She Is A Haunting // Book Review

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About The Book
 A House with a terrifying appetite haunts a broken family in this atmospheric horror, perfect for fans of Mexican Gothic. Chilling, evocative, and atmospheric, She Is a Haunting is a slow burn debut horror novel about the ghosts of the past and the ways in which they connect to our present. Tran’s vivid imagery makes this terrifying tale a true standout. This house eats and is eaten . . .
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/47fvqbV

My Rating

This is a haunted house story that has been compared to ‘Mexican Gothic’ by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, and I can see why it can be seen as a YA version of that book. However, I did not enjoy it as much. This story was not gripping, and it was also slightly more confusing. And if I am being honest, I do not remember a lot of the book, which should say something.

The plot follows Jade, as she goes to Vietnam with her sister to visit their estranged father. However, weird things start happening in the house where they are staying with their Ba. Although, it didn’t feel like a ‘true’ spooky haunted house story, which probably doesn’t make any sense.

As a main character, Jada was mediocre, and she did not want to be there, which was apparent throughout much of the story. Truthfully, she had reasons for coming to Vietnam, but she could have left at any time instead of forcing herself to be in a situation that made her uncomfortable.

“I know this is a dream because I am not afraid of my father.”

The book was entertaining but kind of all over the place. I found myself becoming confused and having to reread passages. I found it easy to read mindlessly, without really understanding it. At the end of the book, I was confused, shocked and disappointed.

The writing was not my favorite and did not keep me engaged. The story felt slow moving, and I kept waiting for more to happen. The author is a great storyteller, but her writing form is not what I prefer.

Overall, I did not get the spooky vibes that I was looking for in the story. I would not call it a bad read at all, it just was not something that really interested me. However, I am willing to give the author another shot in the future.

In the comments, let me know if you have read the book. Also, did you know I have an Instagram (@books.with.bunny) account? I post bookish photos each week, so if you are looking for more content from me, you can always follow me on there as well. Please support my blog by hitting the follow button.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

House Of Salt And Sorrows // Book Review

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About The Book
 Annaleigh lives a sheltered life at Highmoor with her sisters and their father and stepmother. Once there were twelve, but loneliness fills the grand halls now that four of the girls’ lives have been cut short. When Annaleigh’s involvement with a mysterious stranger who has secrets of his own intensifies, it’s a race to unravel the darkness that has fallen over her family–before it claims her next.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3PYe4sV

My Rating

I thought this book would be a five-star, because of its interesting plot, but it did not quite live up to my expectations. This is a young adult horror retelling of “The Twelve Dancing Princesses.” Being someone who had never heard of the original version, I did not know exactly what to expect. However, after reading this book, I am curious about the original story.

In the book, we follow Annaleigh, she was one out of a family of 12 daughters, however, four of her sisters, along with her mother, passed away. Because of this, people assume that the family is cursed. However, when strange things start happening, Annaleigh begins to wonder if these deaths are not accidents.

This book is full of many twists and turns. Annaleigh was a very smart main character, and I loved how she was willing to believe in the impossible. However, grief clouds our judgment slightly, which could be why she was quick to believe in unusal and strange things going on.

“We are born of the Salt, we live by the Salt, and to the Salt we return.”

The plot was interesting, and it kept me engaged. There is even a romance that I did not see coming but loved. However, there were times when I thought the story lagged, and I did not want to pick up the book quite as much as I would have hoped. However, I never saw the ending coming, and it was amazing.

Overall, I enjoyed how the author brought this story to life, and it was almost a bit of a gothic haunted spin on ‘Rosemary’s Baby’ story. The last few chapters were fairly creepy, so I would say it is a true horror story, even if it is on the tamer side of things.

In the comments, let me know if you have read the “The Twelve Dancing Princesses” and what you thought of this retelling. Do not forget to like and share this post with other book lovers. If you want to become part of my little bookish family, hit the follow button!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Foxenwood Fall Readathon // To Be Read

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Hello Friends,
Today, I am doing a readathon TBR post, which is very exciting. I joined on of my favorite Booktuber’s patreon, Alexandra Roselyn. She has multiple different tiers you can join, but I choose the Foxenwood tier. There is a lot of member benefits, one being exclusive readathons. This month is the fall one, which began on October 13th and ends October 20th. I am not going to share the prompts for the readathon because this is an exclusive readathon. And, yes, most of the books I am planning on reading this week are graphic novels. Honestly, graphic novels are the way to go when it comes to readathons.

In the comments, tell me if you have participated in any readathons this month. If you did not know, I joined Threads (@books.with.bunny), and I have been loving interacting with the book community there. You can always help support my blog by following it.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Spooky Season // Book Recommendations

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Hi Friends,
Today, I want to do a guide to spooky season reading! I know that during the fall, readers want to read all the seasonal and spooky books, but there is not enough time to get to them all. So, I wanted to share the books I think you absolutely need to read during the spooky season.


‘Long Live The Pumpkin Queen‘ by Shea Ernshaw: Yes, I know that this is technically categorized as young adult, but I think it fits the middle grade genre much more. This is a Nightmare Before Christmas’ sort-of-retelling that follows Sally in her new role as the Pumpkin Queen. This is a great Halloween read, and it is a fun new take on a beloved film.
Related Post: Long Live The Pumpkin Queen // Book Review

‘Coraline‘ by Neil Gaiman: Honestly, I feel like this is the number one book that I’m always recommending for fall time, seeing as it’s a quick read that is eerie but not scary. I love the plot of Coraline, and it is a great read for anyone looking to get into the fall mood.
Related Post: Coraline // Book Review


‘How to Survive Your Murder‘ by Danielle Valentine: If you are a fan of slasher movies and the final girl trope, then this is the perfect read for you! It is an entertaining read that gives off classic slasher movie vibes. This book is ‘Scream’ meets ‘Totally Killer’–do I really need to say anything else?
Related Post: How To Survive Your Murder // Book Review

‘Clown In A Cornfield‘ by Adam Cesare: I think a lot of people would enjoy this book, because it gives old time cheesy horror feels. The title says it all; the book has to do with a killer clown. There’s a lot more to this book than just gore, which I think is a nice added element of the book. However, at its core, it remains a fun slasher story.


‘Mexican Gothic‘ by Silvia Moreno-Garcia: This book is part haunted house and part possession. It is a great autumn read that will give you chills. This is one that might keep you up at night. If you are a fan of Edgar Allen Poe, I can see you really enjoying this book.
Related Post: Mexican Gothic // Book Review

‘Delicate Condition‘ by Danielle Valentine: I’m not sure if this book will seem like a fall read to many readers, but the ‘Rosemary’s Baby’ similarities make it a great spooky season read. The difference is that this is a horror story with an IVF component. The descriptions in this book are unsettling, and the supernatural aspects make the story binge-able. It is such a quick and creepy read, but might not want to pick it up if you are expecting.
Related Post: Delicate Condition // Book Review

There you have it, some spooky reads for the spookiest time of the year. In the comments, leave me with some creepy book recommendations. Do not forget to give the blog a follow before you go.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Every Last Fear // Book Review

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About The Book
A family made infamous by a true crime documentary is found dead, leaving their surviving son to uncover the truth about their final days. Told through multiple points-of-view and alternating between past and present, Alex Finlay’s Every Last Fear is not only a page-turning thriller, it’s also a poignant story about a family managing heartbreak and tragedy, and living through a fame they never wanted.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3Qhbcsi

My Rating

This book was not exactly like I had imagined it, but then again, I went into it, not knowing much about the plot. I was hoping for a thriller that I could not put down, but sadly, that was not the case. However, I do not think that is the book fault, but mainly my expectations being too high.

The plot centers around Matt Pine, a college student whose family was found dead in Mexico due to a gas leak. However, the FBI gets involved, believing that there may be more to the Pine family’s deaths. In addition, Matt’s older brother is in jail for murdering his girlfriend when he was a teenager. A murder that none of his family thinks that he has committed.

The characters in the story failed to draw me in. I found it challenging to care about them sufficiently to truly become invested in the narrative. The story is told from multiple points of view, as well as the past-and-present timelines. I understand the authors’ reasoning for this, but it did not work for me. I generally prefer more focused narratives with fewer perspectives.

“You have two choices when you’re confronted with your every last fear: Give up or fight like hell.”

The story unfolds at a slow pace, lacking the fast-paced tension that often keeps me hooked. Throughout the book, I found myself waiting for more substantial developments that would truly captivate me, but these moments never truly came. The ending did not pack the shocking punch that I had hoped for either, which left me to want more from the story.

The narrative had a familiar feel, akin to a typical episode of a crime show like “Law and Order.” This similarity to formulaic crime dramas was somewhat disappointing. As a fan of the author’s previous work, “The Night Shift,” I had higher expectations of this novel. Unfortunately, these were not met. The plot and ending, while well executed, left a lingering sense of sadness, which might not be everyones cup of tea.

Overall, it is a decent read, but it did not have the magnetic pull that made me excited to pick it up. It falls safely into the tamer side of the thriller category, making it better suited to readers who prefer a less intense experience. So, not really aligned with my tastes, but while it might not be the most captivating, it still has its merits and could very well be an enjoyable read for those seeking a milder kind of thriller/suspense.

In the comments, let me know if you read the book. Don’t forget to like and share this post with others. As always, follow the blog to help it grow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

House Of Hunger // Book Review

- Bunny 1 Comment

About The Book
WANTED – Bloodmaid of exceptional taste. Must have a keen proclivity for life’s finer pleasures. Girls of weak will need not apply. Though she knows little about the far north—where wealthy nobles live in luxury and drink the blood of those in their service—Marion applies to the position. But when she discovers that the ancient walls of the House of Hunger hide even older secrets.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/48U7fkH

My Rating

If you are a fan of ‘The Vampire Diaries,’ then you are going to love this book. It seriously gives the “1800’s Salvatore Brothers/Katherine Pierce” vibes, and I loved it. This comes from a primarily non-historical fiction reader, but the fact that it was mixed with a bit of an odd blood drinking twist really made it work for me.

The book follows a young woman named Marion, who decides to take a position as a bloodmaid. Essentially, bloodmaids are women who are paid to bleed for very wealthy and powerful families. However, I thought that this was a Vampire-esque story. But don’t be mistaken, it is not. The author never references the blood drinking creatures of the night, so as I understand it, that these are regular wealthy families that use blood to sustain their lives.

Marion was an incredible protagonist. Yes, at times, she enjoyed being a bloodmaid, and submitting to Countess Lisavet charms. However, she was not easily fooled, and could tell that things were not as they seemed. She was smart, and I think that all her time growing up in a toxic environment made her more aware of when things seemed strange.

“Sometimes I feel like I’ve been building you a House out of my own bones.”

As for the Countess, she gave off major Katherine Pierce vibes. She was charming; she knew exactly what to say, and do, to get what she wanted. It was easy to fall under her spell. I simultaneously hated and loved her at the same time. She is a rather complex character.

I loved watching Marion, interacting with the other bloodmaids. They formed a family bond, which makes sense – when you sell your blood with a bunch of other women, you are going to feel a connection with them.

Overall, the writing is what made the story excellent, and it really came to life. It was well paced, and kept me wanting to read. And the ending? Incredible! It is not particularly a scary book, but it gives off eerie gothic vibes that make it a great fall read. I devoured this book! It may not be for everyone, but I highly enjoyed and recommend it.

In the comments, let me know if you have this book on your TBR. If you like my bookish content please support my blog by giving it a follow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Seven Year Slip | Book Review

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About The Book
An overworked book publicist with a perfectly planned future hits a snag when she falls in love with her temporary roommate only to discover he lives seven years in the past, in this witty and wise new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Dead Romantics. After all, love is never a matter of time—but a matter of timing.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3M2jvWx

My Rating

This book is full of romance, time travel, and grief. Sure, they seem like a weird combination, but Ashley Poston somehow makes all these plot points work together. She gives us a story that deals with the past, present and future. I loved the ‘Lake House’ movie vibes of the story, yet grief is a huge topic, which at times did overshadow the romance plot.

The main character, Clementine, is struggling with her aunt’s passing, as well as the possibility of a promotion she doesn’t want. But, when her late aunt’s apartment keeps sending her backwards in time seven years, where she connects with a charming young southern man, she might be forced to start following her heart instead of her head.

I loved the romance side of things! Right away, you could feel the chemistry between Clementine and the stranger. A big thing in the story is how you just know when you’re in love with someone. And, I think that really showed when these two were together. Personally, I agree with the “when you know, you know sentiment”. I met my husband and we both just knew.

The entire story was very engaging, and I wanted to keep reading. I needed to know how things were going to turn out! Honestly, throughout the whole book, I kept guessing where things were going to go. Even though I wasn’t always right, some of my assessments were spot on. And, I loved how the past and present collided in a way that made total sense for the story.

“That was love, wasn’t it? It wasn’t just a quick drop — it was falling, over and over again, for your person.”

As for the grief plot, I felt that it was a bit heavy on the grief. However, in the author’s notes, she mentioned how she might not have tackled loss in the best way possible. I understand why loss and grief was such a big part of the story, because it really helped Clementine rethink her present life and what she wants for the future, yet was just an overwhelming dark cloud throughout the story.

The writing wasn’t my favorite, but that’s not to say it was bad either. I have read Poston’s young adult books before, and felt that her writing is very simple. But, it is easy to read, and her stories are unique in their own way. I really enjoyed how seamlessly the plot flowed, and would read another one of her adult romances in the future.

Overall, this was a solid read, with a fun magical realism element to it. I would have liked an epilogue, but that’s just a personal opinion, since the story didn’t really require it. I do want to mention something, and this might be a spoiler, but I feel that it is important to share. The book deals with suicide, so if that is at all triggering, please do keep that in mind.

In the comments, let me know if this book is on your TBR. Don’t forget to like and share this post with other book lovers. If you enjoy my content, then hit the follow button, so that you can get notified whenever there’s a new post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

54321 // Book Tag

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
I came across the ‘54321’ book tag a while ago on the book blog ‘Amy Leigh Reads‘ and thought that it would be a fun quick tag to do. I am not going to give much context to my answers, but if you have been following my blog for sometime, they’re pretty self-explanatory.

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In the comments section, feel free to leave your answers to these questions. Do not forget to share this post with other booklovers. If you enjoy my bookish content, please give my blog a follow because your support really helps my blog grow.

Ace Of Spades // Book Review

- Bunny Leave a comment

About The Book
Gossip Girl meets Get Out in Ace of Spades, a YA contemporary thriller by debut author Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé about two students, Devon & Chiamaka, and their struggles against an anonymous bully. As Aces shows no sign of stopping, what seemed like a sick prank quickly turns into a dangerous game, with all the cards stacked against them. Can Devon and Chiamaka stop Aces before things become incredibly deadly?
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/46q5ZEa

My Rating

This is a gripping tale, with the main characters Devon Richards and Chiamaka Adebayo standing out as minorities in their high school. Chiamaka is portrayed as the classic, smart, ‘queen bee,’ and Devon as the music geek from the wrong side of the tracks.

The plot of the book is undeniably interesting, as it revolves around a mysterious threat targeting Devon and Chiamaka, the only two black students at Niveus Private Academy. This premise immediately captivated me, and kept me engaged throughout the book.

While the writing was commendable and entertaining, I found the book to be a bit lengthy. At times, it felt like I was waiting for something significant to occur. Additionally, the fact that Devon and Chiamaka spent a substantial portion of the book apart was somewhat disappointing, as I hoped for more interaction between them.

“But racism isn’t just about that—it’s not about being nice or mean. Or good versus bad. It’s bigger than that.”

Devon’s character was my favorite, and I felt that I enjoyed his chapters and point of view more than Chiamaka, who came across as somewhat cold. Once the two characters finally started to interact, I did not see much of a friendship form until closer to the end of the book. However, the opposites in their personalities may have been intentional, adding depth to their dynamic.

The ending of the book was shocking, and the revelation behind the attacks on Devon and Chiamaka was unexpected. Furthermore, the book’s unique approach to addressing racism was very impressive. The author was able to tackle such an important social issues in a compelling manner.

Overall, the story is an intriguing reading with engaging characters and captivating plot. It may feel a bit long, and the characters maybe could have interacted more. However, the ending, as well as its take on the topic of racism, makes it a good enough read. One quick thing is that the book features LGBT+ representation, which is something I always like to see in books.

In the comments, let me know if you have read anything from this author previously. Do not forget to like and share this post with others. Before you go, feel free to hit the following button.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

My Fall Makeup Bag // Toss-Up Tuesday

- Bunny 1 Comment

Hi Friends,
In today’s post, I am going to talk about what is in my makeup bag, and the beauty products that I like to use in the fall. I would not say that I am a huge makeup girlie, but I do find that makeup makes me feel more confident. Also, I am not going to mention things like foundation, concealer, setting powder, or mascara because those products do not typically change from season to season.

Blush

The blushes I enjoy in the fall are usually red or berry colors. One of my favorites is the MAC Cosmetics blush in ‘Burnt Pepper, ’ which is a beautiful, deep matte red shade. Another great fall blush in my makeup bag that I find to be a similar to the MAC one, but a bit more shimmery, is ‘Brick Red’ by e.l.f. Cosmetics. These are the two blushes I am always reaching for in the fall.

Bronzer

My go-to-fall bronzer is the Too Faced ‘Chocolate Soleil’ Matte Bronzer in medium/deep. However, currently in my fall makeup bag, I have an e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Contour in fair/light. It is a new product that I am testing.

Highlighter

This is probably my absolute favorite beauty product, so I have a lot to choose from. In the fall, I like to go for a more white highlighter. The two currently in my makeup bag are the e.l.f. Halo Glow Highlighter in ‘Rose Quartz.’ The other is the I Heart Revolution Disney Cinderella Highlighter in ‘Just Before Midnight.’

Face Palette

I have a ton of face palettes, but the one that I keep in my fall makeup bag is the Makeup Revolution The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror Face Palette Spooktacular. There is no better face palette that I could have chosen for the fall time.

Eyeshadow Palette

I am no longer really an eyeshadow wearer, but I love a good seasonal eyeshadow palette. In my fall makeup bag, I have my ColourPop cosmetics original ‘Hocus Pocus’ palette. The colors are so pretty, and you can create a perfect fall-eye look with just this one palette.

Lipstick

As for lipstick, I have become more of a natural lip girl, but in my makeup bag, I have three that are perfect for this time of year. These are the three lipsticks released in the Makeup Revolution X Corpse Bride Collection. The colors represent Emily, Victor, and Victoria.

Hope you enjoyed getting a sneak peek into my makeup bag. I know that this was a different type of post from me, but I love sharing other parts of my personality besides my love of books. However, don’t worry, the book content is not going anywhere, so remember to follow the blog to get notified whenever there is a new post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny