The Backlist Readathon // Book Review

Hi Friends,
Yes, I am here with another TBR post. In my defense, I did say that there were going to be a lot this month. This one is for the Backlist Readathon, which is taking place from March 8th – 15th. Hopefully this will help me get some older books from my shelves read. The only caveat: I’m adding a rule to this readathon that all my books must be published before 2021 to be considered a backlist. Originally, the readathon rules were that any book published in 2023 or older counts as a backlist book.


Buy Book: https://amzn.to/3VaWkyS

Cold cases are about to get hot. Don’t miss this exhilarating crime thriller—perfect for fans of Criminal Minds and A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder—from Jennifer Lynn Barnes, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Inheritance Games.


Buy Book: https://amzn.to/3PcJIU3

The third novel from Riley Redgate, the beloved author of Seven Ways We Lie, Final Draft is “an intensely focused portrait of a girl who, through first love and first loss, begins to find the story she wants to tell” (Booklist).


Buy Book: https://amzn.to/4a55zEJ

The Silent Patient is a shocking psychological thriller of a woman’s act of violence against her husband―and of the therapist obsessed with uncovering her motive.


Buy Book: https://amzn.to/43cusMo

From the author of Survive the Night and Final Girls comes a tense and twisty thriller about a summer camp that’s impossible to forget—no matter how hard you try.


Buy Book: https://amzn.to/3PieGtN

From bestselling author B.A. Paris comes the gripping thriller and international phenomenon Behind Closed Doors. The perfect marriage? Or the perfect lie?


There is a bonus prompt, but I (surprisingly) didn’t have a book that fit it. In the comments, let me know if you will be doing the backlist readathon as well. I checked to see if any of these books were available on Everand, and some of them were, which is exciting! Remember that you can get a 30 day free trial (click here) and gain access to their huge catalog of ebooks and audiobooks. Before you go, know that I am truly happy you stopped by the blog, and it would be amazing if you hit the follow button.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Kisses and Croissants // Book Review

About The Book
Mia Jenrow has always known she’s destined to be a professional ballerina. Mia is planning to spend a magical summer in France pursuing her dream, but as she pirou-ettes into Paris, she soon realizes it may be a bit more complicated than she hoped. As sweet as a macaroon from Laduree, this romantic novel set in Paris about an American ballerina and a charming French boy is perfect for fans of American Royals and Netflix’s Emily in Paris.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3T7TQOQ

My Rating


This book wasn’t for me the plot felt very basic, there was an instata love romance and the characters didn’t have much depth. I tired my best to give the book a chance but I just couldn’t get into the story. The book for a 17 year old Mia, who is spending the summer at an elite ballet academy in Paris.

Mia is all about ballet and her one desire to get into a prestigious, ballet academy in America. She hopes her time training in Paris well open these doors for her. Unfortunately, I found Mia to be super immature. I understand you’re in Paris. It’s a new experience and you’re excited, but for someone who was supposedly all about dance, she thought about other things way too much.

There is this a whole side plot that had to do with a Family legend, that Mia was trying to uncover, just approve that dance was in her blood. It was cute, but just not interesting. However, it did add a little something extra to the plot.

“French kisses taste a million times better in France.”

As for the romance, like I mentioned before it was way to insta-love. Also, I predicted what was going to happen with them from the start since was very obvious. Although it was a very cute teen romance, it just felt rushed.

But I did enjoy Mia and Audrey’s friendship. They started out as Frenemies, but really form a bond and learned from each other. I personally loved the character of Audrey and would love if the author wrote a book following her.

Overall, the plot just wasn’t for me and it felt very young. The writing style didn’t really immerse me into the story or a Paris, which was a letdown. However, the ending was a bit shocking, and I liked how everything was wrapped up.

In the comments let me know if you enjoy books with Insta love. If you would like to give my blog a follow before you go it would me a lot to me.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

By The Cover // March 2024

FHi Friends,
Today, I’m going to be doing something a little different. It’s a new post series that I want to start doing each month, where I judge some of the current month’s book releases by their covers. This idea was completely taken from Shannon or epeolatrys on TikTok. She does cover reviews each month, so I definitely recommend you checking out her page.


The Summer She Went Missing by Chelsea Ichaso (March 5, 2024)
Nothing about this cover stands out to me. The title is obviously the focal point of the cover, yet I don’t care for how the font changes on the word missing. However, I do like the shatter on the sunglasses. Although, for what I assume is a summer thriller, the colors are a bit muted, and too dark for my liking

 

 

 


Murder Road by Simone ST. James (March 5, 2024)
I love this cover because it is so simple, yet still eye catching. Personally, I would instantly be drawn to this at a book store, and definitely want to read it. Although, I don’t find that the words ‘a novel’ are really needed. It just takes away from rest of the cover design. The only sort of negative thing I will say is that it does give major mass market paperback vibes. But, that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

 

 


What Monstrous Gods by Rosamund Hodge (March 5, 2024)
At first glance, I thought that this cover was very well done. The placing of the title is great and the characters are drawn beautifully. However, the monster hand seems out of place, and so do the flowers. And, I’m not fan of the effect. My biggest issue, and this could just be a me thing, but the characters are giving me Star Wars vibes. Still, it is a strong cover as a whole.

 

 


The Other Lola by Ripley Jones (March 12, 2024)
This cover is stunning in my opinion. I am loving the 3D effect that the flower and paper are giving. The colors work well together, and the lighter background helps the black flower pop more. Again, not sure we need ‘a novel’ on the cover, but I do like how this cover includes a little blurb about the book.

 

 

 


Happily Never After by Lynn Painter (March 12, 2024)
This cover is so cute! You can tell that the story has to do with weddings. I love the confetti and font style. However, it’s a little too pink. As a pink lover this might be strange for me to say, but I feel like the background elements blend together a little too much. It would be nice if there was a bit more detail to the background, or maybe a splash more white added to break up the colors.

 

 


Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle (March 19, 2024)
This cover isn’t captivating at all, but it is similar in color scheme and style to the author’s other books. I guess they should get points for consistency. For the life of me, I can’t tell why a book with this title doesn’t have some sort of calendar design, but maybe that would be too on the nose. I am just not into this watercolor, more artsy style of book cover. It just isn’t something that stands out to me.

 

 


In the comments, let me know what you think about these book covers. Just like always, remember to like and share this post. If you’re a fan of bookish content, then please show your support by following the blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

March 2024 // To Be Read

Hi Friends,
Today is another TBR post. This is going to be my monthly TBR. Usually, I will play my Bookopoly game, but I decided that I am going to start switching up how I pick my TBR each month. This month I chose to use a prompt spinner wheel to help me pick the books this month. I used a random number generator to see how many spins I was going to do and got 10, so this TBR is a bit much considering all the readathons I’m participating in.



I’m very excited that my first prompt was a seasonal read. Since spring starts at the end of March, I’m putting a spring read on my TBR. That book is going to be ‘In The Weeds’ by B.K. Borison. Honestly, I don’t have high hopes for this book, like at all. It just happens to be my least favorite trope – second chance romance. But if I don’t just put it on a TBR, I may never read it.



The second prompt was a book that ends on an even number of pages. I am, once again, putting ‘Ruthless Vows’ by Rebecca Ross on my TBR. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to it in February, but I am dying to see how this duology ends.



My third prompt was a low star prediction, which is more of a punishment prompt, but that’s okay . I picked ‘Liar’s Beach’ by Katie Cotugno. This is a young adult mystery, and an Agatha Christie retelling. I’ve only read one other book by this author, which I didn’t enjoy. I hope that this book is slightly better.
Related Post: Fireworks // Book Review



The fourth spin’s prompt was a book under 250 pages. I am happy about this, because it means I get to add a short book to my TBR. However, I don’t own many short books. That means that I’ll be picking a graphic novel. Luckily I’ve been in the mood to read volume two of ‘Unfamiliar’ by Haley Newsome, because the first volume was such a cute read.



The fifth prompt was a book you bought used, which is easy since I’m a book buying addict. I am choosing ‘The Silent Patient’ by Alex Michaelides, since it is going to work perfectly for a readathon which I’ll be taking part in this month. All I know about the book is that it’s a thriller that people seem to really enjoy.



My sixth spin gave me the prompt a book with a map. Now I should not be starting any new series, but most of the books I have that contain maps are starts of series. So, with my husband’s help I chose ‘A Curse So Dark And Lonely’ by Brigid Kemmerer. All I know is that this is the start of a trilogy, and it’s also a Beauty and the Beast retelling.



My seventh prompt was a book published after 2015, which is most books on my TBR. I’m going to put ‘Two Twisted Crowns’ by Rachel Gillig back on my TBR, since it was another February book that I wasn’t able to read.



Prompt number eight was to read an author’s debut book, which is amazing. I really wanted to get ‘Powerless’ by Lauren Roberts on this month’s TBR. If I am not mistaken, this is her debut novel, and apparently it’s heavily inspired by ‘The Hunger Games.’



The ninth spin gave me one that was most recent purchased, which again, is easy for me. I decided to pick ‘The Bone Witch‘ by Rin Chupeco. This is the start of a gothic fantasy series that I haven’t seen anyone talk about. I’m interested to see if it is any good.



The tenth and final spin landed on the prompt a book with an illustrated cover. I’m happy to get this prompt, because I don’t have much romance on this TBR. So, I picked ‘The Deal’ by Elle Kennedy, since my copies of this series are the illustrated versions. I am very intimidated by this series, and just hoping that I love it.


There you have my March TBR! Let me know in the comments which TBR game you think I should play next month, or follow my Threads to vote for one! Don’t forget that you can like and share this post with others. If you would like to stay up to date with the blog, give it a follow, so that you get notified whenever there is a new post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Series I Need To Finish // 2024 Update

Hi Friends,
Let’s talk about some book series! Specifically, book series that I need to finish. I have started so many series, but never seem to keep up with them. Seriously though, I’m actually hoping to finish some of these before the end of the year. Now that might be a bit of an ambitious goal, but a girl can dream.



The Babysitters Coven by by Kate M. Williams
I read the first book last year during the fall, and I still need to get to the sequel, ‘For Better or Cursed.’ I believe this trilogy is completed, but I will most likely only be able to pick up the second book before the year ends.

These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong
This is a duology that I actually cannot wait to finish. I gave ‘These Violent Delights’ five stars, so I have high hopes for ‘Our Violent Ends.’ I haven’t heard a lot of people talk about this duology much, but I think it’ll become a favorite of mine.

The Book of Tea by Judy I. Lin
The first book, ‘A Magic Steeped in Poison,’ ended on such a cliffhanger, that I have to read ‘A Venom Dark and Sweet’, soon. The only problem is that the first book was very slow-paced, so I’m worried that the sequel will be as well. However, the plot is super interesting and will keep you intrigued.

The Legendborn Cycle by Tracy Deonn
I just need to bite the bullet and pick up ‘Bloodmarked’, which is the sequel to ‘Legendborn.’ I have heard that it is even better than the first book. For me, this was one of the books that kickstarted my fantasy reading journey. However, these books are chunky, and have a lot of world building. Still, they are fascinating, and I hear that we get a love triangle in book two.

Daughter of the Pirate King by Tricia Levenseller
This is a series I started this year, and since the first book is fresh in my mind, it would be nice to read the second book soon. I never thought I was a pirate book type of reader, but I’m loving this storyline. I am interested to see where the next book takes us.

Letters Of Enchantment by Rebecca Ross
It is shocking to me that I haven’t picked up the second book in this duology yet, since I loved ‘Divine Rivals’ so much. Honestly, I’m just scared it’s going to put me in a reading slump. However, I am intrigued to see how this love story places out and get back into this world.



The Shepherd King by Rachel Gillig
The first book was a roller coaster. There were times I was loving it, and times where the plot seemed to drag. Still, the duology has such an interesting plot that I need to see how it concludes. I would like to read it soon, because I’m worried I’ll start forgetting the first book.

Stalking Jack The Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco
It is embarrassing how long it has been since I’ve read the first book in this series. I don’t know why it’s taken me so long to finish these books, but I need to simply binge them. I remember a lot about book one and enjoyed it, so it’s about time to finish the rest of the books.

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
I am happy to say that I am well on my way to finishing this series. I have one book in the original series left, but I do have the two novellas and ‘Midnight Sun.’ By no means do I love this series, but I am enjoying it.

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
This is an older young adult dystopian trilogy that pretty much everyone has read by now. I have yet to read the second and third book, which is such a shame. I am dying to see the new film, but I would like to read the book first. However, that means I need to read the original trilogy first.

Divergent by Veronica Roth
Not going to lie, I didn’t enjoy the first book in this YA trilogy. I understand that it’s on par with ‘The Hunger Games’ for best YA dystopian series, but I wasn’t that big of a fan. Yet, I do hear that the second book is really good. So I am planning on finishing the series this year and maybe read the companion novel, ‘Four,’ as well.

The Tea Dragon Society by Katie O’Neill
This is a graphic novel series that I should have no problem reading. I have two volumes left to read, and I cannot wait. It is such a cute, cozy fantasy that is very easy to read. I am sure that I will enjoy the last two books as much as I did the first.


Those are some of the series that I am hoping to knock out by year’s end! Before you go, follow the blog, so that you never miss a post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Sims Readathon 2024 // To Be Read

Hi Friends,
Today I am doing the first of many TBR posts this month. I will be participating in the Sims Readathon, which is hosted by Ashley (@OfFictionAndFantasy) and some amazing co-hosts. This is a yearly readathon that typically takes place in February, but was moved to March this year. It is a month-long readathon that is centered around the Sims line of games. Since my husband is a bigger Sims player/gamer in general, I love doing the readathon. This time around, I was sorted into Team Wolff. There are 8general prompts, as well as 1 team prompt for each team.


Buy Book
A true crime blogger gets more than she bargained for while interviewing the woman acquitted of two cold case slayings in this chilling new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Sun Down Motel.


Buy Book
Code Name Verity meets Jennifer Donnelly’s Revolution in this gripping debut novel.


Buy Book
Just Don’t Call Me Yours is a spicy enemies to lovers college romance filled with witty banter, sizzling sexual tension, and of course, rock and roll.


Buy Book
Writing as Mina Hardy, New York Times bestselling author Megan Hart delivers a nail-biting psychological suspense about the bonds of family, perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell and Jeneva Rose.


Buy Book
Enter a cold, silent forest and find out what feasts at night in this new gothic tale from bestselling and award-winning author T. Kingfisher, set in the world of What Moves the Dead.


Buy Book
A dangerous alliance between a Vampyre bride and an Alpha Werewolf becomes a love deep enough to sink your teeth into in this new paranormal romance from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Love, Theoretically and The Love Hypothesis.


Buy Book
Starling House is a gorgeous, modern gothic fantasy from the New York Times bestselling author of The Ten Thousand Doors of January.


Buy Book
Two wolf shifters agree to be fake mates but unexpectedly find something real in this steamy paranormal romantic comedy by Lana Ferguson.


In the comments, let me know if you are joining the readathon. If you would like to read some of these books as well, you can sign up for a 30 day free trial of Everand (click here). You can read almost all of these books through them. I am unsure if they have the ebook versions, but if you are an audiobook super fan like me, I recommend trying it out for a month! And finally, please support my blog by giving it a follow!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Everyone Who Can Forgive Me Is Dead // Book Review

About The Book
Nine years ago, with the world’s eyes on her, Charlie Colbert fled. The press and the police called Charlie a “witness” to the nightmarish events at her elite graduate school on Christmas Eve—events known to the public as “Scarlet Christmas”—though Charlie knows she was much more than that. But when a buzzy film made by one of Charlie’s former classmates threatens to shatter everything she’s worked for, Charlie realizes how much she’s changed in nine years.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/42PrVri

My Rating


This book was a lot different than I thought it would be. It is a very character driven thriller, with an unreliable narrator. Normally, I don’t mind that, but this book fell flat. Not to say that the story wasn’t gripping – it just wasn’t as engaging as it could’ve been. I feel a lot of that has to do with how the author went about telling the story.

In the book, we follow Charlie, who is living in New York and working as a journalist. Years ago, she survived Scarlet Christmas – a massacre that took place while she was in grad school. Now, with a movie being made about the horrific event, Charlie is afraid that the gaps in her memory from that night might come back to haunt her.

The only character we really get to know in this book is Charlie. There was a heavy focus on Charlie’s PTSD and the gaps in her memory about that fateful night. Understandably, the reader is supposed to follow Charlie along as she tries to fully remember the night of Scarlet Christmas. Unfortunately, I don’t feel like we got to know enough about Charlie, or her past, to really get invested in the storyline.

“Perhaps we have to be incentivized, people like me, to not cause any more death.”

My biggest issue with this book is that it’s told mostly in present day. Although Charlie is actively trying to regain these memories of the past, the book mostly focuses on her current struggles, and whether or not to trust her own mind. It would have been nice to have more than just the here and now. Perhaps, alternating the chapters between the present and her time in college.

However, the author did attempt that closer to the end of the book, but at that point, you’ve kind of already figured out where the story is going. Also, it can be a little bit confusing, since we flip back-and-forth from the past to the present within the same chapter. It was a writing choice that I didn’t enjoy, but the writing in general wasn’t my favorite. Still, I tried to keep in mind that this is a debut novel.

Overall, it’s a decent book, but I wouldn’t necessarily call it a thriller. I found there to be only one major shocking moment throughout the entire book. Especially since I guessed the ending twist when I was only about 70% into the book. If you would like to pick up the book, I would recommend checking trigger warnings since it deals a lot with trauma, trauma bonding, and mental health issues.

In the comments below, let me know if you have read this book, and your thoughts on it. Don’t forget to like and share this post with other readers. If you’re a fan of book reviews, please hit the follow button so you get notified whenever there’s a new post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Weekly Reading // February 19th – 25th

Hi Friends,
I usually do Friday Reads posts, but I thought that I would change it up and do a weekly reading post. I’m going to be talking about the books that I hope to read this week. On my TBR for the month, I have mostly just the fantasies left to read. But, I’m not sure I’ll actually get to any of them before the month is over. However, I do have big reading plans for the week.

Everyone Who Can Forgive Me Is Dead by Jenny Hollander
I’m 30% into the book, and hoping that I can finish it soon. The book is pretty slow, but it is a thriller that I am enjoying so far.

Betting on You by Lynn Painter
This is an anticipated read for me, which means it is crazy that I haven’t read it yet. This is on my TBR for the month and it should be a fairly quick read. I typically love Lynn Painter’s young adult books, and I’m expecting this one to be no different.

Our Violent Ends by Chloe Gong
This is the one fantasy from my TBR that I would like to actually read this week. I read the first book back in 2022, so I need to get this duology completed.

I Hope This Doesn’t Find You by Ann Liang
This is tentatively on my TBR for the week because the audiobook is available on Libby soon. If that hold comes in, then I will most likely pick it up.

There you have my reading plans for the week. In the comments, let me know what you are planning on reading this week. Don’t forget that you can like and share the post. And, it is completely free to follow the blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Clowns In A Cornfield // Book Review

About The Book
Kettle Springs is caught in a battle between old and new, tradition and progress. It’s a fight that looks like it will destroy the town. Until Frendo, the Baypen mascot, a creepy clown in a pork-pie hat, goes homicidal and decides that the only way for Kettle Springs to grow back is to cull the rotten crop of kids who live there now.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3wllqR6

My Rating


I’d heard nothing but good things about this book! Many readers said that it was a good, fast-paced, young adult slasher book. However, I wasn’t feeling the plot from the get-go, and my connection to the characters was lacking. So that might be why I didn’t find it as gripping or as enjoyable as others did.

The plot had the potential to be great, since it centers on a classic horror theme of a killer, or in this case killers. Killer clowns, to be exact. While the concept is intriguing, the book falls short in execution. However, I can see how the straightforward plot and simple rural slasher story may appeal to readers new to the young adult horror genre.

The book’s strengths truly lie with the fact that it is a great introduction for younger readers who are just dipping a toe into the world of horror literature. The familiar premise of a killer picking off their victims one by one would most likely make it a decent choice for those who are exploring the horror genre for the first time.

“Drawing a new line in the sand while nobody else is watching, then wiping away the old one. And the whole time you know . . . You know where it’s all leading.”

Unfortunately, the twists and turns in the story were disappointingly predictable. Which, again, might not be an issue for new horror readers. I found myself anticipating each plot development, and nothing in the narrative genuinely surprised me. The lack of unexpected moments or suspenseful elements made the reading experience somewhat flat and uninspired.

One aspect of the book that stood out was the author’s incorporation of their political views into the narrative. While it’s not uncommon for authors to infuse their work with personal beliefs I have heard some readers say that the heavy-handed political aspect of the book was distracting and even off-putting. Also, the author’s writing style didn’t align with my personal tastes. Sometimes, I enjoy being thrown right into the plot. This was an example of one where I would have liked to get to know the characters a bit more.

Overall, the book is a decent, but forgettable, young adult horror novel. While the plot concept is engaging, the predictable twists, political influence, and lackluster execution make it nothing special. The fact that I could see what was coming in each chapter left me with no surprises from the story. If you are a serious horror reader seeking an immersive and captivating experience, it’s possible that you, like me, will find yourself wanting more from this book.

In the comments let me know if you have read this book and your thoughts. Make sure to like and share this post. Finally, don’t forget that you can hit the follow button to get notified whenever there’s a new post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Valentine’s Day Sweetheart // Book Tag

Hi Friends,
Happy Valentine’s Day! I’m not sure if I have ever done a Valentine’s Day book tag, but if I have I hope it wasn’t this one. But, if it was sorry not sorry. I’ll just be a book tag repeater. This tag was created by Pampered Pages on YouTube. It’s just a fun, bookish tag inspired by one of the most romantic days of the year.



Reese’s hearts all the way! Honestly, as someone that doesn’t enjoy peanut butter it confuses me that I can’t get enough of peanut butter cups. Thus, these have to be my favorite type of Valentine’s Day candy.


Yes! I love me a good adult romcom or young adult romance.



This is hard for me to answer because I do try to read as much romance as I can during February but as a mood reader it’s hard for me to stick with one genre. But, I do generally like to read as many romances that I can in honor of Valentine’s Day.



Let me just say that I’m a happily married women, but if one of my fictional crushes happen to show up at my door the perfect gift would be a love note. I know that’s lame but my love language is words of affirmation.



I have a ton of romances written by the same author. I recently got most of the Chestnut Springs series, I’m only missing one book, and I’m so excited to start it! I have heard that they are just such great, small town! cowboy romances.



The one book that made me sob is ‘Five Feet Apart,’ which is the most heartbreaking and sweet young adult romance. Honestly, it’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s still such a good read. But be prepared to shed a few tears. Maybe more than a few.
Related Post: Five Feet Apart // Book Review



I’m going to be so basic and say Paris. It’s the city of love. I know that’s such a lame answer but it’s on of the places I’ve always wanted to visit.



I feel like I’ve answered this question way too many times, so I’m going with a release that I haven’t mentioned yet. That would be ‘Nothing Like The Movies’ by Lynn Painter. When I found out that ‘Better Than The Movies’ was getting a sequel, I knew that it would most likely be in my top 5 favorite books of the year.



I never remember a lot of my favorite book quotes so I did have to do some digging when it came to this question. I found two quotes that I absolutely adore that I think perfectly describe the feeling of being in love.

“Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same” ― Emily Brontë, Withering Heights

“I didn’t fall in love with you. I walked into love with you, with my eyes wide open, choosing to take every step along the way. I do believe in fate and destiny, but I also believe we are only fated to do the things that we’d choose anyway. And I’d choose you; in a hundred lifetimes, in a hundred worlds, in any version of reality, I’d find you and I’d choose you” ― Kiersten White, The Chaos of Stars



After looking at my bookshelf, I believe that I have more books with pink spines than red ones. This kind of makes sense, because most of my romances have more pastel tones for their cover art.


Those are all the questions in this tag, but before you go, let me know in the comments your answers to these questions. Don’t forget to like and share this post with others! As always, follow the blog, so that you never miss a post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Edited