Book Reviews

Jo and Laurie // Book Review

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About The Book
In 1869 Concord, Massachusetts, Jo’s first novel becomes a bestseller, and she’s pressured to write a sequel. Seeking inspiration, she travels to New York with Laurie, enjoying museums, operas, and a reading by Charles Dickens. Laurie proposes, but Jo, valuing her independence, declines and Laurie leaves heartbroken for college. He returns with a new girlfriend, prompting Jo to confront her true feelings or risk losing him forever.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3UZ7jtf

My Rating

This book is a retelling that transforms classic characters from Louisa May Alcott’s ‘Little Women’ from friends to lovers. The twist on the Jo and Laurie story is likely to be a favorite for many readers, even though I am personally not a Laurie fan.

I wouldn’t say that he’s a horrible character, because I actually enjoyed Laurie’s relationship with Jo and her sisters. However, I felt that he came on a bit strong in the book and didn’t want to take no for an answer. Despite my distaste for him, the author kept him pretty true to character.

But the star of this adaptation was Jo. I’m a huge Jo March fan, even though she can be a bit intense for some people. It was as if the authors plucked the character right out of the original story. They were able to capture her essence so well that even in this new story, she still felt like the Jo we know and love.

“He wanted adventure. Passion. He wanted Jo.”

The book was very well written and an easy read. That being said, I found that the writing style did not match my personal taste. The story’s slow pace and plot failed to fully engage me, but I can see how it might captivate others, especially teens, who are the target audience for the book.

The ending is tailored for those who always wished to see Jo and Laurie together. I think it brings a sense of satisfaction to their story, providing a type of closure that some people might not have gotten from the original book. Many people love a good friends-to-lovers story, but unfortunately, I never really saw Jo and Laurie as more than friends.

Overall, in my opinion, Jo and Laurie were at their best as friends, but this retelling takes them on a different romantic journey. It was interesting to see how the authors took these two characters and gave their relationship a whole new ending while still keeping their characters true to the original story. In the end, I must admit it’s a fun book, offering a fresh perspective on beloved characters.

In the comments, let me know if you always thought that Jo and Laurie should have ended up together. Don’t forget that I have new bookish blog posts every week. If you never want to miss a post, follow the blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

With And Without You // Book Review

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About The Book
High school seniors Siena and Patrick, dubbed Couple Most Likely to Marry, face a dilemma as college approaches. Siena questions whether staying together is right for their future, but before she can voice her concerns, Patrick announces his family’s move to Austin. Despite the distance, their relationship evolves during visits throughout the school year, leading Siena to rediscover her love for Patrick.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3R3Pg4a

My Rating

I adored this book and found it to be an absolutely charming young adult love story. Initially, I gave it 4 stars, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized it deserved 5 stars. This surprised me since I don’t usually rate this author duo’s books so highly.

The story follows high school student Siena, who feels defined by her long-term relationship with Patrick. She decides it’s time to end the relationship, but when Patrick reveals he’s moving, she ultimately agrees to try long distance. Siena hopes this will give her the opportunity to grow without losing Patrick.

I am team Patrick all the way! He was kind, understanding, and confident. However, Siena was probably the only downside of the book. She spent too much time debating whether to end her relationship, which became a bit annoying.

“The distance doesn’t matter. It doesn’t define our relationship, because we’ll always have this—being together—eventually. It’s more like a Temporarily Distant Relationship.”

Even so, I enjoyed the storyline. As a former long-distance relationship (LDR) girlfriend, I know how challenging they can be. It was nice to see both characters grow individually and reignite the spark in their relationship. I loved how the plot focused on the lack of communication, which is often what ends a relationship.

The ending was perfect! Honestly, there were some moments I didn’t see coming, which I loved. Normally, a young adult contemporary doesn’t have many surprises, so it was an added bonus to see the authors take the road less traveled.

Overall, I will probably continue to read this author duo’s young adult books. This is a solid contemporary that will make you laugh, cry, and smile. It is now one of my favorite young adult reads, and I will be recommending it to other YA contemporary readers. Hopefully, I will continue to find more gems like this within the genre.

In the comments, let me know if you’ve ever been in a long-distance relationship. Don’t forget to support my blog by getting post notifications. All you have to do is hit the follow button.

Until the next chapter,
Bunny

Happily Never After // Book Review

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About The Book
Sophie wants to call off her wedding after discovering her fiancé’s infidelity but fears repercussions from her father-in-law. Enter Max, a wedding objector for hire who prevents doomed marriages. They develop a fun partnership, and despite their cynicism about love, their chemistry grows undeniable. When Sophie is hired to object to the wedding of Max’s ex, they must confront their true feelings.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4bp0NDg

My Rating

The synopsis had me thinking I’d really enjoy this book, but it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. That said, it’s not a bad book at all—just not particularly special or entertaining. The story is quite original, but also fairly predictable. Normally, that’s not a deal-breaker, but I wasn’t a fan of the characters’ outlook on love.

The story follows Sophie and Max. They meet when Max is hired to object to Sophie’s wedding. Max is a semi-professional objector, saving people from disastrous marriages. Sophie and Max soon form an objector partnership and a friendship. Unfortunately, I didn’t love the objector aspect of the book as much as I thought I would. As a romantic at heart, it pains me to think people need to hire someone to get out of their wedding.

Sophie is a workaholic with strong opinions on love. I didn’t love her negative views on relationships, but they did make sense for her character. Max, on the other hand, was fantastic. Although he shared some of Sophie’s skepticism about true love, he was much less cynical. They balanced each other well, and it’s very much a “he falls first” type of romance.

“How can you ever be sure you’ve found the one ‘true love’ of your life when you haven’t even met one percent of the people on the earth?”

This is a relatively clean romance, though not entirely closed-door. The steamy scenes are not super descriptive, so I’d call it slightly open-door. If you’re not into a lot of explicit scenes, you’re safe with this one. However, infidelity is mentioned throughout, so keep that in mind if it’s a sensitive topic for you.

The writing style wasn’t my favorite. This surprised me because Lynn Painter has written one of my all-time favorite YA books. Yet, this one felt a bit slow. The chapters are short, but it had a Netflix romcom vibe that didn’t quite resonate with me. However, the author did a good job balancing character and plot development.

Overall, this book didn’t stand out for me, but I’d still recommend it for a quick read. It’s a good pick for those reading slump days. Maybe my hopeless romantic heart influenced my feelings about this book, so take this review, like all my reviews, with a grain of salt.

Let me know in the comments if you plan to read this book. Don’t forget to like and share this post if you enjoyed it. For more bookish content, hit the follow button so you never miss a new post.

Until the next chapter,
Bunny

Weyward // Book Review

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About The Book
In 2019, Kate escapes her abusive partner to live in Weyward Cottage, inherited from a mysterious great-aunt. In 1619, Altha awaits trial for murder, desperately fighting accusations of witchcraft. During World War II, Violet is confined to her family’s estate, seeking answers about her mother’s mysterious past. These intertwined stories of Kate, Altha, and Violet span five centuries, highlighting their resilience. “Weyward” is a captivating debut novel about female strength.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4bpemlU

My Rating

I’ll admit, I wasn’t immediately drawn into the story, but there was something about it that kept me intrigued. As I delved deeper, I found myself captivated by the historical elements and witchy vibes. Plus, the way all three characters and timelines were woven together was nothing short of brilliant.

I’ve never been a huge fan of historical fiction, but the book has completely changed my perspective. Turns out, I have a soft spot for stories that blend history with a touch of magical realism. Who knew? I think that the writing really helped me enjoy the genre, and I’ll definitely be reading more books by this author in the future.

Let’s talk characters. Altha, Violet, and Kate—three women from different time periods, each with their own story to tell. While I liked them all, I couldn’t shake the feeling that they lacked distinct personalities. Still, their journeys were compelling enough to keep me turning the pages.

“Everything is made out of magic, leaves and trees, flowers and birds, badgers and foxes and squirrels and people. So it must be all around us.”

When it comes to pacing, it’s not what I’d call a fast-moving story. But you know what? That’s okay. The slower pace actually worked in favor of the narrative, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the plot and each character’s story. I was completely invested, despite having a pretty good idea of where the plot was headed.

Now, here’s something I didn’t love so much about the book. While I appreciated the feminist themes woven throughout, I couldn’t help but feel like the portrayal of men was a bit one-sided. Sure, not all men are saints, but lumping them all together felt a tad unfair. It would have been nice to see a broader range of male characters, acknowledging that while some men can be horrible, others can be kind and true of heart.

Overall, this is a beautifully written novel with an intriguing storyline. The ending tied everything up nicely, though I couldn’t shake the feeling that the feminist message was a bit heavy-handed. Still, it’s definitely worth a read, especially if you’re a fan of historical fiction with a magical twist. It’s 100% a girls supporting girls book, which is great, but it also contains a lot of triggering topics, so please check out Trigger Warning Database for a complete list.

Have you read “Weyward”? I’d love to hear your thoughts! And if you’re interested in checking it out, the audiobook is available on Everand—I’ve got a link (click here) for a free trial if you’re interested. Don’t forget to hit that follow button for more bookish content!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Emily Wilde’s Encyclopaedia of Faeries | Book Review

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About The Book
Cambridge professor Emily Wilde, an expert on faeries, arrives in Hrafnsvik intending to focus solely on her research. She dislikes socializing and dislikes her academic rival, Wendell Bambleby. However, as she delves into uncovering the secrets of the Hidden Ones, she finds herself drawn into a mystery involving Wendell and her own heart.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4aulH2E

My Rating

This story pulled me in right from the start with its cozy, magical vibe. Even though it’s set in the fall and winter, I was completely into it, even while reading in the middle of spring—a sign that it’s great no matter the season.

I really liked Emily, the main character. She knows a lot about mystical creatures but isn’t great with people, which made her interesting to follow. Watching her grow throughout the book was super satisfying and made her character feel more real.

And I loved the slow-burn romance between Emily and Wendell. They started off as work rivals but slowly became friends—and maybe something more. Wendell was a good balance to Emily’s quirks, and I enjoyed finding out there was more to him than met the eye.

The world in this book feels so real, like stepping into a dream where fairies truly exist. It’s the perfect escape for someone like me who loves all things magical. But even with the thrill of meeting fairies, there’s a slight sense of unease, like something mysterious—and maybe even dangerous—lurks in the shadows. It makes the whole reading experience even more intense and captivating.

“One doesn’t need magic if one knows enough stories.”

I found the author’s writing captivating—it really brought the story to life for me. The way fairy folklore was woven into the narrative made the experience even richer. I also loved the journal-like format; it added a unique charm and made me feel more connected to the characters’ journey.

The found family aspect was a great fit for the plot and added depth to Emily’s character development. I think many readers will appreciate that part of the story. Plus, the romance didn’t overshadow everything else; it complemented the plot nicely, making this a great pick for anyone who wants a fantasy with just a touch of romance.

Overall, this book went above and beyond my expectations, especially since I’m not usually into cozy fantasy. I can’t wait to dive into the next installment and go on more adventures with these wonderful characters.

If this book isn’t already on your TBR list, I highly recommend adding it. Don’t forget to like and share this post, and if you enjoy bookish content, consider following the blog for more recommendations and reviews.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Eclipse // Book Review

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About The Book
As Seattle is ravaged by a string of mysterious killings and a malicious vampire continues her quest for revenge, Bella once again finds herself surrounded by danger. In the midst of it all, she is forced to choose between her love for Edward and her friendship with Jacob — knowing that her decision has the potential to ignite the ageless struggle between vampire and werewolf. With her graduation quickly approaching, Bella has one more decision to make: life or death. But which is which?
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3wHH1nb

My Rating

This book is a bit of a rollercoaster for me, within the Twilight series. Let’s dive into the good and the bad. Starting with the downside, I have to say I wasn’t too keen on Jacob or Edward in this installment. Edward’s controlling behavior towards Bella in the first 30% of the book really put me off.

Jacob’s attempts to impose himself on Bella were just uncomfortable to watch. Their interactions lacked any romantic appeal, and I can’t fathom how anyone could root for Team Jacob. Now, if we’re discussing the movie adaptation, that’s a different tale altogether. His disregard for Bella’s boundaries, followed by apologies, felt manipulative and immature to me.

Now, onto the positives of the book. I liked that halfway through, Edward changed his behavior and gave Bella more freedom because, let’s face it, no one should be treated like property, no matter how much you love them. It was also intriguing to delve into the backstories of Rosalie and Jasper, particularly since Jasper happens to be one of my favorite characters in the series. Although the Cullens didn’t have a major role in this book, I enjoyed learning more about their pasts.

“There are no rules that can bind you when you find your other half.”

Another aspect I really enjoyed was delving deeper into the werewolves’ history. Even though they were introduced in “New Moon,” we didn’t get much backstory then. Seth is definitely a standout character for me. He brings such a fun energy, even though we haven’t fully explored his personality yet. Hopefully, in the next book, we’ll get to see more of who he is. My heart goes out to Leah a bit, because of the whole situation with Sam and her cousin Emily. It’s truly heartbreaking.

I’d say the main reason why this is my favorite, of all the books I’ve read so far, is because the plot was so fast-paced. Even though it’s longer than the first two books in the series, there wasn’t much downtime or what I like to call ‘filler’ chapters. Every chapter had something happening to push the story forward, and I really liked that the chapters were super short. I’m not a fan of long chapters. They tend to make a book feel more intimidating to me.

Overall, this is a highly bingeable paranormal romance series. Despite the writing not being the best, and most of the characters getting on my nerves, the plots lack depth, making them very easy to read. I wish I could discuss this book more individually than the series as a whole, but being the third book, it’s hard to avoid spoilers. Nonetheless, it was a solid read, and I’ll definitely continue with the series. Although I do feel like the plots have become a bit repetitive, with Bella constantly yearning to be a vampire and someone always trying to harm her.

Let me know in the comments if you’ve read the Twilight saga. Don’t forget to like and share the post with others. If you enjoy bookish content, be sure to follow the blog so you never miss a post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Practice Makes Perfect | Book Review

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About The Book
Annie Walker seeks love in her small town, Rome, Kentucky, but struggles to find the right match. Enter Will Griffin, a sexy, tattooed bodyguard tasked with helping her find love. Despite his reluctance, they embark on practice dates, blurring the lines of friendship. Annie learns that perfection isn’t necessary, only real connection.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3Uwubjs

My Rating

This book was an anticipated five-star read for me, but unfortunately, it didn’t meet my expectations, as you can see from my rating. It serves as the companion novel to Sarah Adams’s ‘When In Rome,’ which I’ve also read. This time, the story focuses on Annie, the youngest sister of Noah, the male lead in the first book, and her love story.

Annie, as the youngest Walker sibling, feels like something is missing from her life, and she believes getting married will fill that void. She seeks the help of Will Griffin, the bodyguard of Annie’s celebrity friend Amelia Rose, as her relationship tutor. While tutor-teacher romances are usually enjoyable for me, this one fell flat.

Annie as the main character is kind of average. She’s like your typical nice girl, a bit awkward, but secretly into romance novels. Will, well, he’s that classic brooding type that romance fans can’t resist. Even though their interactions were fun to read, I was hoping for a bit more depth in the romance department.

“But the thing about quiet people is, we’re only quiet because our brains are so busy overthinking everything.”

The story, similar to the first book, unfolds in the small town of Rome, Kentucky, aiming to capture the cozy atmosphere of Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls. It’s evident that the author took cues from the show, particularly evident in Will’s striking resemblance to Jess Mariano. And to top it off, there’s a town meeting solely devoted to hashing out Annie and Will’s relationship, much like the ones about Luke and Lorelei’s relationship in the show.

One aspect I did appreciate was the character development of Annie and Will throughout the book. Seeing them help each other grow and understand what they want in life was satisfying. However, in terms of spice level, this is mostly a closed-door romance, rating a 1/5 on the spicy scale.

Overall, my main issue was the book’s inability to keep me engaged. The story felt slow at times, making me question if the author’s writing style was for me. Nevertheless, it’s a sweet closed-door small-town romance that many readers may enjoy, even though it didn’t work for me. If the author continues the series with the other Walker sisters, I’ll likely give them a try.

Feel free to share your thoughts on the ‘When In Rome’ series in the comments. Your support by sharing and liking this post would mean a lot to me. Don’t forget to hit the follow button before you go.

Until the next chapter,
Bunny

Be as brave as Annie in pursuing love and happiness. On the day of your marriage, design your own unique Wedding Neon Signs to light up your most beautiful moments!

When In Rome | Book Review

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About The Book
Burned-out pop princess Rae Rose seeks solace in small-town Rome, Kentucky, where she meets pie shop owner Noah. Initially skeptical, Noah reluctantly offers her shelter. As they bond, Noah discovers the real Amelia behind the celebrity facade. Together, they explore small-town life and open up to new possibilities. But their time together is limited, as Amelia must soon return to her glamorous world, leaving Noah to reconcile his feelings.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4b9x0yb

My Rating

I really wanted to enjoy this book, but it was just okay. Honestly, that’s the best way I can sum up my feelings about it. The characters were alright, the plot was alright, the romance was alright, and the writing was alright. So, I didn’t hate the book, but it didn’t quite meet my expectations.

The main romance trope of the book is “Hollywood starlet falls for everyday person” set in a small town. But it also has “grumpy sunshine” elements as well. I actually liked how the romance between Amelia and Noah unfolded. It felt really natural, and seeing them struggle to resist their feelings was entertaining. Noah wasn’t exactly my favorite leading man, but I found Amelia’s character development quite engaging.

I really liked how Sarah Adams avoided the miscommunication trope in this book. Usually, I’m not a big fan of that unless it’s handled really well, which can be tough. So, it was refreshing to see the author take a different approach. It feels like the book sort of dances around the forced proximity and opposites attract themes. Plus, this was my first time diving into a forced proximity romance, but now I’m hooked and definitely want to explore more of them.

“When the hell did it become such a crime to be selfish now and again?”

I really loved all the nods to Audrey Hepburn in the book, especially with her movies being Amelia’s comfort films. It really tied the story together nicely. Also, I appreciated how the author showcased that most of those classic love stories ended in tragedy. When we’re younger, it’s easy to romanticize love stories, but as we get older, we start to see the sadness in them as well.

This small-town romance isn’t just about love—it delves into some heavier themes. You’ll find elements of manipulation, grief, Alzheimer’s, and cheating woven into the storyline, adding depth to the narrative. But don’t worry, it still delivers those cozy small-town romance vibes you’re craving.

Overall, the book wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t anything extraordinary either. Like I’ve mentioned before, it was just alright. But you know what? That’s totally fine because not every book has to blow you away. I’ll definitely check out more from this author because I did like the way she told the story.

Do you have a favorite forced proximity romance book? I’d love to hear about it in the comments! Don’t forget to share and like this post with others, and if you want to make my day, give my blog a follow too!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Daisy Jones And The Six | Book Review

- Bunny 1 Comment

About The Book
Discover the reason behind one of the greatest rock bands’ of the 70s, ‘Daisy Jones & The Six, breakup at the peak of their fame. Daisy, a young woman in 1960s L.A., dreams of rock ‘n’ roll stardom amidst a backdrop of sex, drugs, and the Sunset Strip. Meanwhile, Billy, the leader of The Six, faces the pressures of impending fatherhood and fame. Their paths collide, leading to a legendary collaboration chronicled in this gripping oral history by Taylor Jenkins Reid.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3y1y1tF

My Rating

This is a riveting tale that defies genre expectations, and even managed to captivate me – someone that typically steers away from historical or literary fiction. The documentary-style format adds a unique layer to the storytelling, and they did a wonderful job at giving a realistic look into the glamorous, yet tumultuous, world of a 70’s rock band. The audiobook, with its immersive narration, further enhances the experience, and brings the characters – and their journeys – vividly to life.

What truly sets the novel apart is its richly developed characters, each offering a distinct perspective on the trials and tribulations of stardom. Daisy Jones, in particular, emerges as a character of remarkable depth, her struggles and evolution serving as a poignant exploration of identity and self-discovery. Even characters like Bill, who I would describe as the egotistical lead singer of The Six, undergoes a positive character development, gradually winning me over, despite his flaws.

At its core, the book is a story about love, self-acceptance, and the complexities of relationships. Through the lens of a legendary band’s rise and fall, the novel explores themes of authenticity, ambition, and the often elusive nature of true connection. It’s a compelling narrative, that resonates long after the final page is turned.

“It’s like some of us are chasing after our nightmares the way other people chase dreams.”

The author’s skillful storytelling ensures that even though I was initially skeptical of the subject matter, I found myself engrossed in the narrative. With its seamless blend of drama, romance, and rock ‘n’ roll excess, the book is an irresistibly addictive read that will appeal to music lovers and literary enthusiasts alike.

Overall, despite any initial reservations, I was truly happy that I decided to give the book a chance. The satisfying conclusion serves as a testament to the author’s ability to craft a captivating story that transcends genre boundaries. I can understand why Taylor Jenkins Reid is such a popular and well loved author.

The book does touch on some potentially triggering topics, so please visit Book Trigger Warnings to get a complete list. Don’t forget to hit the follow button, so that you never miss a post!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

First Lie Wins | Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

About The Book
For Evie Porter, identity is everything. Tasked by her mysterious employer, Mr. Smith, she investigates her target, Ryan Sumner. As her feelings for Ryan grow, so do the risks of her covert mission. With her past threatening to unravel, Evie must balance her fabricated persona with her true self in a high-stakes game of deception to secure her future.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4aUIvtj

My Rating

This book dives deep into truth, morality, and self-discovery, but in a way that really grabs you. We follow our main character as she tries to untangle a mess of lies and deceit. The characters within are not just black and white; they’re morally grey, which adds a whole new layer to the story, and makes you question everything.

It’s a perfect mix of gripping plot twists and characters you can’t help but care about. While some parts might seem predictable, the suspense keeps you flipping the pages. It’s not exactly a thriller, but it sure keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Ashley Elston’s storytelling is so vivid that you can easily picture this book on the big screen. Just a heads up, though – it takes a bit to really get going. But once you push through that first chunk, you’re in for a wild ride.

“Mama always said to be successful in life you need to do three things: learn everything you can, try your hardest, and be the best at what you do.”

The book was very entertaining, and I had fun trying to figure out how things were going to end. Speaking of the ending, I didn’t expect things to turn out the way they did, but I thoroughly enjoyed the way the story played out. Being inside these characters’ heads was great, and the plot was very well executed.

Overall, the book didn’t make Elston a new favorite thriller author of mine, but it definitely showed that she has incredible talent. While everyone might not vibe with the pacing, or level of action, I think the book is worth the read. Who knows, you might just find yourself pleasantly surprised.

In the comments, let me know if this book is on your TBR. If you like bookish content, then follow the blog. It is completely free, and you will get notified whenever there’s a new post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny