April 2021 // Reading Wrap-Up

- Bunny 1 Comment

Hello Book Lovers,
In the month of April, I read 4 books total. I am happy with that number, since I did take a small week-long reading break during the month. I feel like most of the books I have read haven’t amazed me. I don’t feel like I am a hash book rater at all, still a lot of the books have simply been 3 star reads for me. Also, I want to note that whatever I rate about doesn’t mean it is at all bad. Book ratings are all personal opinions.

If I’m Being Honest by Austin Siegemund-Broka and Emily Wibberley: 5.0/5.0 Stars
Incredible! I was going to dnf this book, but I am glad I stuck with it. It is a new favorite of mine.

Bookish and the Beast by Ashley Poston: 3.5/5.0 Stars
This is a cute contemporary retelling, but not standout in my opinion.

They Wish They Were Us by Jessica Goodman: 3.0/5.0 Stars
I have mixed feelings about this book. I didn’t love it, didn’t hate. It was okay.

Time Of Our Lives by Austin Siegemund-Broka and Emily Wibberley: 3.0/5.0 stars
Of course, I had to pick up another book by this author duo. Unfortunately, this one was a bit of a let down.

As always I will be doing reviews for each book, so that I can share my complete thoughts on them. I was very happy to have read a five-star read, but I feel as though the rest of the books put me in a small reading slump at the end of the month. Let me know about the books you read in April, and leave me your book recommendations in the comments. If you want to support me give this post a like, share and follow the blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

If I’m Being Honest // Book Review

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Title: If I’m Being Honest
Author: Austin Siegemund-Broka and Emily Wibberley
Published: 2019
Rating: 5.0/5.0 Stars

Synopsis: When she puts her foot in her mouth in front of her crush, Andrew, she fears she may have lost him for good. In an attempt to win him over, Cameron resolves to “tame” herself, much like Katherine in Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. First, she’ll have to make amends with those she’s wronged, which leads her to Brendan, the guy she labelled with an unfortunate nickname back in the sixth grade.
Source: GoodReads

When I read the synopsis of this book, I pictured a slow-burn enemies to lovers story. I imagined a Regina George type character who would become reformed. However, you know the saying “Don’t judge a book by its cover” well this book proves that you shouldn’t judge a book by the first few chapters.

I was going to dnf this book around 30 pages in, but I stuck it out, and I am glad. This book is much more than a love story. It is about change and forgiveness. I loved that throughout the story Cameron was focused on changing her ways for a guy, yet learned that self-perception is more important. She realized that honesty isn’t always the best policy, and being truthful could do more damage than good.

“I know the truth can hurt, even when you need to hear it.”

The love story was adorable and devolved in a very natural way. It was less enemies-to-lovers, but instead opposites attract. However, my favorite part of the story was Cameron’s home life and relationship with her parents. She sees her mother as weak and broken, while she paints this image of her dad as successful and strong. While she hates the way her absent father treats and talks to her and her mother. His negative outlook has clouded her opinion on her mother.

At the end, Cameron learns of her mothers love and strength. I think that it is the start of an amazing mother, daughter bond. To give a weird, yet accurate description of the novel. It is like an onion, there were many layers that unfold throughout the story. I am very happy to give this a five-star rating. Please share and like this post, and follow the blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Book Review: Admission by Julie Buxbaum

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Title: Admission
Author: Julie Buxbaum
Published: 2020
Rating: 3.0/5.0 Stars

Synopsis: It’s good to be Chloe Wynn Berringer–at least, it was, until the FBI came knocking on her front door, guns at the ready, and her future went up in smoke. Now her mother is under arrest in a massive college admissions bribery scandal. Chloe, too, might be facing charges, and even time behind bars. The public is furious, the press is rabid, and the US attorney is out for blood.
Source: GoodReads

When I saw this book on display at my local Wal-Mart I thought the concept was very intriguing. I, like many people, have heard about the college admissions scandal that rocked the media back in 2019. When the events of the scandal unfolded I knew that it was only a matter of time before their was some form of fiction about the affair. However, a YA book wasn’t my first thought. I went into this book with very low expectations, and knowing it would be very cliché.

The characters in the book don’t have much depth to them, and we are seeing the entire misconduct through the eyes of the main protagonist, Chloe. There were many jabs and similarities to the original scandal, which was fun to see. A good subject that the book touched on was how people are so quick to turn their backs on one another. Chloe’s friends and crush didn’t think twice before writing her off as a liar and cheater. They never once asked to hear her side of the story. What her family did was wrong nobody is denying that fact. However, their lack of loyalty to their so-called friend said a lot about them. I think it was a very honest portrait of friendship.

“I think about all the things money can and cannot buy.”

I did get slightly annoyed with many of the characters and how clueless they acted. It was as if they thought everyone got into college this way. In a majority of the book Chloe played dumb, which was frustrating but proved that she was not ready for college. The overall ending message about throwing money at your problems was very real. The author made it clear that yes money can buy you a lot even admissions to college, but that doesn’t make it right. Just because you can have something doesn’t mean you should. Most things in life should be earned, and not taken.

I am glad that I picked this book up, but it isn’t anything to write home about. I probably won’t read it again, still it was a very fast easy read. I would be interested to see a TV movie version of this book. If you have read this book please leave me your thoughts in the comments below. Also, follow the blog to get notified when I post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

May 2021 // To Be Read

- Bunny 2 Comments

Hello Book Lovers,
I felt like April would never end, and though I had a pretty decent read month I’m looking forward to May reading plans. If you have been following my blog than you know that I do monthly tbrs where I talk about the books I hope to read throughout the month. Now I don’t have solid reading plans for May, but I have added a ton of books to my want to read list lately. As for readathons, I am loosely planning on doing the 4th Mini round of the PopCulture readathon that will run from May 16th – 30th and is Degrassi: TNG themed. However, if I do it I will post a separate tbr for it closer to the readathon start date.

Twilight by Stephenie Meyers: Me and my husband started the audiobook about a month back, and I ready to dive into this once popular series. I have seen all the movies, but my husband isn’t a Twiheart. Most of you are probably aware of the plot, still I will give you the shortened version. This is the story of what happens when a human girl falls in love with a vampire boy, and all the must overcome to be together.

The Project by Courtney Summers: I decided to pick this up on a whim since I have heard nothing but good things about Summers books. She writes YA/new adult mystery thrillers with her most notable being Sadie. The Project follows a nineteen-year-old girl as she tries to uncover the truth about “The Unity Project” a religious group that many see as a cult. She knows that the project isn’t as holism as they seem, and believe they are the reason behind her strained relationship with her older sister.

Conceal, Don’t Feel by Jen Calonta: I have wanted to read this for a while not, and I was finally able to get my hands on a copy from the library. This is part of The Twisted Tales book series, which are middle-grade Disney retellings. This is Frozen retelling we see what would happen if Anna and Elsa never knew each other. I am not a huge Frozen fan, but I do think that this could be a fun read.

10 Truths And A Dare by Ashley Elston: I read “10 Blind Dates” from this author, and loved it! I knew that I had to pick up her next YA contemporary as soon as it came out. The plot follows Olivia, a character from “10 Blind Dates,” as she finds out she might not get to graduate with her senior class after all. These books are usually light, fluffy reads that I cannot get enough of.

You’re Not Special by Meghan Rienks: I started this book a while ago, and ready to finish it. It is a collection of memoir type stories by YouTuber Meghan Rienks. I was never an avid watcher of Meghan’s channel, but I thought it would be an interesting read.

Snow In Love by Various Authors: I am a big fan of YA story collections, so I was happy to pick this up back in January. However, I have yet to make a dent in it, and it is already May. I am enjoying the first story thus far, and would love to have it read by the end of the month. Also, I don’t mind a little holiday spirit anytime of year.

Those are all the books that I am putting on my main tbr for the month. I am trying to focus on books that I have already started, so that I can have a clean reading slat going into June, which is my birthday month. Please let me know what is on your May tbr in the comments below. If you want to support my blog you can like and share this post. As always you can follow the blog to get notified when I post. I post bookish content and more.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The DNF Tag

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Hello Book Lovers,
I have been thinking about DNFing books a lot lately, because it is something that I struggle with doing. I always want to give a book a fair chance even if I am not enjoying it. I know that is a problem since I read for fun, but I still feel guilty putting a book down. I wanted to see others opinions on this topic, and came across this tag. I thought it was a cool idea, so of course I had to do it for you guys.

I have only DNF a handful of books in my years of reading. It isn’t something I would say that I do regularly, but I am not against it.

Nope! I don’t consider a book read unless I 100% finish it. I think that would be unfair to not only the author, but others that read the whole book. Also, I feel like counting it toward my reading for that month is slightly cheating.

For me, I would say yes. I have some books that I’ve been reading for months, or have put down, but plan on coming back to it within, most likely, a year. I think the main difference is that when you DNF a book you don’t see yourself ever giving it another shot, or at least not for 5 years.

Hmm…I am not sure there are any popular books I have given up on. However, one book that was well rated in the book community that I couldn’t get through was My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick. This is a YA contemporary, which is my favorite genre, still I loathed the book. I found the writing slow and the relationship was very instant lovely. I DNF’ed the book when I was about 60% of the way done, and I have no regrets.

Dear John by Nicholas Sparks! I was on a huge Sparks kick for a while, and read many of his most popular books. I didn’t like many of them with The Notebook being my least favorite. Nevertheless, Dear John was the one that still annoys me like no other. I found the book super boring and just not my cup of tea. I was not a fan of the characters, or the plot. I did not enjoy the ending, and can’t understand why I put myself through that book. Fun fact, I have a signed copy of this book, so lucky me.

I have not attempted to read a DNF, but I won’t write-off the idea. I hope that it would be successful for me. Although, I am not sure I want to give some books a second chance.

I don’t usually buy books I haven’t read, so I don’t typically have the issue of getting rid of DNF’ed books. I will either get the e-book or audiobook from the library. If I do get a book I don’t like I either gift or donate it.

It isn’t really about the title for me, but more of the genre. I try to stick with my favorite genres so I have a better chance of enjoying the book. However, this year I am pushing myself outside of my comfort zone, which means I might be DNFing more books. This doesn’t scare me though, since we never know if we like something if we don’t give it a shot.

I hope that you liked this interesting tag about DNF books. I would love to get your thoughts on this topic. I tag anyone reading this post, and feel free to leave a comment letting me know if you did the tag. I think it is cool to learn others take on different bookish issues. As always you can share and like this post, and follow the blog to get notified when I post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Book Review: The Thousandth Floor By Katharine McGee

- Bunny 2 Comments

Title: The Thousandth Floor
Author: Katharine McGee
Published: 2016
Rating: 4.0/5.0 Stars

Synopsis: Amid breathtaking advancement and high-tech luxury, five teenagers struggle to find their place at the top of the world. But when you’re this high up, there’s nowhere to go but down.
Source: GoodReads

The first description I got of this book was a sci-fi Gossip Girl, and being a GG lover I knew that I had to pick it up. However, I found the book to be a futuristic version of Pretty Little Lairs. The book is the first in a trilogy that follows multiple characters that live in the same apartment building. Although, they do not all come from élite families all of their stories intertwine, and they all have their own secrets.

I was hooked from the first chapter and couldn’t put the book down. There was so many twist and turns that kept me engage. The characters were very well written, and I wanted everyone to get a happy ending even though I knew that wasn’t possible. I did think something were a little cringe worthy, but I do think that the books covered the more taboo talks well. The story deals with incest, obsession, drugs and social class.

“I believe in happiness. I’m just not sure love will actually get you there.”

The ending was probably the most shocking part of all. I did not see it coming one bit, and was on the edge of my seat the entire time. It was sad, dark and fascinating. I know that a lot of people aren’t a fan of this book, but I adored it. It was my first science fiction novel, and I am glad that I decided to give it a chance.

I tried not to give too much away in this review, so I hope that I didn’t spoil anything. I would love for you to share this post with your bookworm friends. Please like the blog to get notified when I post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Book Review: The Princess and the Fangirl by Ashley Poston

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Title: The Princess and the Fangirl
Author: Ashley Poston
Published: 2019
Rating: 3.0/5.0 Stars

Synopsis: When a case of mistaken identity throws look-a-likes Imogen and Jess together, they quickly become enemies. But when the script for the Starfield sequel leaks, and all signs point to Jess, she and Imogen must trade places to find the person responsible.
Source: GoodReads

This book is part of a companion series, Once Upon a Con, where each book follows different characters, but all the books connect. This story is a “Prince and the Pauper” retelling, which is one of my favorite stories. However, the book didn’t live up to my expectations. I didn’t enjoy the characters from this book nearly as much as the first, and the plot wasn’t as interesting.

Now this story is less of a love story, unlike book one, and more of a self-discovery plot, which could have contributed to my dislike of the book. Nevertheless, the over all plot wasn’t excited and the main characters weren’t very enjoyable to read about. I feel that the writing and story was a bit sloppy and not full fleshed out. I did like the side characters that were introduce, and seeing the characters from the first book was a nice treat.

“I am a nobody, but I’m a nobody who wants to leave the world a little brighter than when she arrived.”

Honestly, my favorite part of this book was the love story that developed between one of the main characters. It was a very real and sweet bond they created that turn into more. Also, I think it was an unexpected LGBT romance that was very well written. Overall, the book was pretty cheesy at time and did let me down, since it read more like a middle grade than young adult. However, I will probably be picking up the next book in the series, since it was decent read just not one that I would recommend often.

I do have a review up on Geekerella by Ashley Poston that you can check out as well. Please like and share this post with all your book loving friends. Don’t forget to follow the blog to get notified when I post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

My Top Binge Worthy Shows

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Hello Book Lovers,
I am not only a bookworm, but a TV junkie as well. I won’t say that I watch a ton of shows, still I do have some favorites that I enjoy and rewatch. I thought it would be fun to share my top binge worthy shows with you. I know that these shows can be streamed on one service or another, which I generally appreciate.

Gilmore Girls:This is probably my all time favorite show that I can watch time after time. I have the urge to say that I liked the show before it was cool. The WB original series follows mother and daughter Lorelei and Rory Gilmore as the navigate work, school, relationships and family drama. The show is set in the fictional small-town of Stars Hollow, and is still one of the most quotable shows ever, if you ask me. You can watch all seven season plus the 2018 revival on Netflix. I could go on about this series forever, so if you want me to do more Gilmore related post please let me know.

Grey’s Anatomy: Would this be a true binge worthy list without Greys? I think not! I have a season love, hate relationship with this medical drama. The show follows the personal lives of interns, residents and attending physicians at a Seattle hospital. Although, this is a medical drama most of the show centers around the physicians personal struggles with Dr. Meredith Grey being the main focus of the series. I must admit that I haven’t caught up with the past two seasons, and feel a bit like the show has run its course. I am a big fan of seasons 1 through 10, and gosh do I miss Dr. George O’Malley. You can watch past season on Netflix and the current season 17 on Hulu.

ER: Yep, another medical drama! I cannot be the only one that love and miss this series. Just like Greys, the plot centers on the physicians of County General Hospital in Chicago. However, the series focused more on the medical side of things than the characters lives. Not to say that the doctors didn’t play a huge role in episodes, but was more about the ins and outs of working in a hospital. We still got to see their relationships and struggles outside of the hospital, which was always nice. Also, before there was McDreamy, there was Dr. Ross. I personal was a Dr. Carter girl myself, but to each their own. You can stream all the seasons of this classic gem on Hulu.

911: This is the last medical show I promise. I don’t even know if I can classify this as a medical drama, but I am going for it. I would say this is more of a drama-comedy since there is a lot of lightheartedness to the episode, yet some of the medical “cases” are bizarre. The show centers on first responders such as firefighters, paramedics, police officers and of course 911 operators. I can truly attest to how binge worthy, and addictive, this series is because me and my mom binge watched the first and second seasons in just a matter of days. You can catch up on all the episode on Hulu.

Law and Order Special Victims Unit: I feel like this is another no brainer binge worthy show. The show follows the New York City police force that handles crimes of sexual nature. I cannot believe that it is on the 22nd season, but show is still kicking ass. Excuse my language. I think the plots haven’t been as interesting as I would like this season, but I am still watching. I watch old episodes when I get a chance and still enjoy them just as much as I did the first time around. Also, I have a major crush on Carisi. Sorry not sorry. It was available on Netflix, but I don’t know if that is still the case. I do know you can watch every season on Hulu.

Superstore: I am going to through this in here, because it is a show that I have been dying to binge. Yes, I haven’t seen the entire series yet, but me and my husband loved the first season of this comedy. This is a half-hour comedy about the employees of a “Wal-Mart” type store, and their hilarious work days. I want to say it is The Office, but set at a retail store. However, I have never actually seen the office so I cannot be sure. I will say that this is a very underrated series that I need to catch up on. The sixth and last season has already aired, so I hope to marathon series soon. I know that you can watch most, if not all, the seasons on Hulu.

I had a lot of fun taking about some of my favorite series. I hope you like this post and please feel free to leave me post recommendations in the comments. It would mean a lot if you liked and shared this post. Also, don’t forget to follow the blog to get notified when I post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

My Top Binge Worthy Shows

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hello Book Lovers,
I am not only a bookworm, but a TV junkie as well. I won’t say that I watch a ton of shows, still I do have some favorites that I enjoy and rewatch. I thought it would be fun to share my top binge worthy shows with you. I know that these shows can be streamed on one service or another, which I generally appreciate.

Gilmore Girls:This is probably my all time favorite show that I can watch time after time. I have the urge to say that I liked the show before it was cool. The WB original series follows mother and daughter Lorelei and Rory Gilmore as the navigate work, school, relationships and family drama. The show is set in the fictional small-town of Stars Hollow, and is still one of the most quotable shows ever, if you ask me. You can watch all seven season plus the 2018 revival on Netflix. I could go on about this series forever, so if you want me to do more Gilmore related post please let me know.

Grey’s Anatomy: Would this be a true binge worthy list without Greys? I think not! I have a season love, hate relationship with this medical drama. The show follows the personal lives of interns, residents and attending physicians at a Seattle hospital. Although, this is a medical drama most of the show centers around the physicians personal struggles with Dr. Meredith Grey being the main focus of the series. I must admit that I haven’t caught up with the past two seasons, and feel a bit like the show has run its course. I am a big fan of seasons 1 through 10, and gosh do I miss Dr. George O’Malley. You can watch past season on Netflix and the current season 17 on Hulu.

ER: Yep, another medical drama! I cannot be the only one that love and miss this series. Just like Greys, the plot centers on the physicians of County General Hospital in Chicago. However, the series focused more on the medical side of things than the characters lives. Not to say that the doctors didn’t play a huge role in episodes, but was more about the ins and outs of working in a hospital. We still got to see their relationships and struggles outside of the hospital, which was always nice. Also, before there was McDreamy, there was Dr. Ross. I personal was a Dr. Carter girl myself, but to each their own. You can stream all the seasons of this classic gem on Hulu.

911: This is the last medical show I promise. I don’t even know if I can classify this as a medical drama, but I am going for it. I would say this is more of a drama-comedy since there is a lot of lightheartedness to the episode, yet some of the medical “cases” are bizarre. The show centers on first responders such as firefighters, paramedics, police officers and of course 911 operators. I can truly attest to how binge worthy, and addictive, this series is because me and my mom binge watched the first and second seasons in just a matter of days. You can catch up on all the episode on Hulu.

Law and Order Special Victims Unit: I feel like this is another no brainer binge worthy show. The show follows the New York City police force that handles crimes of sexual nature. I cannot believe that it is on the 22nd season, but show is still kicking ass. Excuse my language. I think the plots haven’t been as interesting as I would like this season, but I am still watching. I watch old episodes when I get a chance and still enjoy them just as much as I did the first time around. Also, I have a major crush on Carisi. Sorry not sorry. It was available on Netflix, but I don’t know if that is still the case. I do know you can watch every season on Hulu.

Superstore: I am going to through this in here, because it is a show that I have been dying to binge. Yes, I haven’t seen the entire series yet, but me and my husband loved the first season of this comedy. This is a half-hour comedy about the employees of a “Wal-Mart” type store, and their hilarious work days. I want to say it is The Office, but set at a retail store. However, I have never actually seen the office so I cannot be sure. I will say that this is a very underrated series that I need to catch up on. The sixth and last season has already aired, so I hope to marathon series soon. I know that you can watch most, if not all, the seasons on Hulu.

I had a lot of fun taking about some of my favorite series. I hope you like this post and please feel free to leave me post recommendations in the comments. It would mean a lot if you liked and shared this post. Also, don’t forget to follow the blog to get notified when I post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

March 2021 Reading Wrap-Up

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Hello Book Lovers,
It is March wrap-up time! I had a pretty good reading month in March, and feel as though I rediscovered my love of books. I read 5 books last month, and I am happy with that total. I am trying not to put as much pressure on myself to read, and I think that has helped a lot.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling: 5/5 Stars
I am doing my first read through of this series please don’t yell at me. I loved this book even more than the first and found it very funny.

The Princess and the Fangirl by Ashley Poston: 3.5/5 Stars
This book was very mediocre, and not favorite. I didn’t love it or hate it, but it was a little disappointing.

Tunnel of Bones by Victoria Schwab: 4/5 Stars
I started this trilogy a while ago, and remember the first book being slightly creepy. However, the ghost story in this one pulled at my heart-strings. I did still really enjoy it.

Admission by Julie Buxbaum: 4/5 Stars
This wasn’t on my tbr for the month, but I am glad I picked it up. I feel like it is an underrated newer release, and I am glad I read it.

The Thousandth Floor by Katharine McGee: 4/5 Stars
Wow, Wow! Need I say more?

I want to let you guys know that I will be doing full reviews on some of these book, so please check back for those. Let me know what you read least month in the comments. Please like this post, and follow the blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny