Kingdom Of The Wicked // Book Review

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Author: Kerri Maniscalco
Published: 2020
Genre: Young Adult/Fantasy/Witchies
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Synopsis
From the #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Stalking Jack the Ripper series comes a new blockbuster series. Two sisters. One brutal murder. A quest for vengeance that will unleash Hell itself. And an intoxicating romance.

I am a fan of Kerri Maniscalco’s ‘Stalking Jack the Ripper’ series. Although, it’s worth mentioning that I have only read the first book in that series. However, I am very conflicted on my thoughts of this book. On the one hand I find the premise interesting, but I wasn’t thrilled with the characters, or the overall plot.

The book didn’t enchant me as much as I’d hoped it would. At first, I found the plot to be fast paced and engaging. But as the book went on, I cared less and less about the story. And don’t even get me started with the love plot. I get that this isn’t supposed to be a romance heavy book, which is a good thing. But the growing relationship between the two main characters, Emilia and Wrath, didn’t do it for me.

“Your heart will conquer darkness. Trust in that.”

The shocking twist wasn’t a shocking twist at all, and one could guess the villain, as well as the cliffhanger ending. However, it did at least leaves you wanting more, and anticipating the next book. As the reader, you do want to see what happens next. Are the more twist to come? What is in store for Emilia and Wrath?

Keep in mind that this isn’t a one session read, yet I do know some fantasy lovers can read a heavy fantasy in one sitting, so this could just be a me thing. I found the story to require a lot of focus and attention, which most fantasy worlds do. One of my biggest cons was the slow pacing, because it made the book seem longer than it is actually.

The writing was beautiful, since Maniscalco has a singsong way of telling a story, which makes it hard for me not to pick up the next book. In all honestly, I don’t think this book was my type of book, but I can see a YA fantasy fan really enjoying it. In the comments, let me know if you are a fantasy reader. Please hit the follow button, and share and like this post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Radio Silence // Book Review

- Bunny 2 Comments

Author: Alice Oseman
Published: 2016
Genre: Young Adult/Contemporary/Mental Health
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Synopsis
Engaging with themes of identity, diversity and the freedom to choose, Radio Silence is a tour de force by the most exciting writer of her generation.

This book gave me ‘Catcher in the Rye’ vibes, since both stories don’t have a ‘true’ plot to them; it’s more of an important message. The whole point of the book was about finding yourself, doing what you love, and not conforming to others’ opinions of you. Life isn’t about making other people happy, but making yourself happy.

The characters were enjoyable to read about. And, there wasn’t a true romance plot, which is different than most YA contemporaries out there. It showcased friendship, and how guys and girls can be just friends. The book featured hardship and conflict, something that we all go through.

There were funny moments that made me laugh out loud. Other times it was sad, and making me feel empathy for the characters. Their emotions were raw and real. The plot wasn’t particularly fast paced, but the slower moving story helped to get the message across better.

“Hello. I hope somebody is listening.”

The underlying theme of everyone wants different things in life was amazing. There was such an element of truth within the story that the author captured well. Even when you think you know your life plan, it might not be as straightforward as you believe it to be. Following your heart is sometimes more important than what others expect from you.

There was a lot of focus on college, and if it is the only path in life. As someone that doesn’t have college degree, I know that school isn’t for everyone. At least it wasn’t for me. I want to mention the trigger warnings in this book, since I want other readers to know what to expect before going into the story. There is the death of a pet, suicidal thoughts, depression, and emotional abuse by a family member.

This book was a whirlwind of emotions, and a powerful story. I think it is best suited for older YA readers, who may understand the point of the story better. Please leave me your thoughts in the comments below. And it would make me smile if you shared and liked this post. Following the blog would make that smile even bigger!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

To Be Read // March 2022

- Bunny

Hi Friends,
It is TBR time again, but this month is going to be a little bit different. I was debating on doing the ‘Tis The Damn’ readathon, which is a Taylor Swift inspired readathon. This was the first readathon I participated in when I started my blog, back in March of 2021. However, I would like to do more mood reading. This isn’t to say that I going to stop doing TBR’s, but the way I do them will change. I have come up with three bookish categories. I will only be talking about the books I hope to read from each of them. The rest of the month I will mood read.

Previous TBR: This is a book that I have put on a TBR from the previous year of the current month. Not sure if that makes any sense. But, since we are in March 2022, it would be a book from my March 2021 TBR.


Fall in love with the addictive, suspenseful love story between a teenage girl and a vampire with the book that sparked a “literary phenomenon” and redefined romance for a generation (New York Times).

Next In A Series: This one is pretty self explanatory, but I have a lot of series that I need to finish.


Perfect for fans of Kiera Cass and Anna Godbersen, and with all the drama, romance, and hidden secrets from The Thousandth Floor and The Dazzling Heights, this explosive finale will not disappoint.

Owned TBR: I am really working on reading the books I already own, which is good since I have a lot of options.


From the author of I Believe in a Thing Called Love, a laugh-out-loud story of love, new friendships, and one unique food truck.

I have a list of other books I’d like to read this month. Most of them are YA thrillers and contemporaries. You can follow me on GoodReads and Twitter to stay up to date on what I am reading. And you can follow the blog to see my reviews of the books as I read them.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Butterfly Sisters // Book Review

- Bunny 2 Comments

Author: Jenny Hale
Published: 2022
Genre: Adult/Contemporary
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Synopsis
A heartwarming story that will have you laughing, crying, and rushing to those you hold dear.If you loved the Christmas movies based on Jenny’s books and are looking for more feel-good, small-town romance, look no further!

*Thank you Jenny Hale for giving me the opportunity to review this book and being part of it’s blog tour.*

If you are a lover of sisterhood relationships and second chance romances, then this book is for you. The story follows Leigh as she must return to her family’s cabin, and come face-to-face with not only her estranged sister, Meredith, but the boy she left behind. The book was filled with family drama that felt over-the-top at times while still managing to be relatable.

The issues between Leigh and Meredith were very understandable. In my own life, I have a strained relationship with one of my sisters. Like Leigh, my sister judges me for my choices, and doesn’t care to know me as a person. This helped me connect with the plot, and I think other readers will also find that real world connection as well.

Leigh was a bit judgmental at times, but you could tell that she only wanted the best for Meredith, which is another very real aspect of sisterhood. The book showcased the hard parts of being a family, and what family togetherness really means. No family gets along all the time, but as a family we should celebrate and lift each other up.

“When emerging from its cocoon, a butterfly needs the struggle to push the fluid from its body into its wings. So essentially, without the struggle, it never flies.”

Although, throughout the book I felt like a lot of their problems could have been solved by simply talking to one another. They all wanted to be heard, but nobody actually wanted to communicate. Still, I can understand there wouldn’t have been much of a story if they had just talked it out from the start.

As for the romance aspect, it was a cute second chance romance. It wasn’t the main focus, and it could have been more fleshed-out. In my opinion, the love interest, Colton, seemed to have carried a torch for Leigh for a little too long. Still, the book and romance gave me such ‘Sweet Home Alabama’, the movie, vibes. Honestly, I kept picturing Josh Lucas as Colton and Reese Witherspoon as Leigh. Um, movie adaptation casting idea?

The writing style was great. The book was very easy to read and follow. It wasn’t information heavy or over-dramatic. Some chapters that were slower than other, but that’s to be expected with adult contemporary. I would be curious to see if I connect personally with some of Jenny Hale other books. I could easily see this book as a GMA book club pick. So, if you are a fan of those books, you should give this one a read. Please share and like this post, because it really helps to grow my blog.

Buy Links:
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Kobo: http://geni.us/BS_Kobo

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Reading Helps // Coping With Mental Health

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Hi Friends,
I have stated before, or at least I believe have, that I suffer from mental health disorders. Well, lately, my mental health hasn’t been the best. I have my highs and lows, and this has definitely been a low month. However, reading has always been a solid coping mechanism for me. So, I wanted to share some ways that reading helps me, and might help you, cope with mental health struggles.

#1. Clears Your Mind
Honestly, reading completely takes your mind off your problems. When you are reading a high fantasy, you aren’t thinking about your everyday struggles. When you are falling in love with the boy next door, you aren’t worrying about the days to come. A good story captivates you, and everything else falls away.

#2. Problem Solving
Reading could possibly solve your problems. You may actually read a book about a character dealing with similar issues, or pick up a self-help book. Advice type books might not be your thing, but they can be useful when dealing with mental health. Books can give you clarity, or a new way to look at something, which is important.

#3. You’re Not Alone
Books featuring characters with mental illnesses are very beneficial, especially if the characters are facing the same diagnosis as you. Simply reading about somebody that is struggling with a disorder can be comforting. You don’t feel so alone, because you can relate to the character in one way or another.

#4. There’s No Competition
This might seem like a weird reason, but pretty much everything we do, or I do, feels like a competition. We see people online, or friends and family, doing these things that make us feel like we aren’t doing enough. Essentially, people are always competing against each other. But you aren’t going to compete with a book character. You can feel at ease and pressure-free.

#5. Happiness
The number one reason that books can help you with your mental health is because they make you happy. If you don’t enjoy reading, then none of the other tips are going to work. You have to read because it brings you joy, if everything else is to fall into place. Honestly, how could reading not ignite happiness?

I must admit that when my mental health is bad, reading doesn’t always do it for me. But, I try to remember these tips during the low periods, and keep reading. Please leave me a comment to brighten my day. And, like always, I ask that you follow the blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Late To The Party // Book Review

- Bunny 1 Comment

Author: Kelly Quindlen
Published: 2020
Genre: Young Adult/Contemporary
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Synopsis
A poignant and deeply relatable story about friendship, self-acceptance, and what it means to be a Real Teenager. Late to the Party is an ode to late bloomers and wallflowers everywhere.

This story is much more than your typical high-school set contemporary. It had a sense of realness to it that many young adult books fail to capture. The main character, Codi, was awkward and atypical. She didn’t go to parties, and had a small tight-knit group of friends. However, there were times that I found her to be a bit irritating and selfish, which does reflect some everyday teens. I found her treatment of her brother to be a tad unkind, but I do realize that some siblings don’t get along, and she was trying to find herself without the opinions of others.

Once Codi is accidentally introduced to high school parties, new friends, and teenage antics, she discovers a whole new side of herself. The book showcases that as teenagers, kids are still finding themselves, and no two people are alike. However, it is okay to put yourself out there and meet new people. This is a lesson that many of us forget as we grow into adulthood and find it harder to make friends.

There were so many different types of personalities that teenagers could easily relate too. Not everyone is outgoing and social. Some people are scared to share who they truly are with others. And, some of us are shy and introverts. Along with the mixed personalities, there was a lot of focus on different sexualities. There were bisexual, gay, straight, and sexually unsure characters. Codi was, in fact, a lesbian. So the book was very diverse in a lot ways.

The overall premise was enjoyable and entertaining, but boring at times. It was as if I was reading about the lives of daily teenagers. I mentioned that this gave the story a sense of relatability, but a bunch of teens’ everyday lives can only be entertaining to a point. However, I am an adult reader, which makes me not the target audience for the book.

“Saying what you’re afraid of makes you brave.”

The main con with the plot was how much focus these kids put on relationships. As someone that was home-schooled and very sheltered, I didn’t have my first dating experience until my twenties, so I can’t say for certain if teenagers are all about finding a relationship. Also, I found the negative outlook on meeting someone online and a Tumblr forged relationship hurtful.

True, one must be super cautious when talking to people online, and must go in a group when meeting anyone from the internet. But, I for one found my husband on Tumblr of all places. Best thing that has ever happened to me. So, I am kind of biased in that front. I was pleasantly surprised that a book published in twenty-twenty featured Tumblr, since it is kind of a forgotten about platform. Does anyone still have a Tumblr?

Overall, the story was cute, and something that a lot of teenagers could find comfort in. If you are a more mature reader, then the book probably isn’t for you. Although, it might bring you back to your teenage years, and give you the nostalgia feels. For me, it was just an okay read with a solid enough plot. Please let me know your thoughts on the book in the comments below. Also, what were you like as a teenager? If you enjoy my blog, then give it a follow to get notified about all my new posts.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Winter Book Haul // 2022 #1

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Hi Friends,
It is finally time for me to share my first book haul of 2022! My husband has been horrible, and amazing, at feeding into my book addiction. However, I did purchase a good chunk of these books with a gift card I received for Christmas. I usually don’t buy this many books over a two month period, but apparently retail therapy has become my thing. Hopefully, I will have more self control in the coming months, but can one ever have too many books.

Little Women by Louisa May: The timeless tale of four sisters – Meg, Jo, Amy and Beth – experiencing both hardship and adventure in Civil War New England. Though the March family may be poor, their lives are rich with colour, as they play games, put on wild theatricals, make new friends, argue, grapple with their vices, learn from their mistakes, nurse each other through sickness and disappointments, and get into all sorts of trouble.

The Accident Season by Moira Fowley Doyle: For fans of We Were Liars and The Ocean at the End of the Lane comes a haunting magically realistic debut about a family caught between a violent history, a taboo romance, and the mysteries lurking in their own backyard.

Bunnicula: Harold the dog and Chester the cat must find out the truth about the newest pet in the Monroe household—a suspicious-looking bunny with unusual habits…and fangs! Could this innocent-seeming rabbit actually be a vampire?

The Smoke Thieves by Sally Green: Unforgivable betrayals, devious motives, and forbidden love collide in the first installment of internationally bestselling author Sally Green’s epic new fantasy series, perfect for Game of Thrones fans.

My Almost Flawless Tokyo Dream Life by Rachel Cohn: My Almost Flawless Tokyo Dream Life is about learning what it is to be a family, and finding the inner strength to be yourself, even in the most extreme circumstances.

Together We Caught Fire by Eva V. Gibson: A forbidden attraction grows even more complicated when the guy Lane Jamison has crushed on for years suddenly becomes her step-brother in this sexy and gorgeously written debut novel about the lines between love, desire, and obsession.

It’s a Whole Spiel: Love, Latkes, and Other Jewish Stories by Various Authors: Get ready to fall in love, experience heartbreak, and discover the true meaning of identity in this poignant collection of short stories about Jewish teens, including entries by David Levithan, Nova Ren Suma, and more!

Layoverland by Gabby Noone: From debut author Gabby Noone comes a darkly hilarious and heartfelt twist on the afterlife about finding second chances, first loves, and new friendships in the most unlikely places.

It Sounded Better in My Head by Nina Kenwood: A compulsively readable love letter to teenage romance in all of its awkward glory, perfect for fans To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and Emergency Contact.

Throw Like a Girl by Sarah Henning: With lovable characters and a charming quarterback love interest, Throw Like a Girl will have readers swooning from the very first page.

We Are the Wildcats by Siobhan Vivian: A toxic coach finds himself outplayed by the high school girls on his team in this deeply suspenseful novel, which unspools over twenty-four hours through six diverse perspectives.

River of Dreams by Jan Nash: Draped in themes of first love and family, secrets and malevolence, and swirling through an exhilarating dream world full of danger, violence, and love, Jan Nash’s exciting debut is a high-stakes adventure full of suspense, romance, and magic, perfect for fans of Stranger Things and Supernatural.

The Best Laid Plans by Cameron Lund: High school senior Keely Collins takes on firsts, lasts, and everything in between in this sweet, sex-positive rom-com for fans of Meg Cabot and Jenny Han.

Geekerella by Ashley Poston: Cinderella goes to the con in this fandom-fueled twist on the classic fairy tale romance.

The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood: When a fake relationship between scientists meets the irresistible force of attraction, it throws one woman’s carefully calculated theories on love into chaos.

Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur: The book is divided into four chapters, and each chapter serves a different purpose. Deals with a different pain. Heals a different heartache.

The Sun and Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur: Divided into five chapters and illustrated by kaur, the sun and her flowers is a journey of wilting, falling, rooting, rising, and blooming. A celebration of love in all its forms.

Malice by Heather Walter: Once upon a time, there was a wicked fairy who, in an act of vengeance, cursed a line of princesses to die. A curse that could only be broken by true love’s kiss. You’ve heard this before, haven’t you? The handsome prince. The happily ever after. Utter nonsense.

By Your Side by Kasie West: An irresistible story from Kasie West that explores the timeless question: What do you do when you fall for the person you least expect?

Maybe This Time by Kasie West: Beloved author Kasie West brings her signature witty banter and rom-com fun to a bold, fresh format. Think Four Weddings and a Funeral for YA.

Seven Dirty Secrets by Natalie D. Richards: I know seven dirty secrets: One caused the fall. One did nothing. One saw it all. One didn’t care. One used their head. One played the hero. One was left for dead.

The Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys: Master storyteller Ruta Sepetys once again shines light into one of history’s darkest corners in this epic, heart-wrenching novel about identity, unforgettable love, repercussions of war, and the hidden violence of silence—inspired by the true postwar struggles of Spain.

Cupcake by Cookie O’Gorman: This new swoon-worthy, feel-good #OwnVoices YA romance from the author of Adorkable celebrates body positivity in all its forms, as well as lifting each other up every day.

Beauty and the Beast by Editors of Studio Fun International: This fresh retelling of Beauty and the Beast follows the story of the classic animated film and includes paintings, sketches, and concept art from the original Disney Studio artists

Happy Dreams, Little Bunny by Leah Hong: This stunningly illustrated debut is The Runaway Bunny for a new generation—a captivating flight of fancy that also helps children lull themselves into dreamland.

This book haul was surprisingly bigger than I originally thought it would be. Sorry not sorry. I would love to know what books you have recently bought or pre-ordered. Also, did you know following my blog really helps it grow? By following you will get notified about all my posts, which I work so hard on. You won’t want to miss any of my upcoming bookish posts!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Book Club and Read Alongs // February 2022 Update

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Hi Friends,
I have so many announcements coming at you. One of them I still can’t say, but I will be announcing it next month. The first is that I am going to be starting a book club! I have been wanting to do this for a while. I don’t know if anyone will actually join in, but I thought I would give it a shot. There will be a GoodReads page for the group, and it will be the ‘Hop It To Reading’ Book Club.

On the GoodReads page, we can discuss the book, and possibly set a date for a live discussion of the book. I will post a poll for us to pick the book for each month. The first poll is up now! I also might do reading sprints once a week on my Twitter (@bookswithbunny). I really hope some of you will join in on the book club.

Next, I want to host a Vampire Academy read-along, or maybe a buddy read. There is a VA series coming out soon, so I would like to read the books. I know that many people have already read this series, but if you haven’t, or are planning to reread it, please join in the read-along!

Those are all the updates I have for you guys this month. Please check back in March for my other exciting announcement! If you want to buy me a coffee or donate to my blog you can visit my Ko-Fi. All your support means the world to me!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Valentine’s Day Sweetheart Book Tag

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Hi Friends,
Today, I am doing a Valentine’s Day inspired book tag! I wouldn’t say that I’m a V-Day fan, but I don’t hate the holiday either. Chocolate and flowers are nice, and YA contemporary is my favorite book genre. The tag that I will be doing is the ‘Valentine’s Day Sweetheart’ Book Tag, created by Pampered Pages.


What is your favorite Valentine’s Day-themed candy?
This is probably the most boring answer, but Reese’s hearts. I don’t normally like peanut butter, but I do like a good Reese’s.


Do you enjoy reading romance?
Yes! I love YA romances the most, but lately I have become a fan of adult romances as well. There is nothing like an adorable and over-the-top fictional romance.

Do you tend to read romance books throughout the Valentine’s Day season?
Not really, I am kind of a mood/planned reader. I am a seasonal reader at times, but with contemporaries being my favorite genre I read them all throughout the year despite the holiday.

Your fictional sweetheart shows up at your door with a Valentine’s Day gift. What is it?
The most romantic gift would be a love note or a song the especially wrote for me. I don’t need shiny things, because I’d marry my true love with paper rings.


How many romance books do you have that are written by the same author?
I have no idea at all, but I do have a few Jenny Han, Kasie West and Emily Wibberley & Austin Siegemund-Broka books.

What is a romance book that made you cry?
Five Feet Apart by Mikki Daughtry, Rachael Lippincott, and Tobias Iacon! It was my favorite book of 2021, and it broke my heart.


If you could choose any place (fictional or real) to escape to for a Valentine’s Day date with your sweetheart, where would you like to go?
I want to go somewhere snowy, like to a cabin in the snowy mountains. Somewhere I can go ice skating, make a snowman, or curl up by a fire and read.

Distance Makes the Heart Grow Fonder: What anticipated book release do you know in your heart you will absolutely love?
Austin Siegemund-Broka and Emily Wibberley’s 2022 release ‘With and Without You’, which is a YA romance about a long distance relationship. This touches my heart already, because my husband and I were in a long distance relationship at first.

Do you have any favorite love-themed quotes from any of the books you have read?

All’s Fair In Love And War: Do you have more books with red or pink spines?
Definitely a pink spines. I don’t know if I have any books with a red spine.

I hope that you enjoyed this book tag. In the comments, let me know if you are a Valentine’s Day fan or not. Please follow the blog via WordPress, so my little blog can grow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Friday Reads #1

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Hi Friends,
Today, I am doing my first Friday reads post. I might not always have one of these post every week, but I do enjoy sharing my weekend reading plans with you. So, I will be letting you know what I plan on reading throughout the weekend.

Bunnicula by James and Deborah Howe
I have about two hours left on the audiobook. I am confident that I can finish it by Friday night.

The Hawthorne Legacy by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
I have been wanting to read this forever! I have the audiobook and plan on starting it on Saturday.

Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
In between, Saturday and Sunday I will be trying to finish Twilight with my husband. We are 40% of the way through the first book in the series.

Caraval by Stephanie Garber
I will most likely not get to this book until next week, but I still have hopes that I can pick it up before the weekend is over.

Those are all my weekend reading plans. I would love to know what you are currently, or planning on, reading over the next couple of days. Please support the blog by liking and sharing this post. Also, it would mean a lot if you’d follow me. It really helps withmy blog’s growth.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny