August 2024 | To Be Read

Hi Friends,
Today I am sharing my August TBR! I am excited and a little bit scared because July was probably my worst reading month of the year. To make up for my lack of reading, I have decided to challenge myself and attempt to read 20 books in August. I will be aiming to finish some books I have already started and read a lot of the summer books I haven’t gotten to yet. And, of course, I always have some ARCs to read.

Even though I have a pretty intense reading month planned, I still wanted to do some sort of TBR game. This month, I used a spinner wheel that gave me book covers instead of prompts. So, the book choices were completely out of my hands, which was terrifying and exciting at the same time.


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This TBR might seem a bit short considering I said I want to read a lot in August, but the rest of the books I plan to read will likely be mood reads, review copies, and books for secret posts. As usual, I will be listening to the audiobooks for all of these books, and two of them are available on Everand, which is my favorite audiobook subscription service. Remember that you can use my link (click here) for a free trial. In the comments, let me know what books are on your TBR for the month. Don’t forget that you can show your support for my blog by giving it a follow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

2024 Mid Year Calm Down | Book Tag

Hi Friends,
I recently did the “Mid-Year Book Freakout” book tag, which is a very popular tag that circulates in the book community every year around this time. However, I noticed that a new mid-year book tag has been created, and it focuses on peacefulness. So, I thought it might be fun to try this tag as well. The tag was created by Leandra The TBR Zero on YouTube.



Honestly, this year has brought me the most amazing bookish friends and community. Although I’ve been part of the book community for years, this is the first time I’ve truly felt integrated into it. It’s made my heart so happy.



‘Anne of Green Gables: A Graphic Novel,’ adapted by Mariah Marsden and illustrated by Brenna Thummler, was such a pleasant, easy read. The beautiful illustrations made the book stand out, and I can now understand why it is considered a classic.
Related Post: Anne Of Green Gables | Book Review



I’d choose ‘How To Plot A Payback’ by Melissa Ferguson, an ARC I was fortunate to receive via NetGalley. This refreshing and clean workplace romance was a pleasant surprise—I enjoyed it much more than I expected.
Related Post: How To Plot A Payback | Book Review



The Naturals‘ by Jennifer Lynn Barnes really energized me. The plot is incredibly engaging, and the book is such a fast read.



I’m choosing Chloe Gong because I finally finished her ‘These Violent Delights’ duology. I had forgotten how good her writing is and can’t wait to read more of her work.
Related Post: These Violent Delights | Book Review



I read ‘Flawless’ by Elsie Silver, a cowboy romance—definitely not a genre I usually pick up. I’m still unsure about this series, but I’m excited to explore the Elsie Silver fandom and see what all the hype is about.
Related Post: Flawless | Book Review



I’ve discovered that I’m really into magical realism and am fully embracing my romantasy era. Those are the two biggest changes I’ve noticed in my reading habits this year.



I want to stop starting multiple books at once. I used to be the type of reader who would finish one book before starting another, but now I’m juggling about five books at the same time. This is a habit I’m eager to break.



I’m not aware of any upcoming bookish events as I’m not attending any. However, I’m very excited about ‘Nothing Like the Movies‘ by Lynn Painter, the sequel to ‘Better Than the Movies,’ which is coming out later this year. I’m envious of those who have received ARCs of the book.
Related Post: Better Than the Movies | Book Review


I prefer to keep personal goals private, but related to books, I’m aiming to visit new bookstores and shop at more indie bookshops.


That’s it for my answers to this fun new tag! I’d love to hear from fellow bloggers—feel free to leave your answers in the comments below. And don’t forget to show my blog some love by following it.

Until the Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Unmaking Of June Farrow | Book Review

About The Book
In Jasper, North Carolina, June Farrow, haunted by her family’s curse and her mother’s mysterious disappearance, starts experiencing strange visions and a mysterious door. Determined to end the curse, she discovers cryptic clues after her grandmother’s death, leading her to the door she thought was a hallucination. Crossing the threshold, June embarks on a journey that changes her past and future, uncovers her town’s secrets, and entangles her in an epic love story.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3WK9EdB

My Rating


From the get-go, this novel had me hooked with its fast-paced storytelling and intriguing mix of magical realism and mystery. It’s not often you come across a book that combines these elements so seamlessly, but this one does it brilliantly. If you’re a fan of Hallmark’s “The Way Home,” you’ll definitely get similar vibes from this book.

From the start, this novel grabbed my attention with its fast-paced story and interesting mix of magical realism and mystery. It’s rare to find a book that blends these elements so well, but this one nails it. If you like Hallmark’s “The Way Home,” you’ll definitely get those vibes from this book.

What pulled me in was the character-driven plot. We follow June Farrow, who’s dealing with her grandmother’s recent passing while trying to solve the mystery of her mother’s disappearance. Plus, there’s a weird illness affecting her family that makes her question her sanity. It might sound like a lot, but the story flows really well and never feels messy or overwhelming.

June Farrow is such a relatable character. She’s dealing with a lot of stress and uncertainty, yet she stays composed and focused. Personally, I can’t imagine staying as calm as she does, especially when faced with traveling to the past and uncovering hidden family secrets. Her journey through these crazy events is both inspiring and engaging, keeping me hooked from beginning to end.

“The curse on the Farrows had broken the natural laws of the world, and with it had come so much suffering. But in this, there’d been the most unexpected of gifts.”

One of the things I loved most about this book is its originality. It’s hard to find a story that feels so fresh and unique, especially in the magical realism and time travel genres. This novel keeps you guessing with twists and turns you won’t see coming. It’s a total original, and I couldn’t get enough of the fascinating elements throughout the story.

The writing style is another highlight. It’s beautifully written without being too fancy or slow. The prose flows smoothly, making it easy to get lost in the story. Each chapter moves the narrative forward, ensuring there are no dull moments. This makes it perfect for those who might find other literary fiction books a bit too slow-paced.

My only complaint about the book was the ending, which was a bit confusing to me. However, I think it’s hard to create a satisfying conclusion when the story deals with time travel. I struggled to understand how it all came together and the reasoning behind the Farrow family’s secret ability. Still, that might be more of a me problem than an issue with the story.

Overall, this is a fantastic read that I couldn’t put down. It’s a story that will stick with me for years, thanks to its well-developed characters, imaginative plot, and beautiful writing. If you’re looking for a book that’s both gripping and original, I highly recommend giving this one a try. It’s definitely worth your time.

I’d love to hear your thoughts if you’ve read this book, so please share in the comments! By liking and sharing this post, you’re helping my blog grow and reach more readers. Don’t forget to follow the blog to stay updated on all my bookish content!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

2024 Summer Olympics | Book Recommendations

Hi Friends,
It is Olympic season! So, I thought I would give you three book recommendations to help you get into the summer Olympics spirit. Although all these books have a sports-focused story, one of them isn’t a summer Olympics sport and is actually considered more of an art. Still, each book has an element that fits the 2024 Olympics.


Fence by C. S. Pacat, illustrated by Johanna the Mad
This is a graphic novel series about an elite high school fencing team. The plot follows Nicholas Cox, the illegitimate son of a U.S. Olympic fencing champion. When Nicholas receives a scholarship to the elite boys’ school, Kings Row, he knows that being on their fencing team will help him achieve his goal of becoming a champion fencer. Not only are the volumes in the series fast reads, but they also clearly have an Olympic and competition theme.


Burnout by Rebecca Jenshak
This sports romance follows Knox, a tattooed motocross rider, and Avery, a gymnast. When Knox’s bad reputation lands him in a tight spot, the only person who can help him is Avery, an Olympic medalist. The book not only captures those summer Olympic vibes but also features a hot bad boy, spice, witty banter, and is the first installment in the Holland Brothers series. Honestly, what more could a romance reader want?


Kisses And Croissants by Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau
This book takes place in Paris, which just so happens to be where the summer 2024 Olympics will be held. It follows an American ballerina who is spending the summer at a prestigious ballet school, knowing it will get her one step closer to becoming a professional ballerina. But instead of dancing her way through Paris, she pliés right into a cute French boy. Their meeting might just be fate, but it might also be a beautiful distraction.
Related Post: Kisses And Croissants // Book Review


I hope you enjoyed this post and found some books that will help put you in the summer Olympics mood. Even if you aren’t a watcher of the Olympics, I hope you still got some good recommendations from this post. In the comments, let me know what your favorite sport in the summer Olympics is. I mainly like to watch the gymnastics competitions. Before you go, show your support for my blog by giving it a quick follow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Anne Of Green Gables | Book Review

About The Book
L.M. Montgomery’s classic is reimagined in a whimsically-illustrated graphic novel. Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert adopt 11-year-old Anne Shirley, who brings delightful trouble to Green Gables. With her flame-red hair and unstoppable imagination, Anne’s misadventures bring romance and excitement to everyone she meets. Anne’s story transforms everyday moments into extraordinary experiences for her friends, including Diana Barry, Mrs. Lynde, and Gilbert Blythe.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3WfI8TY

My Rating


Before reading the graphic novel, I had never read the original ‘Anne of Green Gables’ story by Lucy Maud Montgomery. However, I knew my mother loved one of the TV show adaptations. As I started the book, I had no idea about the plot, except that it followed a young girl named Anne and that Green Gables was her home.

I chose the graphic novel version by Mariah Marsden because it seemed like an easier read and the artwork is amazing. The story follows orphan Anne, who is fostered by a brother and sister. Surprisingly, I learned that her guardians were siblings, as I had always assumed Anne lived with her grandparents.

“Its strange to love a place like you would a person, but I do!”

I loved how the brother and sister, despite originally intending to foster a boy, fell in love with Anne and her bold personality. She truly completed their little family. The book’s wholesome and fun narrative makes it easy to see why people consider it a classic.

Overall, the ending was both sad and sweet, leaving a lasting impression on me. I found it to be a quick and cute fun story that both kids and adults would like. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and am now excited to watch some of the adaptations to see how they compare.

In the comments, let me know if you have read ‘Anne of Green Gables’ or seen any of the adaptations. Don’t forget to hit the follow button before you leave so you never miss a post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Asking For A Friend | Book Review

About The Book
Juliana Zhao, confident in her expertise on love and her chance to win the Asian Americans in Business Competition, is forced to team up with her frenemy, Garrett Tsai, after her partner drops her. As they clash over their dating advice column, Juliana starts questioning her priorities and the sacrifices she’s made. With the competition intensifying, she must decide if winning is worth it.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3y90Apd

My Rating


*I want to thank the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book. However, please know that my reviews are 100% honest and reflect my own thoughts.*

This is an interesting book to explain because it is so much more than a romance and even a love advice column as the synopsis suggests. That isn’t a bad thing, but there are many layers to the story. It dives deep into the complexities of family expectations, personal growth, and the cultural pressures faced by its characters. To me, this multi-faceted approach makes the book stand out in the crowded YA genre.

The main protagonist, Julianna, is always trying to live up to her mother’s high expectations and standards. She tries not to make waves like her older, disowned sister Bella, or her younger sister Hattie, who isn’t shy about questioning their mother. Her goal is to win the Asian Americans in Business Competition started by her deceased father, get into an Ivy League school, and become a success. This relentless pursuit of perfection adds a lot of tension and depth to her character.

I loved how Julianna’s thoughts and plans evolved throughout the book. Her character development was remarkable. Her relationship with Garrett, her former childhood friend, was especially touching because they both understood each other, despite their different struggles. Their reconnection felt genuine, and you could see them growing from friends into something more.

“I wanted the days when I didn’t even know what it was to think of the future.”

This book really focuses on Taiwanese culture and the type of pressure that, I assume, many Asian children have put on them. However, it was nice that the author showcased that not all Asian families hold their children to such high standards and let them make their own choices without judgment. This gave a clearer and more detailed view of cultural expectations.

The writing in this book was a pleasant surprise because, for a YA novel, it didn’t feel too juvenile. In my opinion, the story was well thought out, and there were no moments when the characters seemed immature. The reasoning behind Julianna and Garrett’s falling out was very realistic and understandable, which I appreciated.

Overall, I was surprised by the heavier and sadder parts of the plot. I expected the book to focus more on the advice column, but it turned out to be about following your own advice and figuring out what you want from life. I think many teens, especially those in the Asian community, can relate to this story. I also love a story with an epilogue, and this one wrapped things up nicely.

In the comments, let me know if this book is on your TBR and whether you think you give good advice. Don’t forget to like and share this post with others. As always, please hit the follow button before you go.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Flawless | Book Review

About The Book
The rules were simple: keep my hands off my agent’s daughter and stay out of trouble. Now, I’m stuck with her as my “full-time supervision” to clean up my image after a scandal. But Summer isn’t just a babysitter—she sees the real me and doesn’t run away. She insists on boundaries to protect her heart and my reputation, but I’m determined to steal her heart anyway.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3SirK3I

My Rating


This is the first book in the Chestnut Springs series, an adult romance series of interconnected standalone novels. The series is also a favorite among KU readers. I believe all the books are set in the same small town and are cowboy romances. In this one, we get Summer and Rhett’s love story. With all the hype surrounding these books, I was expecting more.

I’m not exactly sure how to classify the tropes for this book, so we’ll go with workplace romance and good girl/bad boy. Rhett, a successful bull rider, is having a PR crisis, and Summer, his agent’s daughter, is essentially tasked with babysitting him for a few weeks.

Summer is a daddy’s girl who doesn’t love her job but feels like she owes it to her father to work for him. She has a complicated relationship with her stepmother and half-sister, while Rhett is close to his brothers, nephew and dad. It was awesome to watch him interact with his family because of how close they all were.

“You wear the hat, you ride the cowboy.”

Unfortunately, unlike many people, I wasn’t a fan of the storyline in this book or the couple. Summer was decent enough, but I felt like her romance with Rhett was very insta-lovey. Rhett wasn’t my favorite male protagonist because he could be self-centered at times. He would do everything he wanted under the pretense that he was doing it in the best interest of the people he loved.

I’ve learned that I’m not into the “touch her and you die” type of masculinity, which was definitely the kind of relationship Summer and Rhett had. Also, the smutty scenes in this book were very cringey. I don’t know what the author was thinking with some of her phrasing, and as someone who enjoys spice, these scenes were, to put it nicely, poorly written. However, I will say that the book is probably a 3.5 out of 5 on the spice scale, and the sexual scenes are very detailed.

Overall, this book wasn’t something I truly enjoyed. But Elsie Silver does have a great writing style, spicy scenes aside. I found the book to be extremely bingeable, and with this book introducing you to the main characters from the other books, I am very excited to read their stories. I am particularly interested in learning more about Winter, who is Summer’s half-sister. Although I don’t think this book is anything special, I will be continuing the series.

In the comments, let me know if the books get better as the series goes on. Don’t forget to like and share this post with other readers. Before you go, give the blog a follow so that I know you enjoy this type of content.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Last Time I Lied | Book Review

About The Book
Fifteen years after her friends vanished at Camp Nightingale, Emma, now an artist still haunted by their disappearance, is invited back to the camp as an instructor. Despite her fears, she returns to the camp, finding it eerily unchanged except for a new security camera outside her former cabin. As she uncovers clues about her friends’ disappearance, Emma risks everything for the truth, facing potentially deadly consequences.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3SgRAVR

My Rating


‘The Last Time I Lied’ by Riley Sager is a book that had me hooked right from the start. The plot instantly kicks off and grabs your attention. We follow our main character, Emma, who is haunted by an event that took place fifteen years ago at Camp Nightingale. Her three older cabin mates went missing, but Emma has some secrets of her own—things she still feels guilty about today.

The plot revolves not only around the mystery of what happened to Emma’s three cabin mates but also Emma’s mission to gain answers and closure when the owner of the camp invites her back to be the art teacher for the camp’s reopening. I wouldn’t say that Emma is an unreliable narrator, but she was a teenager when all of this took place, so her memory isn’t the best.

One of my biggest problems with the book—and probably the only issue I had with it—was Emma’s character. I felt as if she still acted like she was 13. She wasn’t a very savvy protagonist. Also, the fact that she still had somewhat of a crush on Theo, the camp owner’s son, years later was a little weird. But nothing like your first crush who you accused of murder, right?

“Everything is a game, Em. Whether you know it or not. Which means that sometimes a lie is more than just a lie. Sometimes it’s the only way to win.”

The summertime vibes were definitely on point in this book, and it really gave me that chilling summer mystery feel. For me, it was more of a mystery than a thriller. It definitely isn’t a book that’s going to keep you up at night, but I did enjoy the dual timeline where we get chapters of the past, seeing Emma’s relationships with her cabin mates, especially Vivian, who is the alpha female of the group.

The thing that I think Riley Sager does best is shocking twists. Most of the time, I feel like their books are going to be four stars, but by the end chapter, I am left completely shocked and have to add an extra half star. They write these mysteries where I have no clue where the story is going, and I don’t even try to guess.

Overall, this was such a fun summer mystery thriller that I think a lot of readers will enjoy. I can safely say that Riley Sager has not only become one of my favorite authors, but they are now an auto-buy author for me. I will absolutely read any book they release.

In the comments, let me know if you have read any books by Riley Sager. If you are a fan of mystery, thriller, or horror books, hit the follow button so that you never miss a post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

By The Cover | July 2024

Hi friends,
I started a series of posts judging book covers a while ago and only did it once, back in March. So, I’m trying to change that now. Here I am, back at it for July, judging book covers and letting you know what I think about them. Please keep in mind that this is just for fun. As I said in my first post, I got this idea from a TikToker.


The Sky On Fire by Jenn Lyons (July 9th)
This cover isn’t bad, and it clearly signals that the book is a fantasy about dragons. However, I find it too generic for fantasy novels. It gives off vibes similar to Sarah J. Maas’s style, which is popular but doesn’t make it unique or stand out.


The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer (July 16th)
I think this cover could have a bit more going on, but it’s a pretty good design. I like the blue and brown color scheme, and the easy visibility of the door within the tree, with well-done detailing around it. While it doesn’t perfectly match the author’s other book, the font style and themes are similar.


I Was A Teenage Slasher by Stephen Graham Jones (July 16th)
This book sounds like one of those cheesy 80s slasher horror stories, which I sometimes enjoy. If the author and designer aimed for an 80s B-list horror movie look, they nailed it. However, if that wasn’t the intention, they might want to reconsider the cover. Personally, I’d probably pass by this cover in a bookstore. There’s nothing amazing about it, and I’m not a fan of the bulky, odd font.


Business Casual by B.K. Borison (July 16th)
Honestly, what drew me to this series of interconnected standalone romances were the covers. This one is probably my least favorite, but I still think the art style is very good. It’s clear that all the books belong in the same series. I appreciate how this one, like the others, includes flowers and avoids showing the characters’ faces; it’s a nice touch by the author.


Girl, Goddess, Queen by Bea Fitzgerald (July 20th)
My main issue isn’t with the cover itself but with the book title. It doesn’t feel like a title to me; it reads more like something you’d use to describe the main character or the story on the back of the book. Setting that aside, I don’t like this cover much. It’s unique with the crown and fire, giving the impression of the title rising from the flames. However, the font isn’t appealing to me, and I’m not a fan of the hot pink background or purple text. The border is the only thing I find nice about this cover.


The Faculty Lounge by Jennifer Mathieu (July 23rd)
I find this cover quite interesting. It gives off a teacher vibe, especially with the spilled coffee cup design. I’m not entirely sold on all the characters on the cover; some seem out of place. However, the addition of what looks like a dead character on the cover is intriguing. Though I’m not keen on the yellow background, it fits the typical color scheme for literary fiction books.


Feel free to share your thoughts on any of these covers in the comments below. I want to emphasize that I deeply respect the talent of each designer. These opinions are solely based on my personal likes and dislikes. If you enjoy this type of bookish content, remember to follow the blog!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Weather Girl | Book Review

About The Book
TV meteorologist Ari Abrams and sports reporter Russell Barringer team up to reunite their divorced bosses. As their plan unfolds, unexpected chemistry develops between them, forcing Ari to confront whether Russell can truly accept all parts of her.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4ckeLqz

My Rating


As someone who’s been weather-obsessed since I was a teen, a romance about a TV meteorologist sounded perfect for me. However, this book wasn’t quite what I expected. The story moved slower than I anticipated, and it dealt with heavier topics than your typical romantic comedy.

The main character, Ari, is shy and had a tough childhood. She has clinical depression but tries to hide it with a super sunny and optimistic attitude, which is both sweet and heartbreaking. Watching her handle her inner struggles while keeping up her cheerful front gave her character more depth, which I really appreciated.

The romance in the book revolves around Ari, the meteorologist, and Russell, the sports reporter. It kicks off with them plotting to “Parent Trap” their bosses to fix their toxic workplace. Even though the setup was unique, it was obvious from the start that Ari and Russell liked each other. Their mutual attraction was clear, making it a bit frustrating but also relatable that they didn’t see each other’s feelings right away.

“Weather connects us. A shared experience, even when we aren’t in the same place.”

The romance between Ari and Russell was super cute. Their personal struggles made the main conflict feel very real. I liked Solomon’s writing style, but the plot and romance weren’t anything special. The story was predictable but still enjoyable—it just didn’t stick with me like some other romance novels.

What really stood out in the book was how it handled depression. Solomon did a great job showing what living with depression is like and how it’s always present. The raw, heartfelt conversations between Ari and her mom about depression were especially moving and added a lot of emotional depth to the story.

Overall, this is a nice, easy romance read. The plot might be a bit bland for some, but it’s fun and touching. There are a few spicy moments, so it’s not entirely closed-door, but nothing too intense. I’m glad I read it, though I don’t think it will stick with me long term.

Let me know in the comments what your favorite type of weather is! I’m a snow day kind of girl—there’s nothing better than cozying up with a cup of hot coffee and a good book while the snow falls. And before you leave, hit the follow button so you never miss a post!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny