Cozy Christmas | Book Tag

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
Happy Bookmas Day Eight! Today, I thought it would be fun to do the Cozy Christmas book tag. I believe this tag was created by a YouTuber, but I’m unsure who the original creator is. The tag features some fun holiday-themed bookish questions, and I had such a great time answering them.

I own many books that I personally think are beautiful, but right now, The Stars Are Dying by Chloe C. Peñaranda— a recent addition to my collection— has to be the prettiest. The crazy thing is that it isn’t even a special edition, so it wasn’t too expensive. Yet, it’s absolutely stunning!

Yes! I will 100% pay (probably too much) to get a gorgeous copy of a book I love or think I’m going to give 5 stars.

I decided to fully embrace the Christmas spirit and create a red-and-green book stack!

I have to go with Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. Not only does it perfectly embody everything about the holidays, but it’s also my all-time favorite story.
Related Post: Mr. Dickens And His Carol | Book Review

This year, my longest read was Eclipse, the third book in the Twilight saga. I tend to stay away from longer books because they intimidate me. However, being in my romantasy era has made reading longer books feel like a bit of a requirement!
Related Post: Eclipse | Book Review

Please keep in mind that this is just my opinion. Reading is subjective, and so is cover artwork— we all have our own likes and dislikes. For this, I’m picking a series I read this year, The Chestnut Springs series by Elsie Silver. I own all the traditionally published editions, but I don’t like the covers at all. I think the ones with actual people on them are my favorite, which I know that’s an unpopular opinion!
Related Post: Flawless | Book Review

For this question, I’m going with a holiday horror novella I read last year called Secret Santa. It was my first-ever holiday horror book. It’s kind of cheesy, but still a fun, dark story set at Christmas.
Related Post: Secret Santa | Book Review

Besides my favorite book (see question 4), which I reread every year, I’d say The Afterlife of Holly Chase. It’s a Christmas Carol retelling (no shocker there), and such a good YA spin on the classic story. I’ve been rereading it during the holiday season for the past few years, and the ending always warms my heart.
Related Post: The Afterlife Of Holly Chase | Book Review

I hope you enjoyed this book tag! Feel free to share your answers in the comments below. Don’t forget to hit the follow button so you can stay up-to-date whenever there’s a new post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Books I Couldn’t Finish | 2024 DNFs

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
Happy Bookmas Day Seven! I can’t believe we’re already a week into Bookmas. Today, I’m talking about the books I DNFed this year. Honestly, I didn’t DNF many books this year, which I’m very happy about! Still, there were a few that I just couldn’t get through.


Mistakes Were Made by Meryl Wilsner
I got about halfway through this book before I had to stop reading. It’s an adult queer romance where a divorced woman falls for one of her daughter’s college friends. The plot sounded interesting, but I wasn’t a fan of the characters. Also, the way they both handled the situation wasn’t great. Both the friend and the mom seemed to show little care for how the daughter might feel about their relationship.


Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica
This is a mystery thriller that I’ve heard nothing but good things about. However, I didn’t know before starting it that it comes with a trigger warning for child abuse. Let me just say—that’s a hard no for me. I can handle mentions, but I can’t deal with scenes where it’s described or a central part of the story. Unfortunately, the first few chapters were just too much for me, and I had to DNF for that reason alone.


Never by Jessa Hastings
I’ll be completely honest—this was a cover buy. Let me keep this short and to the point: the chapters were too long, the story was boring, and I was totally wrong in thinking this book would be spicy. Also, I hate Peter Pan, so why I thought I’d enjoy a retelling is beyond me!


A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft
I had such high hopes for this book because it sounded so good. But calling it a romantasy is a bit of a stretch. I would categorize it as a fantasy with some mystery thrown in. I got 40% in and was still waiting for the romance. Unfortunately, the mystery wasn’t compelling, and the story as a whole just didn’t hold my interest.


The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston
This one hurt to DNF because it’s so popular. However, I felt like the story dragged and just wasn’t capturing my attention. I was going to push through it, but that plan went out the window when the main character’s jerk of an ex referred to her as “Bunny.” Maybe hearing it once would’ve been okay, but every time she thought of him, that nickname came up. I couldn’t handle it—for obvious reasons (my amazing husband calls me Bunny, hence Book With Bunny).
Related Post: The Seven Year Slip | Book Review

So, there you have it—my DNFs of 2024! Even though I didn’t DNF many books this year, there are still a lot of books I’ve started but haven’t yet finished. Leave me a comment and let me know: are you pro- or anti-DNFing? Don’t forget to come back every day for more Bookmas content, or hit the follow button so you never miss a post!

Leaving Goodreads In 2025!

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
Happy Bookmas Day Six! Today, I’ll be sharing why I’m officially leaving Goodreads in 2025—or at least, mostly leaving. There are several reasons behind my decision to step away from the popular reading tracker and personal library site, but here are the main ones.

Amazon
I don’t love that Goodreads is owned by Amazon. There’s so much about the company that I don’t agree with. While I can’t completely cut ties with Amazon (it’s often the only viable option for many indie authors), this felt like one small way for me to show less support for the company.

Outdated Features
Compared to other book-tracking platforms, Goodreads feels outdated. Its interface looks clunky, and the features are limited. Forums aren’t widely utilized, the giveaways don’t appeal to me, and aside from adding books to your shelves and tracking your reading, there’s not much else to do. It just doesn’t feel engaging.

Recommendations
I’ve found Goodreads’ recommendations underwhelming and heavily skewed toward popular titles. Their “Most Read” lists and personalized recommendations almost always spotlight the same mainstream books. And don’t even get me started on the Goodreads Choice Awards! It’s purely a popularity contest. I’ve even heard some readers speculate that publishers pay to get their books nominated. Some winners and nominees just don’t make sense to me.


So, what’s next? Moving forward, I’ll be using StoryGraph to track my reading—and I’ve been loving it so far! Not only is it women-owned, but it also offers so many fantastic features. You can still set a reading goal and join an interactive challenges. Plus, when you add a book, you can mark whether or not you own it. One of my favorite features is half-star ratings, which Goodreads still doesn’t support.

StoryGraph also provides amazing stats, like your most-read authors and fun pie charts about your reading habits. The only downside is that its database isn’t as extensive as Goodreads’. That said, I haven’t run into a single book I couldn’t find yet!

Let me know in the comments how you track your reading! If you’re on StoryGraph, feel free to friend me—my username is BooksWithBunny. The only thing I’ll keep up with on Goodreads is their yearly Goodreads Choice Awards, purely because if I didn’t, I’d probably have major FOMO! And before you go, don’t forget to follow the blog so you’ll be notified whenever I post something new.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Nightmare Before Kissmas | Book Review

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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

Holiday Books | KU Edition

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
Happy Bookmas Day Four! Today, I’m sharing a post all about new holiday book releases! I could easily tell you about the many amazing traditionally published holiday books that have recently come out. Or, I could tell you about just as many that are set to be released this winter. But today, I want to focus on supporting indie authors, instead. So, here are some holiday releases I’m excited to dive into this winter—all of which are available with a Kindle Unlimited subscription. Let’s show our love for indie authors!


Santa’s Coming by Serena Pier
Released: October 24, 2024
This is the first book in a series of novellas, and it’s a single mom romance—definitely not something I usually read. It features an instant-connection, strangers-to-lovers holiday romance with playful banter and plenty of Santa role-playing. And yes, it’s spicy! I think this will be a quick, steamy read that I’ll absolutely love.


Pine Creek Lodge by Lynette McCornan
Released: November 10, 2024
First off, the cover of this book is stunning, which immediately caught my attention. But when I found out it’s a sapphic Christmas romance, I knew I had to add it to my TBR. The tropes include rich-meets-poor, forced proximity, and (I believe) grumpy-sunshine vibes. I can’t wait to dive into this one!


When the Fake Snow Falls by Heather Garvin
Released: November 15, 2024
I love a good old-fashioned fake dating story, and when you add winter magic into the mix, you’ve got the makings of an amazing read. In this book, Chase enlists Candace to be his fake girlfriend for the holidays. There’s witty banter, an open-door romance, and while it’s a slow burn (not my favorite), it ticks off so many of my favorite romance trope boxes that I’m sure I’ll enjoy it!


Naughty Or Nice by Sophie Snow
Released: November 19, 2024
This holiday novella was one I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of! It features some of my favorite tropes, including age gap, small-town romance, and—yes—a Santa kink. At under 200 pages, it’s quick and spicy. Oh, and the male love interest? He’s her best friend’s uncle. Could this plot get any better?

In the comments, let me know if you’ve read any of these books, or if you’ve downloaded any of them to your Kindle library. There are so many more indie/KU romances I could recommend, so like this post if you want to see a part two. Don’t forget to show your support for my blog by hitting the follow button!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

My Christmas Wishlist | Holiday 2024

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
It’s Bookmas Day Three! I thought it would be fun to share my holiday wishlist. While I do have many books on my wishlist, I also have a few bookish items as well. Keep in mind, this isn’t a comprehensive list—it’s just the highest-priority items.

Also, I know this goes without saying, but I am incredibly grateful for every gift I receive and feel so blessed to get anything at all.


Shop My List
Fourth Wing Bag:
https://amzn.to/49kYKzZ
Kindle Page Turn:
https://amzn.to/3ZjkAPr
Hexed (Never After, 6) by Emily McIntire:
https://amzn.to/49nHD0b
The Hurricane Wars (The Hurricane Wars, 1) by Thea Guanzon:
https://amzn.to/4eU49Py
Forgive Me Father by Katerina St Clair:
https://amzn.to/3D5YmJf
A Pirate’s Life for Tea (Tomes & Tea, 2) by Rebecca Thorne:
https://amzn.to/4eYrEa3
Given Our History by Kristyn JJ Miller:
https://amzn.to/3Zg3ORw
Off to the Races (Gold Rush Ranch, 1) by Elsie Silver:
https://amzn.to/4f1NdGX
The Complete Briar U Series Set by Elle Kennedy:
https://amzn.to/4ijcEGU

There you have it—my holiday wishlist! I’d love to know what you’re asking for this holiday season. Do you write a Christmas list every year, or are you like me and just share your Amazon wishlist with family and friends? Let me know in the comments! Before you go, don’t forget to click the follow button so you’ll be notified whenever there’s a new Bookmas post!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Lovelight Farms | Book Review

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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

December 2024 | To Be Read

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
Happy Bookmas Day One! Today, I’m sharing my December TBR with you. But this time, I decided to do something a little different. I let my husband pick 10 books for me to read. He had free rein of my bookshelves, and honestly, I think he did a pretty good job. I did, however, pick two books myself. Since we have the classic song “12 Days of Christmas,” I thought a total of 12 books on my December TBR would be fitting. The first 10 books I’ll share are my husband’s picks, and the last two are mine.


Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver
I was surprised when he picked this book since it wasn’t really on my radar. All I know is that it’s a dark romcom about two serial un-alivers. I’ve never read anything like it before, so I’m a little unsure if I’ll enjoy the plot. Still, I’m willing to give it a try.


Winterhouse by Ben Guterson
This book was probably low on my TBR since I don’t typically read middle grade. However, I’ve heard it’s a great winter read. While I’m not disappointed it’s on the list, I’m not necessarily excited about it either.


The Courting of Bristol Keats by Mary E. Pearson
My husband picked this one solely because of its pretty sprayed edges. He didn’t know anything about it other than it’s a romantasy—which, honestly, is all I know about it too. But since I’m very much in my romantasy era, I’m intrigued.


Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
He was kind enough to pick this sequel because I raved about the first book in the series. I can’t say much about the plot since I don’t know what happens, but the series follows a young woman who just so happens to be the assistant to a notorious villain.


A Game of Fate (Hades Saga, #1) by Scarlett St. Clair
This is the first book in a companion series to Scarlett St. Clair’s Hades and Persephone series, which follows Persephone’s narrative. However, these books are told from Hades’s perspective. I’m excited to get his take on things!


The Last Tale of the Flower Bride by Roshani Chokshi
This gothic mystery-fantasy gives me Mexican Gothic vibes. There are a lot of intriguing elements, including romance and a curse, so I’m curious to see how it plays out.


Dreadful by Caitlin Rozakis
I think this is a cozy fantasy, but I could be wrong about the genre. Based on the synopsis, it seems like a funny and fast read. It’s recommended for fans of Travis Baldree, which makes me nervous because Legends and Lattes didn’t wow me. Still, I’m going to go into the book with an open mind.


You May Now Kill the Bride by Kate Weston
This is a murder mystery. It feels more summery, which doesn’t work well with my seasonal reader personality, but I think I’ll enjoy it anyway. The plot sounds fun—the bride ends up dead, and the bridesmaids are the main suspects. It seems like it could be a humorous mystery, so I’ll either love it or hate it.


The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna
This is a YA fantasy that I hadn’t thought about since I bought it. It has an interesting premise, but since I’m not much of a YA reader anymore, I probably would’ve kept putting it off if my husband hadn’t chosen it.


Fireborne by Rosaria Munda
This book is about dragons! I’m halfway through Fourth Wing, and it’s made me want to read all the dragon books. Funny enough, my husband didn’t know it was about dragons when he picked it. I’m not mad about it being on my TBR, though it is the start of a new series. I love that for me. Hopefully, you can read the sarcasm in that sentence.


A Holly Jolly Ever After by Julie Murphy
This is the companion novel to A Merry Little Meet Cute, which I read two years ago. I know the third book in this spicy holiday romance series is already out, so I need to read this one. Unfortunately, I haven’t been in the mood for it, so I decided to make it one of my TBR picks to give myself a little push.
Related Post: A Merry Little Meet Cute | Book Review


Spectacular by Stephanie Garber
This is a holiday novel set in the Caraval world. If you know me, you know I really enjoyed the first book in the trilogy—it’s a solid 4-star series for me. I’m excited to return to this world with these characters, especially at Christmastime!
Related Post: Caraval | Book Review

And there you have it, my chaotic but fun December TBR. I know there aren’t many holiday books on this list, but I’m not too upset about that. With all the Christmas movies I’ll be watching, I’m glad to have some variety in the genres I’ll be reading. Don’t forget to hit the follow button before you leave so you never miss a Bookmas post!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Book Deals | Cyber Monday 2024

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
Today, I wanted to share some of the craziest Cyber Monday book deals happening on Amazon right now. I know I just posted a holiday gift guide, but I don’t want any of my fellow book lovers to miss out on some great discounts. These are either books I would buy or ones I’ve read that are on major sale right now.


A Tempest of Tea (Blood and Tea) By Hafsah Faizal
Cyber Monday Price: $8.93
Original Price: $20.99
Buy Here: https://amzn.to/4fWzfY3


Magnolia Parks By Jessa Hastings
Cyber Monday Price: $6.45
Original Price: $17.00
Buy Here: https://amzn.to/3Zu84Om


So This is Love: A Twisted Tale By Elizabeth Lim
Cyber Monday Price: $7.45
Original Price:$19.99
Buy Here: https://amzn.to/4fOyfoY
Related Post: So This Is Love | Book Review


Divine Rivals By Rebecca Ross
Cyber Monday Price: 7.81
Original Price: 18.99
Buy Here: https://amzn.to/4180KJL
Related Post: Divine Rivals | Book Review


These Hollow Vows By Lexi Ryan
Cyber Monday Price: $9.51
Original Price: $17.99
Buy Here: https://amzn.to/3ZcKWCH


Wild Love By Elsie Silver
Cyber Monday Price: $6.65
Original Price: $17.99
Buy Here: https://amzn.to/419WSry


Malibu Rising By Taylor Jenkins Reid
Cyber Monday Price: $5.79
Original Price: $18.00
Buy Here: https://amzn.to/4ePXxlj


The Thursday Murder Club By Richard Osman
Cyber Monday Price: $6.68
Original Price: $18.00
Buy Here: https://amzn.to/3ZuDsMI


Home Before Dark By Riley Sager
Cyber Monday Price: $6.85
Original Price: $19.00
Buy Here: https://amzn.to/41bp3X7


Mexican Gothic By Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Cyber Monday Price: $5.53
Original Price: $17.00
Buy Here: https://amzn.to/3Zg7wuo
Related Post: Mexican Gothic | Book Review

These are just a few of the books that are on sale—there are so many more! I definitely recommend checking out Amazon to see if any of the books you’ve been eyeing are discounted. Also, this is the perfect time to get some holiday gift shopping done, especially if you have a reader in your life. I know I’ll be sharing my Amazon book wishlist with my husband and family. If you enjoyed this post, please hit the like button and follow the blog!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Bookish Gift Guide | Holiday 2024

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
Today I’m sharing my 2024 holiday book gift guide. These gift ideas are perfect for any bookworm in your life. Personally, I know I’d love to receive every single thing I’m going to talk about in this post. I tried to make this a very budget-friendly gift guide and not too repetitive from my previous ones. However, there may be some overlap of gift ideas.

Some of these gifts can be found on Amazon; however, I’m a big supporter of small businesses, so I’ve worked hard to recommend gifts that can also be found on Etsy. I’ve also included some books that I think many readers would enjoy.

Blind Date With A Book
I think this is such a timeless gift, and I’ll continue to recommend it year after year. You just can’t go wrong with a blind date with a book! There are so many Etsy shops that specialize in this type of gift, and a lot of the time, you can include your Goodreads link (or the recipient’s) to make sure they don’t receive a book they’ve already read or own. These blind date packages often include cute little extras like highlighters, bookmarks, or even sweet treats. Most of the time, they range anywhere from $15–$22, which I think is a great price for such a fun gift.

Special Editions
Let’s face it—book lovers get so much joy from a pretty book! I’ve definitely bought books based on their covers or sprayed edges alone. This holiday season, gifting them a special edition of their favorite book or a new release with sprayed edges would be a wonderful idea. You can go the simple route and buy one off Amazon—I’d recommend the Lightlark: Collector’s Edition or Legends & Lattes: Deluxe Edition. However, I suggest checking out Etsy! There are so many small businesses like ColorfulNarrative and SprayedBookEdges. Just keep in mind that Etsy options are typically more expensive than shopping on Amazon or at Barnes & Noble, but you’ll be supporting a small business, and the book will be more unique.

Kindle
This is probably the most expensive gift I’m going to recommend, but it’s such a staple for readers. I think it’s the perfect big gift for someone who loves physical books but doesn’t have space for a personal library—or for a reader looking to try out ebooks. If you want to go all out, you could preload it with a few books as well. There are lots of Kindle models to choose from, but I know the Kindle Paperwhite is the most loved. That said, the regular Kindle is a great option too.

Kindle Unlimited Subscription
You might think it’s silly to gift a Kindle Unlimited subscription if they don’t already own a Kindle, but the Kindle app works on most devices! So, if buying an actual e-reader is out of your budget, I recommend gifting a KU subscription instead. The only downside is that Amazon only offers gift subscriptions in 6-, 12-, and 24-month increments, which can make it a bit pricey. I do hope they add a 3-month option soon. Still, I think it’s a great idea and probably not something most people would think to gift.

Blue Light Glasses
This is a great gift idea for anyone who spends a lot of time reading on their phone or iPad. It’s also perfect for bookish social media addicts like me! Blue light glasses help reduce eye strain and make screen time more comfortable. They’re available in a variety of price points and styles, so you’re bound to find something that fits.

MP3 Player
I’ll be honest—I find these a bit silly. That said, I can see their appeal, and I wouldn’t be upset to receive one as a gift. Essentially, these MP3 players let you download music as well as audiobook apps and the Kindle app. They’re great for younger readers who don’t have cell phones, but they’re also good for teenagers and adults who get distracted by social media while trying to read.

Bookish Merch
I’m grouping all bookish merchandise into one category because this post would be way too long otherwise. Every reader I know would love to get a shirt or mug inspired by their favorite books—or just catered toward book lovers in general. You can find plenty of options on Amazon, but I think Etsy is 100% the way to go for this type of gift. There are so many small businesses focused on selling bookish merchandise. I even have my own bookish Etsy shop, BlackheartBookshelf!

Belladaonna By Adalyn Grace
I couldn’t create a gift guide without mentioning this book! If you’re looking for a fantasy that leans more toward romantasy as the series progresses, this is the one to go for. I think this series works for both new and longtime fantasy readers. And don’t worry about it being YA—it feels much closer to New Adult. You can gift the entire series or just the first book, depending on your budget.
Related Post: Belladaonna | Book Review

The Hunger Games: Illustrated Edition By Suzanne Collins
This series is timeless, and everyone should read it! I loved how well-written it was, and Katniss is such an incredible protagonist. It’s a dystopian fantasy that’s action-packed and light on romance, making it a great pick for a variety of readers.

Winter Books
This is more of a broad recommendation. I wouldn’t necessarily suggest a holiday-themed book—especially if the recipient isn’t into feel-good, Hallmark-style romances. A winter-themed book is a great alternative. One option is ‘One Day in December‘ by Josie Silver. I’ll be honest—I didn’t personally enjoy it. However, I think that’s more of a “me” problem, as I can see many readers loving it. What I did enjoy was the writing style—it kept me hooked even when I wasn’t into the story itself, which makes it a solid gift choice.
Related Post: One Day In December | Book Review

Let me know if you enjoyed this bookish gift guide, and please share any other bookish gift ideas you might have in the comments. If you’d like, you can check out my Amazon book wishlist to see some of the books I’d love to receive this year. Don’t forget to follow the blog before you go!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny