Book Reviews

She Drives Me Crazy // Book Review

- Bunny 1 Comment

About The Book
After an embarrassing loss to her ex-girlfriend in their first basketball game, seventeen-year-old Scottie Zajac gets into a fender bender with her nemesis, Irene Abraham, head cheerleader. Irene’s car needs repairs, forcing them to carpool and endure a rocky relationship. Scottie then bribes Irene into a fake-dating scheme to get back at her toxic ex and climb the social ladder. The scheme threatens to reveal real feelings between Scottie and Irene.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4e7ppSQ

My Rating

Unfortunately, this book fell flat for me. It’s one of those books that just didn’t leave a lasting impression. Maybe it’s because it’s a YA contemporary, and sometimes they tend to blur together in my mind, but I don’t remember much about the story itself.

I do know that this is a queer romance with an enemies-to-lovers twist. However, I didn’t feel the chemistry between the two main female characters. You could also call it a forced proximity romance, since they (reluctantly) have to drive to school together, and there is a bit of fake dating involved as well, so this book incorporates a lot of very popular tropes.

One aspect I did enjoy was how the story highlights that not all cheerleaders are just pretty faces, and that cheerleading is tough work and a real sport. It also touches on the disparity in attention and recognition between women’s and men’s sports, with one of the main characters being a female basketball player.

“People break our hearts, but they create more room in them first, and that room makes it possible for us to become more ourselves.”

The personal struggles of the main characters were far more interesting than their romance, as far as I’m concerned. Scottie is dealing with a breakup, and coming to terms with the less-than-great aspects of her past relationship. Meanwhile, Irene is grappling with her sexuality, and the fallout from a toxic friendship that played with her emotions.

Overall, the romance was cute, and it’s a quick read if you’re looking for a light queer contemporary romance. But the developing love story wasn’t the most compelling part of the story. I wouldn’t say this is a must-read, and it’s definitely not a book I’ll remember in the future. This is pretty obvious since my memory of the plot is already fading.

In the comments, let me know if you’ve read this book. You can listen to this audiobook on Everand, and if you use my link (click here), you can get a free trial. Don’t forget to like and share this post with others. Your continued support means a lot to me, so please hit the follow button before you go.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Good Bad Girl // Book Review

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About The Book
Twenty years after a baby is stolen, a woman is murdered in a care home. Edith, planning her escape from the nursing home, bonds with Patience, who is hiding secrets. Edith’s estranged daughter, Clio, is soon approached by a suspicious person. The women must solve a mystery involving three suspects, two murders, and one missing baby. Good Bad Girl is a twist-filled thriller where no one can be trusted.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3Va1V6C

My Rating

I’m not exactly sure how to categorize this book, because it doesn’t really fall into the thriller category, but it wasn’t a very compelling mystery. Throughout the story, we follow four women’s different perspectives, all of which are connected. There’s the mystery of a missing baby from years ago, and a present day murder – all taking place around Mother’s Day.

Each woman had a very distinctive voice, but none of their perspectives really captivated me. Also, I didn’t find any of the characters in this book particularly likable, which isn’t a good thing, since you have to be somewhat invested in the characters you’re reading about.

Unfortunately, the plot also fell flat for me. Although there were two ‘sort of’ mysteries going on throughout the book, I wasn’t gripped by the story. I want there to be more twists and turns and shocking moments that I didn’t see coming, however, I completely figured out where the book was going from pretty early on. This book didn’t have any plot twists, which I think are an essential part of a good mystery/thriller.

“Everybody has a mother, but not everybody has a mother’s love.”

As for the writing, Alice Feeney is a great author! Although the storyline wasn’t for me, I still wanted to keep reading. I attribute my inability to put the book down to her fantastic writing style. Her books are fairly easy to read, and bingeable too. I read this book in about a day, and I could see others doing the same.

Overall, I didn’t hate the book, but it’s nothing to write home about. I would not recommend it to someone searching for a fast-paced and exciting mystery. One thing to know – motherhood is a big factor in this book, so maybe I would’ve had more of a connection to the story if I was a mother, but all in all, I don’t think you’re missing out on anything if you choose not to read the book.

In the comments, let me know if this is on your TBR. If you have already read the book, tell me your thoughts on it! Do you think it is worth the read? Or was it not the thriller for you? Don’t forget to share this post with others, and as always, you can follow the blog, so that you never miss a post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Powerless // Book Review

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About The Book
In the kingdom of Ilya, only the empowered Elites, gifted with powers by the Plague, are allowed to stay; the powerless Ordinaries are banished. Paedyn Gray, an Ordinary, survives by posing as a Psychic in the city. When she saves a prince, she is forced into the deadly Purging Trials, designed to display Elite powers. Paedyn must navigate the Trials and her feelings for the prince, all while hiding her lack of abilities.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/459LXhv

My Rating

This book starts off a fantasy series on a solid note with its strong plot, but it may not captivate every reader. I appreciate Roberts’ efforts in crafting the world and characters, which is typical for a fantasy series debut. However, I personally felt that the pacing fell short, and I found myself craving a faster-paced story with more excitement and action.

One of the book’s strong points is its magic system, which gives off a YA fantasy vibe reminiscent of popular series like “Divergent” or “The Hunger Games.” The main character, Paedyn, stands out as a powerful female lead, confidently strong-willed thanks to her background of survival. And then there’s Kai, the male lead, who strikes a likable balance between toughness and kindness, making for some really engaging interactions between them.

The story mainly revolves around Paedyn and Kai, so the side characters don’t really play a significant role in the plot. However, I found Kitt, Kai’s brother and the future king, to be intriguing. Even though he’s not a major character, I enjoyed the moments between him and Kai, as well as the scene with Paedyn and him. I’m looking forward to learning more about him as the series progresses.

As for Paedyn and Kai’s romance, it follows the classic rivals-to-lovers theme, and I thought it was executed quite well. Nevertheless, I can understand if some readers find it a bit slow-paced, especially if they prefer their romantic plots to move along more quickly. As someone who openly dislikes slow-burn romance, this one really got on my nerves. However, I have to give credit where it’s due—the banter between Kai and Paedyn was spot on. Still, it didn’t quite make up for the overly drawn-out slow burn.

“If I am to be her enemy, I want it to be because she loathes herself for wanting me.”

For me, the plot falls short of delivering any groundbreaking revelations, which left me feeling disconnected from the story’s twists and turns. While I wasn’t deeply attached to the characters, the ending did stir up a mix of emotions, making me curious about where the series is headed next.

The author’s writing style heavily leans into the YA genre, which isn’t something I love, as I’ve been gravitating towards more adult fantasies these days. Additionally, the book’s length feels excessive, lacking consistent engagement throughout its 400 pages. I feel that if it had been a bit shorter, I might have enjoyed the story more.

Overall, the book didn’t hold my attention from start to finish, which is something I always hope for, especially in a fantasy series. However, its solid foundation and intriguing characters still give me enough reason to keep going with the series. I’m curious to see where the characters will go from here and how the story will unfold.

Share your thoughts on this book in the comments below! Don’t forget to hit the follow button so you never miss a post. Also, you can listen to the audiobook of ‘Powerless’ on Everand and get a free trial of the subscription service by using my link (click here).

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

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 captivated me right from the start, offering the perfect blend of enchantment and coziness. Despite the story unfolding in the fall and winter, I found myself immersed in its magic, even though I was reading it during spring—a testament to its timeless appeal that transcends seasonal preferences.

Emily, the main character, really intrigued me with her knowledge of mystical creatures, all while struggling to navigate social interactions. Seeing her grow and develop throughout the book was so satisfying—it really added depth to her character.

Emily and Wendell’s growing love story in the book was really nice. At first, they were like work frenemies, but then they became real friends and maybe even more than that. Wendell balanced out Emily’s character well, and it was cool that there was more to him than it seemed at first.

The world in the book feels incredibly real, like stepping into a dream where fairies exist. It’s an escape, perfect for someone like me who loves magic. Yet, amidst the excitement of meeting fairies, there’s a hint of nervousness, as if something mysterious and possibly dangerous hides in the shadows. This adds to the intensity and captivation of the reading experience.

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

I think the author’s writing was captivating, effortlessly bringing the story to life for me. The inclusion of fairy folklore tales woven throughout the narrative enriched my reading experience. The journal-like format of the book added an extra layer of charm, and I loved how the author was able to immerse me into these characters’ story.

I really liked how the found family element fit into the plot and contributed to Emily’s character development. I think many readers will enjoy that aspect of the story too. Also, the romance didn’t take over the plot; instead, it enhanced it, which I think makes this book perfect for those who want a fantasy with a hint of romance.

Overall, the book truly exceeded my expectations as someone that isn’t typically a cozy fantasy reader. I eagerly anticipate delving into future installments of the series and embarking on more adventures with these captivating 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