Author: Bunny

The Do-Over // Book Review

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About The Book
In this riotous young adult romp for fans of Recommended for You and A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow, a teen girl has the worst Valentine’s Day ever—only to relive it over and over again. How many days can one girl passively watch her life go up in flames? And when something good starts to come out of these terrible days, what happens when the universe stops doling out do-overs?
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3xeOYNy

My Rating

This was one of my highly anticipated releases of 2022, because my love for Lynn Painter’s ‘Better Than The Movies’ book is very strong. In this book, we follow Emilie, who lives the worst Valentine’s Day ever. Well, worst according to a teenage girl. But, in a strange turn of events, she gets stuck in a loop of repeating that terrible Valentine’s Day.

Yes, this is one of those classic ‘Groundhog Day’ retellings. Although, the plot of this book is super predictable, I still found it to be a cute read. And, the writing was, once again, superb.

I had a love/hate relationship with Emilie. There were times that I found her likable and other times I didn’t care much for her character. However, the love interest in the story was great, but I have a thing for the brooding, outcast, sort of bad boy.

The best part of the story was how the relationship between the MC and love interest developed so naturally. You could see their connection growing and them fall for each other. It was very relatable and adorable.

“I fell in love with you on Valentine’s Day, Emilie, but I need more than just seven minutes.”

For me, the outcome of the story was good, and once Emilie started facing things head on, her life changed for the better. Also, I like the addition of Taylor Swift, and I need to get a tattoo that says ‘I had a marvelous time ruining everything!’

However, the thing that hindered my enjoyment of the book was the fact that it gave me tremendous anxiety. Somewhere around the halfway point I dreaded picking the book up, because my anxiety was so high. I have no idea what caused this, but I don’t think it’s an issue that most other readers will have to worry about.

Overall, Lynn Painter has once again released a adorable YA contemporary. Although, it’s not exactly on the same level as ‘Better Than The Movies’. Maybe I’m just not a lover of time loop plots. But, I did love how she didn’t leave the readers hanging, and kind of has an explanation for Emilie’s time loop.

In the comments, tell me if you like the ‘Groundhog Day’ trope in books. And, if you like book reviews, be sure to give the blog a follow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Karen M. McManus // Book Ranking

- Bunny 1 Comment

Hi Friends,
If you’ve been reading my blog for a while you know that Karen M. McManus is on of my favorite YA thriller authors. Well, I have read all her releases thus far and wanted to do a ranking of them. Keep in mind that this is just my personal ranking of her books.

Related Post: You’ll Be The Death Of Me // Book Review

Related Post: The Cousins // Book Review

Related Post: One Of Us Is Next // Book Review

Related Post: One Of Us Is Lying // Book Review

Related Post: Two Can Keep A Secret // Book Review

There you have my ranking of all Karen M. McManus books from my number one favorite to least favorite. But, as I mentioned early this is my own personal opinion and might not be everyone’s ranking. To read more posts like this one follow my blog to get post notifications.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Maybe This Time | Book Review

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About The Book
One year. Nine events. Nine chances to . . . fall in love? Weddings. Funerals. Barbecues. New Year’s Eve parties. Told over the course of one year and following Sophie from event to event, this delightful novel from master of romantic comedy, Kasie West shows how love can blossom in unexpected places.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3Xc2lZv

My Rating

This is an adorable enemies-to-lovers YA contemporary. Kasie West knows how to write a fast-paced, cutesy teen romance. She also must be super sarcastic, since her characters are very quick-witted. This book follows Sophie, who works for an event florist, but wants to be a fashion designer. And Andrew, who is the son of a famous chef.

Although the main character, Sophie, was a bit judgmental, she had good character development. She was struggling with family issues, and didn’t have a good relationship with her mom. I understood her issues with her mom, since she could be a little flaky, and a kind of much, at times. But, she did love her kids.

Sophie tried to have a relationship with her dad, but by the end of the book their relationship was pretty strained. It did frustrate me that she want her dad to do better, yet wasn’t even going to give him a chance to try.

“Now is the time to fail spectacularly. We have our whole lives ahead of us to try again and again.”

She and Andrew were so cute together. And, their relationship from enemies, to frienemies, to something more, was definitely the highlight of the book. However, there was a lot going on in this book besides the romance.

It touched on racism, and the feeling of not belonging. I thought that the book was going the route of you don’t have to leave your home to succeed. That really would have annoyed me, and probably would have hindered my enjoyment of the story. I don’t see anything wrong with wanting to leave your home and see what else is out there. And I was glad Kasie West went the route she did with the story, because it was exactly what I wanted from the plot.

Overall, I loved the message that you should follow your dreams, but never forget where you came from. But, in my opinion, Kasie West writes super-cute romances with likable characters and plots that focus on more than just love.

In the comments, let me know your favorite Kasie West book. If you would like to get notified whenever I post, please follow my blog!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Friday Reads #12

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Hi Fridays,
I haven’t done a Friday reads post in a while, so I thought I was long over do for one. This Friday and weekend I will be trying to knock out quite a few books on my February TBR.
Related Post: February 2023 // To Be Read

Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
This is a YA mystery that I’m 50% into. I’m pretty confident that I can finish it before the weekends over.

Furyborn by Claire Legrand
I’m like 3% in this book and probably won’t finish it this weekend. But, I’m hoping to make a good dent in it.

Jo & Laurie by Margaret Stohl and Melissa de la Cruz
Now, I haven’t even started this book, however if all goes as planned I will pick it up this weekend. It seems like a book that I can finish in a day, which is great.

In the comments, let me know what you will be reading today and over the weekend. Please like this post and share it with others. If you’re a book lover like me support my blog by giving it a follow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Hot British Boyfriend | Book Review

- Bunny 1 Comment


About The Book
This enchanting debut teen romance novel, which follows one girl across the Atlantic in a quest to find adventure, love (preferably with a guy with a cute accent), and maybe even herself, is perfect for fans of Kasie West and Stephanie Perkins.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3joJ2hz

My Rating

 

Get ready for a rant review! Typically, I’m not one to drag on books, because everyone’s bookish opinions and tastes are different. However, I cannot write this review without trashing this book, at least some. So please, as with all my reviews, take this with a grain of salt.

This books has to do with a teenage girl that, after suffering public humiliation, jets off to study abroad in the UK with the more elite students in her grade. Honestly, are high students as cruel as they are in movies and books? Because if so, I’m glad I was home schooled.

Ellie is the main protagonist of the story and probably one of the worst main characters ever: First off, she thinks being called Ellie is childish, which is ridiculous. She instantly starts flirting with the first British guy she meets and the lies fly so easily from her lips.

She doesn’t care that she’s not being herself as long as he likes her. So desperate! At one point she was going to get into a car with a literal stranger because he was cute and British. She was that naive and stupid.

Not only is her main priority some guy she just met; she wasn’t serious about the school at all. She didn’t know what she wanted in life, and was in need of some self discovery. Her solution to her problems was to runaway, which was completely immature.

“He brushes my hair from my face and I swear I’m in a romantic comedy. I can almost hear the music swelling.”

As for the side characters, Ellie did form a small friend group early on in the book. I liked her roommate, Sage, a lot. She was smart and driven, and not boy-crazy. Her other friends were good additions to the story as well. However, her crush, Will, was snobby, judgmental, and a jealous jerk.

There is the mention of fairy gardens in the book. I don’t know if they’re a real thing, but they should be. Also, I liked how the book showed that even if you don’t get straight A’s, or are good at school, it doesn’t mean you’re dumb. We are all smart in our own way.

Sadly, that one redeeming plot point didn’t make up for the entire rest of the book. Ellie’s character was way too childish, and her choices were horrible! She would drop her friends for a boy at any given moment. She was so unlikable. I seriously wrote in my notes that Ellie was stupid and annoying, which I think pretty much sums up my feelings regarding her as a person.

Overall, the book felt very young. I read a lot of YA, but the writing and characters were so immature that it drove me insane. While on GoodReads, I came across a review that said this book is irredeemable, and I 100% agree with that assessment.

In the comments, let me know your take on this book. Don’t forget to follow my blog if you are a fan of book reviews. I promise that most of them aren’t this negative.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

5 Star Predictions #4 // 2023

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Hi Friends,
I can’t remember the last time I did a 5 star predictions post, so I thought it was about time for one. These are some books that I think I’m going to love (if I ever get around to reading them). Honestly, I’m not sure how good I am at reading my 5 star predictions. I have 6 books on this list, with 3 of them being older titles, and 3 of them being new releases.

The Headmaster’s List by Melissa de la Cruz
This book is being released at the end of February and is Melissa de la Cruz first YA thriller. It is compared to ‘Gossip Girl’ and ‘A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder’, but it’s also giving me ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ vibes. I’m a fan of all three of those, so I know this is going to be an amazing read. I’ll be surprised if this isn’t a 5 star read.
Related Post: A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder // Book Review

Seven Percent of Ro Devereux by Ellen O’Clover
In this YA contemporary, coming out in May, we get a fake dating meets ex-best friends to lovers story. I haven’t really read many ex-best friends second chance romance books, but that probably because friends-to-lovers and second chance romances aren’t my favorite tropes. Still, I love fake dating and the fact that the story has to do with a MASH inspired app sounds amazing. If the story is done right and as cute as I’m thinking it will be then it will for sure be a 5 star book.

One Of Us Is Back by Karen M. McManus
This book will be released in August and I can not wait! Honestly, I’d love to have an ARC of the audiobook right now. This is the conclusion to her ‘One Of Us Is Lying’ series, which I loved. I did only give book one and two 4 stars, but I have high hopes this one will be a 5 star read.
Related Post: One Of Us Is Lying // Book Review
Related Post: One Of Us Is Next // Book Review

An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson
I don’t know much about this story, but I have a feeling it’s going to be a slow paced story. And, that the writing will be very lyrical. Does that make any sense? I’m not sure why I’m thinking this will be a 5 star read, but something is telling me that I’m really going to enjoy this story.

The Guinevere Deception by Kiersten White
I’m a big fan of Kiersten White’s writing style. There’s just something about her books that draw me in. I’ve been wanting to pick this book up for a long time now and just love the idea behind it. It’s King Arthur fantasy retelling, which doesn’t seem like something I’d typically gravitate to, but I think Kiersten White’s storytelling will make this a 5 star book.

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
I’ve actually started this book already, but haven’t gotten that far into it. I feel like if I really dedicate some time to it, I’d love the story. It’s a heartbreaking YA Contemporary about a boy with bipolar disorder and a girl dealing with the loss of her sister. Heartbreaking contemporaries usually get 5 stars from me.

There you have my 5 star predictions! I’m sure I can think of more, and hopefully I’ll find some other 5 star reads this year. Because I’m really wanting a good reading year. Before you go, show your love for my blog by hitting the follow button.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

New In My Etsy Shop // Toss-Up Tuesday

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
I believe I’ve mentioned before that I run a bookish etsy shop. I sell mugs, tumblrs and soon shirts. I wanted to show off some if my new releases.

You can visit my Etsy shop here and right now I am offering free shipping. Please let me know what you think of my new releases in the comments below.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

February 2023 | To Be Read

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Hi Friends,
It is time for my February TBR post! I’m so excited, because this month I will be taking part in the Sims Readathon created by the lovely Ashely’s Reads. Ashley has become one of my best bookish friends, and this readathon is so much fun. This readathon is inspired by the popular Sims video game, but is in no way affiliated with EA. This first round of the readathon focused on the original Sims game, so this time we are focusing on the Sims 2.

Now every month, I do a Sims picks my TBR and this month was no different. So, my Sims picked 9 prompts (but actually 10 since I got to add an extra book). I have to try and get my prompts to fit the readathon prompts. Otherwise, I have to add books which I don’t want to do.

My Team: I chose to be apart of Team Pleasant! The host for Team Pleasant is Mariana from Lucifer’s Library.

Sims Picks My TBR Prompt: A Book That Intimidates You.
Sims Readathon Prompt: University (School Setting): ‘Ace Of Spades‘ by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé is a YA mystery thriller that takes place at a boarding school. I’ve been wanting to read this for a while, but it definitely intimidates me. I just hope it lives up to my expectations.

Sims Picks My TBR Prompt: Read The Last Book Added To Your TBR.
Sims Readathon Prompt: Nightlife (City Setting): That would be ‘Bloody Fool For Love‘ by William Ritter, which is a Buffy the Vampire Slayer retelling focusing on Spike. The book takes place in London, so I think it fits this prompt.

Sims Picks My TBR Prompt: A New To You Author.
Sims Readathon Prompt: Open For Business (MC Has A Job You Want): I’m going with ‘Jo and Laurie‘ by Maragaret Stohl and Melissa de la Cruz, since in the book Jo is a writer and I have always thought that would be an amazing job. Also, I’ve never read anything by either of these authors.

Sims Picks My TBR Prompt: Last Book You Purchased.
Sims Readathon Prompt: Pets (Pet Pick): I let one of my dogs choose my book and after a while they picked ‘Cinderella is Dead‘ by Kalynn Bayron. This is one of the last books I purchased from Barnes and Noble’s buy one, get one 50% off sale.

Sims Picks My TBR Prompt: A Book With Representation.
Sims Readathon Prompt: Seasons (Your Favorite Season): ‘Wintergirls‘ by Laurie Halse Anderson is going to be a hard read, since it has anorexia representation. I’ve suffered from the disease myself, so it might be a difficult read. However, it does have winter in the title and that is my favorite season, which made it an easy pick.

Sims Picks My TBR Prompt: Read a 12 Book Challenge Book.
Sims Readathon Prompt: Bon Voyage (Journey/Trip): Since ‘Furyborn‘ by Claire Legrand is a fantasy story I’m assuming there’s a journey aspect included in it. There typically is a journey of some kind in most fantasy stories. Also, this was one of Ashley’s recommendations for my 12 book challenge so it is only fitting that I read it for this readathon.

Sims Picks My TBR Prompt: A TBR Vet.
Sims Readathon Prompt: Free Time (MC Has A Hobby): Back in 2017, I added ‘Moment Of Truth‘ by Kasie West to my TBR. I can’t believe I haven’t read yet, but it works for this prompt since are main character has a hobby. She’s a swimmer.

Sims Picks My TBR Prompt: Random Letter (L).
Sims Readathon Prompt: Apartment Life (Under 300 pages): I’m going with a graphic novel that I’ve been interested in called ‘Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up with Me‘ by Mariko Tamaki. The book starts with an L and is only 289 pages long.

Sims Picks My TBR Prompt: Continue A Series.
Sims Readathon Team Prompt: Read A Book Featuring Siblings: I really am unsure if I want to pick this book up, but I’m going with it – ‘Finale‘ by Stephanie Garber. This is the last book in the ‘Caraval’ series, which follows sisters Scarlett and Tella.
Related Post: Caraval // Book Review

Sims Picks My TBR Prompt: A Book Under 300 Pages.
“Marty and Clark Davis, whose tragic circumstances brought them to a “marriage of convenience” on the frontier prairies during the mid 1800s.”

Book Club Pick
“Don’t miss the USA Today bestseller and addictive psychological thriller with a jaw-dropping twist that’s burning up Instagram–Freida McFadden’s The Housemaid is perfect for fans of Ruth Ware, Lisa Jewell, and Verity.”

There you have my February TBR! This list is giving me a bit of anxiety, but I’m just going to see how the month goes. Let me know if you are taking part in this, or any other, readathons for the month of February. Don’t forget to hit the follow button before you go, because it really helps out my little blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The January Book Tag // 2023

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
Last year, I did the January Book Tag and I thought I’d make it a yearly tradition. I don’t want to ramble too much, so let’s just jump right into the questions.

In 2022, the last book I read was ‘Whiteout’ by Various Authors. This was a fun holiday contemporary, but it was just meh. The first book I read was ‘Late To The Party’ by Kelly Quindlen. I surprisingly still remember a lot about this book. It was just your run of the mill YA Contemporary, but it did have good LGBT representation.
Related Post: Late To The Party // Book Review

Sadly, it was ‘Five Survive’ by Holly Jackson. I don’t want to say too much about this book, but it wasn’t a good start to my reading year.

As always I did a whole post on my reading goals for the new year. But, I wanted to share three goals that I didn’t mention in that post. The first is that I want to complete the 12 book challenge. This is where your friends give you book recommendations and you need to read 12 of those books by the end of the year.

Next, I’d like to read some Stephen King books this year. Unlikely, one is on my 12 book challenge, yet the main one I want to read is ‘IT’. Lastly, I want to read books out of my comfort zone. Who knows I might find a hidden gem in a genre I’d never consider reading before.

‘She Is a Haunting’ by Trang Thanh Tran (February 2023): Maybe it’s just me but this book is giving off major ‘House Of Hollow’ vibes. It’s a thriller, horror book that takes place in a French colonial house in Vietnam. Haunted house story’s are always creepy.
Related Post: House Of Hollow // Book Review

‘One of Us Is Back’ by Karen M. McManus (August 2023): This is the final book in the ‘One Of Us Is Lying’ universe. Not only are the Bayview four back, but so are the characters from the second book ‘One Of Us Is Next’. I’m just hoping we get some more Phoebe and Knox moments.

‘The Bewitching Hour (A Tara Maclay Prequel)’ by Ashley Poston (August 2023): I cannot wait for this release. Although, I was never the biggest Buffy fan. For some reason I was more of an ‘Angel’ series person. I loved Tara! She was my favorite Buffy character. I’m so excited to read a book about her before she met the Scooby gang.

I surpassed my GoodReads reading goal for the year, which was pretty amazing! But, other than that I don’t thank I read my shelves as much as I would have liked. And, I barely read any backlist titles.

‘Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute‘ by Talia Hibbert: Don’t get me wrong this sounds like a cute YA contemporary romance, which I tend to love. However, it’s a second chance, ex-best friends to lovers romance. I’m just not a fan of that trope. Still, I’m not completely riding this one off.

‘Happy Place’ by Emily Henry: Not going to lie Emily Henry is a good writer and I did read 50% of her novel ‘Book Lovers’ before putting down. That being said, I don’t really think her books are for me. Also, this is a second chance romance, which I don’t jive with in books or movies.

Probably, just really thinking about the books I pick up and if I’ll like them. I want to get better at knowing my reading taste.

I’m pretty excited for ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’ even though I haven’t finished ‘The Hunger Games’ series. But, I’ve seen the movies and can’t wait to see this adaption. Also, I did see a rumor that the adaption of Kristin Hannah’s novel ‘The Nightingale‘ might come out this year, which I’d been interested in seeing.

It would probably be reading 103 books. That is the most books I have ever read in a year, so it made me really proud of myself.

I started ‘All the Bright Places’ by Jennifer Niven close to the end of the year, which I would like to finish. And, I’d eventually like to go back to ‘Lovely War’ by Julie Berry. I’m about 50% of the way through with it, so it shouldn’t take me too long to finish.

Let me know in the comments, if you have done this tag and I will go give it a read. Also, tell me what was your first read of 2023. Don’t forget to share and like this post, and click the follow button.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

My Best Reads Of 2022

- Bunny 2 Comments

Hi Friends,
It’s time for me to share my favorite books of 2022! In 2022, I read 103 books, and you’ll be able to find reviews on all my 2022 reads soon. However, 10 of those books stood out among the rest and have earned a spot on this list. But, remember these are my personal favorite books of the years they might not match your reading taste. Still, I adored each and everyone of these reads!

1 Number PNG0 Number PNGLove, Life And The List by Kasie West
Kasie West will forever be a favorite author! This book was so cute, and the friends to lovers romance was swoon-worthy. I don’t know if a lot of people will enjoy this story, since it is predictable, but most Kasie West stories are pretty easy to figure out.
Related Post: Love, Life And The List // Book Review

9 Number PNGSeance Tea Party by Reimena Yee
This story was warm-hearted and sad. Honestly, I didn’t think that this graphic would make it on to this list, but it rightfully has a spot in my favorites of 2022.

8 Number PNGThe Cousins by Karen M. McManus
It isn’t a surprise that this book has made it on to my favorites list, since the story completely shook me. I read this book in a day! It is such a fast-paced thriller, with an amazing twist.
Related Post: The Cousins // Book Review

7 Number PNGEight Nights Of Flirting by Hannah Reynolds
I read this book close to the end of the year not expecting it would be come a favorite of the year. But, I loved this second chance enemies to lovers holiday romance. This book is everything I love about YA contemporary.
Related Post: Eight Night’s Of Flirting // Book Review

6 Number PNGYou’ll Be The Death Of Me by Karen M. McManus
Yep, another Karen M. McManus book on the list. This book probably wouldn’t be a lot of peoples favorite but I loved it! The ending was amazing and kind of a cliffhanger. I really hope that there’s a sequel in the works, because I need more of this story and these characters.
Related Post: You’ll Be The Death Of Me // Book Review

5 Number PNGThe Fear by Natasha Preston
This actually wasn’t a five star read for me. However, this book truly creeped me out. We get chapters in the mind of a serial killer, which are super eerie. The book gives off major Criminal Minds vibes, so if you are into that, than you’ll love this book.
Related Post: The Fear // Book Review

4 Number PNGHow Not To Fall In Love by Jacqueline Firkins
I adored this entire story. I’m not typically a friends-to-lovers fan, but Jacqueline Firkins did it right. The plot hooked me from the start, and I could not put this book down. Honestly, I was smiling throughout the entire book.
Related Post: How Not To Fall In Love // Book Review

3 Number PNGThe Night Shift by Alex Finlay
This was my first adult thriller/mystery read, and it made me fall in love with the genre. I loved the plot about a present time murder being similar to a past murder. I felt like I was watching an episode of Cold Case, but better. That might only make sense to me, but still, I found this book to be amazing.
Related Post: The Night Shift // Book Review

2 Number PNGBetter Than The Movies by Lynn Painter
I’m going to go ahead and say that this book has become an all time favorite YA contemporary of mine. Throughout the story, I laughed, blushed and even cried. I am so glad that I picked it up andirons rightfully deserves this number two spot.

1 Number PNGHidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak
Immediately after reading this book, I knew that it was going to be my favorite read of 2022. I could not put this book down, and raved about it to everyone. The ending was incredible and heartbreaking at the same time. I want this to become a movie so badly, and I am available to star in it.
Related Post: Hidden Pictures // Book Review

There you have the list of my best books of 2022! Last year, I read some great books, but I’m pretty happy with how this list turned out. In the comments, let me know your top book of 2022. Don’t forget to follow my blog for more posts like this one.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny