments), and the final twist might feel somewhat predictable if you are a frequent thriller reader. The twist aims to "ruin your trust in romance," but the shift in character motivations in the final chapters felt abrupt, leaving some loose ends regarding the friends' shared past. All in all, not bad for a quick read towards your reading goal.
This was okay for being a short story. It was entertaining and had good moments. I just wish we got to know more about the main characters. I would still recommend if you're just looking for a quick creepy read.
Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Valentine Getaway: My Bloody Valentine Collection by Michelle Powers
I’m just gonna jump right in and say it: I devoured this. I flew through it. Every 45 minutes of it went down smooth, like a dark little treat I absolutely did not ration.
We’ve got three 40+ single women who collectively decide, “You know what? Screw Valentine’s Day, screw dating, screw men,” and book themselves a secluded cabin in the middle of foggy nowhere by a lake. Which—honestly—already feels like a win. Add relentless rain, power outages, zero phone signal, and vibes that scream this will end badly, and you’ve officially entered Horror Rule Bingo. And yes, every single rule is ignored. Obviously.
Reading this felt like watching a comfort horror movie—the kind where you’re yelling “don’t go in there” while still enjoying the hell out of it. Two cabins. One is supposed to be empty. (Narrator voice: it is not.) I genuinely forgot I wasn’t watching a movie and felt personally offended I hadn’t made popcorn.
Underneath the creepy cabin chaos, there’s actually something solid here: friendship, buried memories, and the uncomfortable truth that the past doesn’t stay buried just because you’d really like it to. It will come knocking. Possibly with murderous intent.
So yeah—four stars. Not because it wasn’t fun (it absolutely was), but because there are books that crawl deeper under my skin and refuse to leave. This one settles in nicely, pours itself a drink, and causes just enough unease to keep you turning pages.
Bottom line: grab this book, snuggle up, embrace the dark getaway, and enjoy the ride. Just… maybe don’t book a foggy cabin afterward. Or do. I’m not your mom.
This is the ultimate Anti-Valentine’s Day thriller and I was hooked from the first page. Three women swearing off romance, hiding out in a remote lakeside cabin with junk food and horror movies? Honestly, sign me up. The cozy-girls-weekend energy mixed with simmering tension was chef’s kiss.
The atmosphere in this book is EVERYTHING. The relentless rain, the creaking boards, the flicker of a lantern in the distance — it all builds this delicious sense of dread. And when that scream cuts through the storm? Absolute chills. I could practically hear it.
What I loved most was the friendship at the center of the story. Victoria, Megan, and Shawna felt real — messy, betrayed, trying to heal. Their bond is what makes the danger hit harder. You’re not just worried about who survives… you’re hoping they all do. The emotional stakes are just as strong as the physical ones.
The pacing is tight, the tension doesn’t let up, and once the nightmare begins, it does not slow down. Power outages, washed-out roads, a killer next door — it’s the kind of claustrophobic survival thriller that makes you double-check your locks.
This is the perfect read if you love: • Stormy, isolated settings • Female friendship at the core • High-stakes survival tension • A Valentine’s Day twist that leans dark instead of sweet
This book proves that sometimes the scariest thing isn’t love — it’s what’s lurking in the cabin next door. 😏
I love a good thriller, I feel like most of us do. I enjoyed it I really really did! The only complaint I have is that it got kinda rushed and confusing towards the end.
But I’ll give you my overall feelings.
Plot: 4🌟 Spice: no chili peppers haha Character development 5/10 Writing style: 10/10 until chapter 13 then 4/10 Overall 4🌟
Our main characters just simply want a getaway. No bs, no drama, no valentines lovey dovey crap, just the girls, the cabin and the lake. After facing much heartbreak they’re just looking to leave it behind for a few days and forget about it happening. They find a beautiful remote cabin to rent for a few days and what’s better than a cabin on a lake?
Well. Things aren’t always as they seem.
*WARNING SPOILERS AHEAD*
Haunted by the past she simply can’t remember it truly never dies as it follows Vic through this story. Bit by bit, piece by piece it reveals itself through fragments and it is a horrifying thing. The story was good and the ending was..well kinda expected kinda not. But overall it was decent. I did like the story, just wish it wasn’t so rushed towards the end. I wish it had taken its time a bit more and kept the suspense going.
Would I read it again? Probably. Would I recommend it? Sure, but just be prepared for the fast paced climax. It was an amazing read, just wish it was longer. <3
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Three friends go to a cabin for a Valentine’s getaway, because apparently nothing says romance like isolation, terrible choices, and tempting fate. From page one, this book had me feeling like the fourth friend—the one screaming, “Absolutely not,” while watching the chaos unfold. My heart was racing. My nerves were shot. And the thunderstorms? Completely unhinged. Capital-S Scary. Capital-I Intense. Chef’s kiss.
This is not a love story… unless you’re counting the ride-or-die bond between friends whose lives are about to be thoroughly and mercilessly ruined.
February 14 will never be the same for them. Honestly? It won’t be for me either after finishing this book. If you like stories that grab you by the throat, stress you out in the most fun way possible, and refuse to let go even after the last page—do yourself a favor and read this one.
Highly recommend. Read it scared. Read it stressed. Read it with the lights on.
Three friends choose a remote cabin as their Valentine’s escape, which immediately feels like tempting the universe to do its worst. From the very first chapter, I felt like an unwanted tag-along, watching every red flag wave wildly while knowing full well no one was about to listen.
This story is pure tension. My pulse stayed elevated, my nerves were frayed, and the atmosphere was thick with dread. The storms raging outside weren’t just background noise—they were savage, chaotic, and added an almost claustrophobic terror that made everything feel inescapable.
What takes center stage is the fierce bond between friends as their getaway collapses into something dark and devastating. Valentine’s Day will never be innocent for them again—and honestly, neither will it be for me.
If you crave thrillers that suffocate you with suspense, thrive on mounting panic, and linger long after you turn the final page, this one deserves a spot at the top of your list.
After finding themselves repeatedly unlucky in love, a trio of best friends embark on a Valentine's weekend getaway at a remote lakeside cabin. Planning to indulge on wine, pizza, facials, and board games - the last thing the girls expect is a fight for survival.
I enjoyed this fast-paced short story. The trio was well balanced between fun-loving and cautiously nervous, which led to the thrill and horror of the story. There were plenty of suspenseful moments, jump scares, and the atmosphere of the lakeside retreat brought all of the creepy vibes.
Read Valentine's Getaway if you love...
🧠 Memory Loss
🏚️ Remote Setting
😰 Nowhere To Run
🕵️♀️ Missing Persons
🫶 Female Friendships
💌 Anti-Valentine Vibes
🔪 Slasher Horror
This story is part of the My Bloody Valentine Collection. I plan to read the other two installments!
Three girlfriend's go away to a remote cabin for Valentines weekend - they're done with male drama, all they need is movies, alcohol, and junk food. The cabin next to them appears empty, so the settle in as a storm worsens. They start to hear tapping, screams, and footsteps. They investigate the other cabin and find it's NOT empty and what they find shocks them. No phone coverage, no power, and a killer who has returned and is now chasing them all. Will they escape???
I was up by myself reading this on my Kindle until midnight. Not gonna lie, the light was ON. The pacing doesn't let up and my heart was racing at times. Thanks Michelle, your prose is spine-chillingly good and very sinister indeed!!!! 🥰
This was just okay. Even for a short book, there was zero character development—I couldn't tell the girls apart aside from them being friends. The suspense fell flat because the characters kept announcing how creepy things were or saying "we are all going to get murdered" instead of letting the atmosphere actually be scary. I also wasn't a fan of the twist, though I can't explain why without spoiling it. The writing felt too forced for my taste, but it's a short book, so you should give it a try. Maybe you will enjoy this author's writing style more than I did.
Oooooo it’s a girlie getaway turned deadly! I loved this little short story. I didn’t know what to expect but I was fully invested when I saw this listed on “Amazon” for “Valentine’s Day” related stories. I was after a good little horror story to read over “Valentine’s Day” weekend and this one certainly delivered some laughs, scares and plenty of suspense. The ending was quite spine chilling too. This really was like the perfect setting for the plot of a scary movie. If this was ever turned into a tv drama or movie at any point, I would definitely watch it! I found this very hard to put down.
5 out of 5! A fun little quick read to curl up with. I highly recommend this creepy tale.
This was my third book by Michelle Powers, and I can confidently say I’m officially a fan. I absolutely loved this story. From the very first page, it had my full attention and never let go.
The pacing was so good that I would’ve read it in one sitting if real life hadn’t gotten in the way.
I genuinely love Michelle Powers’ writing style. It’s smooth, gripping, and pulls you in effortlessly. I’ll be working my way through all of her books.
I’m off to finishing The Dead Husband Club now... I paused it to read this first, and from what I’ve read so far, it’s really good too.
The third book in the bloody Valentine collection!! 💕
Girl's weekend getaway, Hell yeah! Unfortunately something sinister awaits them. The stormy atmosphere, the chilling shadows, and cabin seclusion are the perfect elements to get you creeped out. And boy was I.
Michelle has ensured me that cabins are not a getaway spot.
This is my first read by Michelle Powers and it will not be my last. From the first page I was invested in the adventure ahead. I love the way this author writes dialogue. I felt like I was one of the girls on this Valentine Getaway. I don't want to spoil anything, so I'll just say, do yourself a favor and treat yourself to a short story on Valentine's Day that is better than chocolate.
I really enjoyed this one. It was super short, but I don't feel like that stopped it from having a full storyline like happens sometimes with short stories. It had multiple angles of creepy factors which made it all the more interesting. Definitely recommend reading this, but probably not in a cabin in the woods, at a lake, during a storm!
Three friends decide to have an anti-Valentine's Day weekend at a cabin. Stormy weather, strange noises outside, and noises from the cabin next door are just the beginning.
Michelle weaves the thrills and chills throughout this book expertly. She leads the reader on a journey that I didn't see coming.
Valentine Getaway turns Valentine’s Day into a chilling fight for survival. Packed with tension, stormy isolation, and creeping dread, it’s the ultimate anti-romance thriller. Just when they thought a weekend away would heal them, danger shows up at the door.