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Merry Ever After | Book Review

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About The Book
Evie, a single mother seeking a fresh start, has no room for romance—until rugged farmer Luke tempts her to break her no-dating rule. While Evie is set on keeping things casual, Luke is determined to prove he’s in it for the long haul. In this steamy holiday short story, opposites attract as they explore whether love is truly worth the risk.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3P7Bs7d

My Rating

This is one of those fast and easy holiday novellas that you can read in one sitting. It’s part of the Amazon Originals Under the Mistletoe collection of short winter romance stories. Unfortunately, this one wasn’t my favorite. I had high hopes because I’ve heard amazing things about Tessa Bailey’s books, but the plot just didn’t work for me.

The romance felt very insta-lovey, and we didn’t get to know the characters well. Of course, it’s a novella, so it’s challenging to include significant character development or show a deep connection growing between two characters in under 100 pages.

“Maybe it’s the holidays that have me wishing for . . . more out of this simple life of mine.”

Still, I wanted more from the story, and I didn’t get much of a holiday vibe from it. That said, I did enjoy the writing style and appreciated the single mom aspect of the story. However, everything felt rushed—it was basically, “I like you, you like me, let’s be together forever.”

Overall, I’d probably pass on this one since there isn’t much substance to the story. That said, the spice was pretty good—I’d give it a 2.5 out of 5 on the spice scale. And as always, I’m a fan of books that include an epilogue, so I appreciated that the novella wrapped up with one.

In the comments, let me know if you’re a fan of holiday novellas! Don’t forget to like this post and share it with all your bookish friends. Please hit the follow button so my blog can continue to grow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Resting Scrooge Face | Book Review

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About The Book
Nola dreads Christmas in her charming hometown of Bright Harbor, but a mysterious letter from a fellow holiday Scrooge might change everything. Unbeknownst to her, the pen pal is Caleb—the boy who broke her heart—sparking a secret, flirtatious correspondence. As old wounds and new feelings surface, can they overcome their past to write a love story worth keeping?
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/406LdIY

My Rating

I was not a fan of this book at all. I hate saying that because I could see how much potential the story had, but the delivery fell completely flat. This is a first-love, second-chance, holiday romance novella. It’s a very quick read, and the plot initially captures your interest.

Unfortunately, I hated the direction the author took with the story. I wanted so much more for the female main character. I understood that they were both teenagers when they broke up, but the male main character’s excuse for breaking her heart and essentially ghosting her was that he was immature (valid) and that he thought she deserved a life outside their small town while he was meant for small-town life. That reasoning felt so lame.

“I can’t imagine that someone who despises Christmas as much as I do would have gold stationery.”

I hate when characters make decisions for other characters. And now, suddenly, she’s “the one that got away”? No, she’s the one you pushed away. It also felt like he only wanted to rekindle their relationship because she was staying in town. So, would he have wanted to be with her if she were leaving again after the holidays? If you love someone, here’s a thought: go with them. Home isn’t a place—it’s who you’re with.

Overall, this book was a no for me. I completely apologize for this rant of a review, but you can probably tell I had a lot of issues with the story. On a lighter note, I did enjoy the secret pen pal aspect of the plot, and there were quite a few funny moments throughout the story.

In the comments, let me know if you’ve read this book. If you didn’t know, it’s available on KU and Audible! Don’t forget to like this post, and you can make my holiday by giving the blog a follow. Your support truly means the world to me.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Cruel Winter With You | Book Review

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About The Book
Pediatrician Jamie Malek finds herself snowbound with Marc, her best friend’s younger brother turned tech billionaire—and the one she let get away. As a blizzard rages outside and sparks fly inside, old wounds and buried feelings resurface. What starts as a simple request for a roasting pan becomes an unforgettable winter’s night of rekindled connection.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/49PfSha

My Rating

This is a fun, Christmassy novella that you can read on a single (and preferably snowy) winter’s night. It’s part of an Amazon Original collection called Under the Mistletoe. As a huge fan of Ali Hazelwood’s work, I knew I’d probably adore this book—and it came as no surprise that I was right.

Despite being under 100 pages, this story was very well thought out. I felt like I got to know a lot about the characters in such a short period of time. The plot was engaging, and I really enjoyed the romance.

This is a forced proximity, best friend’s brother romance, with an age gap where the female main character is older. I loved the connection between the two characters, and let me just say, the male main character was such a green flag! Although the Christmas vibes weren’t very prominent, it still felt like a delightful winter romance.

“Next year, when we fly home for the holidays, we’re going to do it together.”

Overall, I loved everything about this story, and the ending was so satisfying. While it does include a bit of the miscommunication trope, I didn’t mind because it felt realistic. There is some spice in this book, but it’s not overly steamy—I’d give it about 1.5 out of 5 on the spice scale. If you’re looking for something quick and enjoyable to read this winter, I definitely recommend giving it a chance.

In the comments, let me know if you’ve read this book! Don’t forget to follow the blog so you never miss any of my bookish posts. Also, if you could take a moment to head over to my Facebook page and give it a like, I’d really appreciate it.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Three Holidays And A Wedding | Book Review

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About The Book
Seatmates Maryam and Anna bond over a turbulent flight to Toronto, sharing their deepest hopes and fears—unaware that Maryam’s longtime crush, Saif, overheard everything. An emergency landing leaves them snowbound at the whimsical Snow Falls Inn. As Maryam connects with Saif and Anna discovers unexpected love, both women find the magic of the season in the unlikeliest of places.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3P3iui3

My Rating

This was a sweet winter romance that followed two young women with very different lives and struggles. When their worlds collide, they form an unexpected friendship and create some holiday magic. I found this book to be a heartwarming holiday read that offered more than just romance—it contained a surprising amount of depth.

In the novel, we follow Maryam, a Muslim woman traveling to Toronto with her family for her younger sister’s wedding. She is strong and level-headed, always putting others first. While snowbound in a small town, she begins to reevaluate her life and take steps to heal from past heartbreak. I especially enjoyed watching her personal growth throughout the book. She reminded me a lot of my mother, who, coincidentally, has the same name

The story also follows Anna, who is traveling to Toronto to spend the holidays with her boyfriend and his family. Although she tries to put on a positive and optimistic front, she is still grieving her father’s death. She is also struggling with feelings of loneliness. While snowbound, she starts to realize that she may have been merely playing a role in her own life. I loved watching her emotional journey unfold.

I found the bond between Anna and Maryam to be wonderful. It was clear that this friendship was something both of them needed. It was nice to see how protective Maryam was of Anna. I liked that Anna appreciated everything Maryam did for her family. It was kind of Anna to offer help whenever she could, even to people who were essentially strangers. The relationship Anna had with Maryam’s grandfather, along with his close bond with Maryam, was really touching. He served as a wise voice for both of them.

“Who doesn’t secretly love holiday movies?”

In the story, Ramadan, Christmas, and Hanukkah all happen around the same time, which offered great representation. I especially liked how open Anna was to learning about Ramadan and her fond memories of celebrating Chrismukkah. One of the highlights of the plot was how it seamlessly included three different cultures and holidays. The authors did a great job incorporating these holidays into the story.

As for the romance, it was really well done. I enjoyed both love stories. They were somewhat predictable and had a Hallmark-movie vibe, but they were sweet and satisfying. Maryam’s romance follows a second-chance, childhood-friends trope. Anna, on the other hand, finds herself attracted to someone unexpected.

Overall, this story is about love, family, faith, and the joy of the holiday season. One aspect I didn’t love as much was that, at times, the story felt like two separate narratives. They were connected only by being set in the same town and featuring overlapping characters. However, the authors did a great job of blending the plots together seamlessly in the end. While it wasn’t a standout book for me and the story didn’t feel as engaging as I had hoped, I truly appreciated how it celebrated multiple cultures, making it a unique and diverse holiday read.

In the comments, let me know if this book is on your winter reading list. If you’d like to help my blog grow, please like this post and share it with other readers. Another way you can support the blog is by following it, which is completely free to do.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Mistletoe Season | Book Review

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About The Book
Step into the magic of Christmas with three heartwarming romances. From dodging mistletoe disasters, to reconnecting with an old flame, and a prince finding love in a small town, these stories are full of charm and holiday cheer.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4g6SDSj

My Rating

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me an ALC of this book.*

This is a short story collection featuring three very different holiday romance stories. Each story is written by a different author and is a fairly quick read. They all have that cheesy yet feel-good Hallmark Christmas movie vibe. I want to mention that upfront because I know some people don’t enjoy those types of holiday romances. Honestly, the stories lack much depth, but they’re cute and fluffy winter romances.

The first story follows Emmy, a single mom who runs an antique shop in Mistletoe, Missouri. When her best friend’s brother, Kieran, returns home after years spent abroad for his mother’s birthday, the two start a winter romance. Honestly, I didn’t love this story at all. The plot felt rushed, and the romance just kind of happened without much buildup or chemistry. They were thrown together and immediately fell in love. Also, Christmas wasn’t really central to the story—it’s just a romance that happens to take place during the holiday season. Needless to say, this story wasn’t for me.

The second story was definitely my favorite in the collection. We follow a prince who is sent to a small town in North Carolina as a punishment by his parents for his not-so-royal behavior. There, he meets a charming, beautiful woman with a troubled family history. They form a friendship, which eventually turns into something more as they team up to help with the town’s annual Christmas charity fundraiser, the Mistletoe Wish.

This one gave me Princess Switch vibes all the way and I absolutely adored it. If you’ve seen that Netflix movie, you’ll know exactly what I mean. I’m not typically a fan of the “royalty falls for regular person” trope, but this one worked so well. I loved how they started off as friends and gradually became something more. The story also had a lot of character development, which I didn’t get in the other stories in this collection.

“I am smart, I am strong, I can conquer any situation, and I can resist mistletoe.”

The last story follows Hailey, who believes mistletoe is her kryptonite. Every time she kisses a guy under the mistletoe, it ends in disaster. While home for Christmas, she vows to avoid mistletoe, but when she runs into her high school crush (the first guy she kissed under the mistletoe all those years ago), old feelings resurface. I thought the premise was good, and I didn’t mind the characters. The ending conflict was well done, but unfortunately, I felt like the romance was too insta-lovey. Also, there was a subplot that reminded me of the movie You Again starring Kristen Bell, which felt a bit odd.

Overall, I would say that only one of these stories was a win for me, so it isn’t necessarily a holiday romance collection I’d recommend. However, I’m not typically one to enjoy many short story collections, so take this review with a bit of caution. I did like how each of the stories had a mistletoe connection, though—it was a cute way to tie them together without directly interconnecting the plots.

In the comments, let me know if you’ve heard of this book and whether you’d recommend it. Don’t forget to like and share this post with others. Once again, thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the chance to read the book early. Please hit the follow button before you go, so my blog can continue to grow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Candy Cain Kills | Book Review

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About The Book
When Austin’s family retreats to a remote cottage for Christmas, he’s dreading the forced holiday bonding. But the cabin’s dark history brings a chilling twist, as a legendary killer named Candy Cain emerges with a deadly agenda. Now, surviving the season means staying off her sinister naughty list.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4fenRFM

My Rating

This book might not be for everyone because it is a bit cheesy; however, I found it to be a really fun, classic ‘90s and early 2000s horror story. If you’re a lover of horror movies, I think you’ll really enjoy this book. I love how it ties in the holiday aspect, and it was such a quick read.

In the book, we follow a family spending Christmas at a rental home in a small town. But once they arrive, they learn that the house has a gruesome history. Years ago, a family died in a fire there, although some townsfolk believe the family was actually murdered.

The plot is so engaging, and there’s never a slow moment, even though this isn’t the most intense horror story, nor is it an example of elevated horror. I really enjoyed the storyline and the characters—they felt like a real family with struggles and issues but still loved each other. Their reactions to everything that was happening was very normal.

“Why don’t we have one more cup of cocoa. . . then go to church and raise some hell?”

There was a twist that I didn’t see coming, and I loved it. I really enjoyed the nostalgic feel of the book, and the writing style was also a highlight for me. It wasn’t too gruesome or scary. If you’re looking to dip your toes into the horror genre, I think you should give this one a try.

Overall, this is an easy and creepy read that’s perfect for readers who want a holiday story that isn’t your classic Christmas romcom. You can easily finish it in a day! It has made me want to pick up more books from this author, especially since I know this book is part of a horror holiday novella series. It may not be the most original or intense horror I’ve ever read, but I would still recommend it to other horror lovers like me.

In the comments, let me know if this book has been on your radar. If you enjoy book reviews and other bookish content, go ahead and hit the follow button so you never miss out on a new post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Nightmare Before Kissmas | Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

About The Book
Nicholas “Coal” Claus, heir to Christmas, finds himself stuck in a PR-driven holiday spectacle, including an arranged marriage to Iris, the Easter Princess. Things spiral when Coal’s mysterious one-night fling, Hex, the Prince of Halloween, becomes his rival in a competition for her hand. Amid chaos, forbidden chemistry, and holiday drama.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4ihyH0p

My Rating

I had high hopes for this book, especially since people compared it to Red, White & Royal Blue and The Nightmare Before Christmas. While I haven’t read Red, White & Royal Blue, this felt like how I imagine that book would be. Unfortunately, I didn’t get much of a The Nightmare Before Christmas vibe—it’s more of a reimagining than a retelling.

The story is a fun M/M romance with a bit of a marriage-of-convenience twist (but not with who you’d expect). The main trope is forced proximity, which was enjoyable, but I struggled with the main character, Coal, the Prince of Christmas. He’s supposed to be rebellious and carefree, but he came off more as a sensitive prankster. The author seemed to want him to be emotionally closed-off, but he didn’t come across that way to me at all.

On the other hand, I really liked Hex, the Prince of Halloween. He’s serious but has a playful side that made him really interesting. Honestly, I think the story would’ve worked better from his point of view—or, even better, a dual perspective. Coal’s narration didn’t quite do it for me, and I think seeing Hex’s side would’ve added more depth to the romance.

“Ah-ah, no arguing, Christmas Prince. You are the one who sought me out for Halloween’s undeniable better qualities.”

One part I really loved was Coal’s relationship with his brother Kris and their friend Iris. The sibling dynamic between the three of them was one of my favorite parts of the book. I do wish we got to know Iris a bit better, but the three of them shared such great moments. Honestly, their friendship and banter was probably my favorite aspect of the book. It even topped the romance for me.

As for the plot—it was fine but nothing special. It felt a bit too long in places, and I was hoping for a more standout story. That said, the world-building was really well done. The author took the essence of The Nightmare Before Christmas and made it their own, which I thought was very creative. However, keep in mind that it might not give you those nostalgic Nightmare Before Christmas feelings.

Overall, it wasn’t a bad book, but it didn’t wow me either. I wanted more from the characters, the story, and especially the banter. And yes, if you’ve read any of my book reviews before, you know that me wanting more banter is a crazy thing to say. Still, if you’re looking for a queer holiday romance with a fantasy setting, it’s worth checking out. Just don’t go in with too many expectations either way.

In the comments, let me know if you watch The Nightmare Before Christmas at Halloween or Christmas. Don’t forget to hit the follow button so you can stay updated on book reviews and other bookish posts!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Lovelight Farms | Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

About The Book
Stella Bloom enters a contest with influencer Evelyn St. James to save her struggling Christmas tree farm, hoping the publicity and $100,000 prize will solve its financial troubles. The catch? She lied, claiming to own the farm with her boyfriend—who doesn’t exist. Enter her best friend, Luka, who steps in as her fake boyfriend, turning their holiday charade into something unexpectedly real.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3CO7MsQ

My Rating

I’m not gonna lie—at first, I really hated this book. I even put it down for a while, thinking I was going to have to DNF it. But I will say, one thing this book has going for it—even though I didn’t love it—is that it’s a fairly quick read, and the plot moves at a decent pace.

This is a friends-to-lovers, fake-dating story. Our main character owns a failing Christmas tree farm and enlists her best friend, Luka, to pretend to be her boyfriend while a social media influencer visits the farm. It has small-town vibes and is definitely a slow burn.

However, the writing was super cringey. Some of the things the characters said—especially our female protagonist, Stella—were just plain cheesy. People don’t actually talk like that, at least not in my experience. On top of that, Stella and Luka gave off serious teenager vibes. They acted like they were in high school, even though they were supposed to be in their late 20s or early 30s.

“I guess I thought owning a Christmas tree farm would be romantic.”

Maybe it’s just where I am in life now, being in my early 30s, but I don’t want to read an adult romance where the characters feel like teenagers. I might as well pick up a young adult contemporary instead. Stella overthought everything, even when Luka clearly told her what he wanted, and it was so frustrating.

The whole story felt unrealistic and overly dramatic. The ending conflict, which boiled down to denial and miscommunication, was resolved within a single chapter. What’s the point of a big blow-up if it’s going to be fixed immediately? It came off as lazy writing to me, but that’s just my opinion.

Overall, you can probably tell this book wasn’t for me. The characters were immature, the small-town setting was very stereotypical, and I wasn’t a fan of Luka’s jealous streak. I also don’t enjoy slow-burn romances, and the intimate scenes here were pretty basic. That said, it’s an easy read, and the Christmas tree farm setting does give it some holiday charm. If you’re looking for a light festive romance, it might work for you.

In the comments, let me know if you think it would be fun to own a Christmas tree farm. Don’t forget to follow the blog and like this post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Thanksgiving Outfits | Reader Edition

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
Thanksgiving Day is so close! I can’t wait to celebrate the holiday with family and enjoy some delicious food. I thought it would be fun to share some bookish Thanksgiving outfit ideas. I’ve created two outfits that I think any book lover would love to wear this Thanksgiving. One is a bit cozier and more casual—perfect if you’re like me and stay home on the most food-filled holiday of the year. The other is still very cozy but slightly more dressed up if you’re planning to go out or maybe attend a Friendsgiving. And, of course, I had to pair a book with each outfit because, as readers, we always have to be reading!


Shop This Look
Sweatshirt: https://amzn.to/4fGXxFp
Joggers: https://amzn.to/3OoAt2h
Slippers: https://amzn.to/4fH2Btx
Book: https://amzn.to/4g52Ii3


Shop This Look
Jacket: https://amzn.to/3YZnSr6
Shirt: https://amzn.to/41ca6Uy
Jeggings: https://amzn.to/3Z8vurj
Shoes: https://amzn.to/3BbD2l3
Book: https://amzn.to/3B0rd11

Let me know in the comments if you enjoyed this post. Hopefully, it gave you some outfit inspiration for Thanksgiving. Don’t forget to share this post with other readers. Before you go, make sure to follow my blog. That way, you’ll never miss a new post!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Naturals | Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

About The Book
Seventeen-year-old Cassie can read people like an open book, but she never took her talent seriously—until the FBI recruits her for a classified program for teens with unique abilities. Living with a group of gifted teens, Cassie quickly learns no one is as they seem, and when a new killer emerges, danger is closer than ever.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3AUWEdi

My Rating

If you’re looking for a fun, thrilling read, this one’s a great pick! This young adult mystery series is often called “Criminal Minds but with teens,” and honestly, that’s spot on. The story follows Cassie, a teenager with a knack for profiling people. Her talent earns her a spot in a special FBI program, all while she’s grappling with her mom’s unsolved murder.

Cassie’s not solving these mysteries alone. She’s part of a diverse group of teens, each with unique abilities. There’s Michael, who reads emotions; Lia, a human lie detector; Sloane, a stats genius; and Dean, another profiler like Cassie. I loved how each character brought something different to the table, and I can’t wait to dig deeper into their backstories.

The book’s fast-paced and keeps you hooked from start to finish. One of my favorite parts? The chapters written from the perspective of the unknown subject (unsub). I always find it fascinating when authors dive into the mind of a dangerous character—it adds this eerie, chilling vibe that takes the mystery to another level.

“I’m not scared of this place. I’m not afraid to learn how to think like a killer, and I’m not afraid of you.”

There’s also a romance subplot. You can spot where it’s heading pretty early, and honestly, it didn’t feel necessary. The mystery and character dynamics were strong enough without it. That said, it didn’t hinder enjoyment of the book.

Jennifer Lynn Barnes nails the young adult writing style, making it easy to dive in and stay engaged. The ending? Shocking! While I did guess part of it, it still packed a punch and left me excited for the next book in the series.

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised. It’s a fun, fast-paced mystery with a fascinating cast of characters. I loved how each teen had a special skill, and I’m so curious to see where the series goes next. If you’re into YA mysteries, you’ll definitely want to check this one out.

Let me know in the comments—are you a fan of Criminal Minds or young adult mysteries? And don’t forget to hit follow so you never miss a post!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny