May 2024 // To Be Read

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Hi Friends,
I realize it’s rather late in the month, but I still wanted to share my May TBR. Once again, I used prompts to pick my TBR. I selected five prompts and chose a book that fits each one. I must say, I’m very excited about this month’s book selections.

Buy Book: https://amzn.to/3UyrmPb

“Weaving together the stories of three extraordinary women across five centuries, Emilia Hart’s Weyward is an astonishing debut, and an enthralling novel of female resilience.”

This is a book I have heard many things about and can’t wait to jump into. It’s a magical realism story about witches, and I’ve been told that it’s a great read.

Buy Book: https://amzn.to/3JT0QuZ

“A TV meteorologist and a sports reporter scheme to reunite their divorced bosses with unforecasted results in this electrifying romance from the author of The Ex Talk.”

I have been wanting to read this book for the longest time, so hopefully, this will finally be the month. Since I’m practically obsessed with the weather, it seems like the perfect adult romance for me.

Buy Book: https://amzn.to/3wxLCIM

“A curmudgeonly professor journeys to a small town in the far north to study faerie folklore and discovers dark fae magic, friendship, and love in the start of a heartwarming and enchanting new fantasy series.”

This is a cozy fantasy, a genre I haven’t explored much. However, I know that this book is well-liked, and the plot intrigues me.

Buy Book: https://amzn.to/3UVeyUi

“A couple who broke up months ago pretend to still be together for their annual weeklong vacation with their best friends in this glittering and wise new novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Emily Henry.”

I’m not sure what’s drawing me towards this book, but I have a feeling that I am going to love it. Despite the fact that the main romance trope in the book is second chance, which is my least favorite book romance plot.

Buy Book: https://amzn.to/3yqe1kg

“In modern-day Manhattan where we lay our scene, two rival witch families fight to maintain control of their respective criminal empires.”

The first sentence of this book truly captivated me, so I have high hopes for it. Also, as you can tell, I enjoy a good witchy book.

Let me know in the comments what is on your May TBR. Remember to check Everand to see if any of these titles are available in the catalog. As always, you can use my link (click here) to get a 30-day free trial. Don’t forget that your support means a lot to me, so please follow the blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Practice Makes Perfect | Book Review

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About The Book
Annie Walker seeks love in her small town, Rome, Kentucky, but struggles to find the right match. Enter Will Griffin, a sexy, tattooed bodyguard tasked with helping her find love. Despite his reluctance, they embark on practice dates, blurring the lines of friendship. Annie learns that perfection isn’t necessary, only real connection.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3Uwubjs

My Rating

This book was an anticipated five-star read for me, but unfortunately, it didn’t meet my expectations, as you can see from my rating. It serves as the companion novel to Sarah Adams’s ‘When In Rome,’ which I’ve also read. This time, the story focuses on Annie, the youngest sister of Noah, the male lead in the first book, and her love story.

Annie, as the youngest Walker sibling, feels like something is missing from her life, and she believes getting married will fill that void. She seeks the help of Will Griffin, the bodyguard of Annie’s celebrity friend Amelia Rose, as her relationship tutor. While tutor-teacher romances are usually enjoyable for me, this one fell flat.

Annie as the main character is kind of average. She’s like your typical nice girl, a bit awkward, but secretly into romance novels. Will, well, he’s that classic brooding type that romance fans can’t resist. Even though their interactions were fun to read, I was hoping for a bit more depth in the romance department.

“But the thing about quiet people is, we’re only quiet because our brains are so busy overthinking everything.”

The story, similar to the first book, unfolds in the small town of Rome, Kentucky, aiming to capture the cozy atmosphere of Stars Hollow from Gilmore Girls. It’s evident that the author took cues from the show, particularly evident in Will’s striking resemblance to Jess Mariano. And to top it off, there’s a town meeting solely devoted to hashing out Annie and Will’s relationship, much like the ones about Luke and Lorelei’s relationship in the show.

One aspect I did appreciate was the character development of Annie and Will throughout the book. Seeing them help each other grow and understand what they want in life was satisfying. However, in terms of spice level, this is mostly a closed-door romance, rating a 1/5 on the spicy scale.

Overall, my main issue was the book’s inability to keep me engaged. The story felt slow at times, making me question if the author’s writing style was for me. Nevertheless, it’s a sweet closed-door small-town romance that many readers may enjoy, even though it didn’t work for me. If the author continues the series with the other Walker sisters, I’ll likely give them a try.

Feel free to share your thoughts on the ‘When In Rome’ series in the comments. Your support by sharing and liking this post would mean a lot to me. Don’t forget to hit the follow button before you go.

Until the next chapter,
Bunny

Be as brave as Annie in pursuing love and happiness. On the day of your marriage, design your own unique Wedding Neon Signs to light up your most beautiful moments!

When In Rome | Book Review

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About The Book
Burned-out pop princess Rae Rose seeks solace in small-town Rome, Kentucky, where she meets pie shop owner Noah. Initially skeptical, Noah reluctantly offers her shelter. As they bond, Noah discovers the real Amelia behind the celebrity facade. Together, they explore small-town life and open up to new possibilities. But their time together is limited, as Amelia must soon return to her glamorous world, leaving Noah to reconcile his feelings.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4b9x0yb

My Rating

I really wanted to enjoy this book, but it was just okay. Honestly, that’s the best way I can sum up my feelings about it. The characters were alright, the plot was alright, the romance was alright, and the writing was alright. So, I didn’t hate the book, but it didn’t quite meet my expectations.

The main romance trope of the book is “Hollywood starlet falls for everyday person” set in a small town. But it also has “grumpy sunshine” elements as well. I actually liked how the romance between Amelia and Noah unfolded. It felt really natural, and seeing them struggle to resist their feelings was entertaining. Noah wasn’t exactly my favorite leading man, but I found Amelia’s character development quite engaging.

I really liked how Sarah Adams avoided the miscommunication trope in this book. Usually, I’m not a big fan of that unless it’s handled really well, which can be tough. So, it was refreshing to see the author take a different approach. It feels like the book sort of dances around the forced proximity and opposites attract themes. Plus, this was my first time diving into a forced proximity romance, but now I’m hooked and definitely want to explore more of them.

“When the hell did it become such a crime to be selfish now and again?”

I really loved all the nods to Audrey Hepburn in the book, especially with her movies being Amelia’s comfort films. It really tied the story together nicely. Also, I appreciated how the author showcased that most of those classic love stories ended in tragedy. When we’re younger, it’s easy to romanticize love stories, but as we get older, we start to see the sadness in them as well.

This small-town romance isn’t just about love—it delves into some heavier themes. You’ll find elements of manipulation, grief, Alzheimer’s, and cheating woven into the storyline, adding depth to the narrative. But don’t worry, it still delivers those cozy small-town romance vibes you’re craving.

Overall, the book wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t anything extraordinary either. Like I’ve mentioned before, it was just alright. But you know what? That’s totally fine because not every book has to blow you away. I’ll definitely check out more from this author because I did like the way she told the story.

Do you have a favorite forced proximity romance book? I’d love to hear about it in the comments! Don’t forget to share and like this post with others, and if you want to make my day, give my blog a follow too!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Daisy Jones And The Six | Book Review

- Bunny 1 Comment

About The Book
Discover the reason behind one of the greatest rock bands’ of the 70s, ‘Daisy Jones & The Six, breakup at the peak of their fame. Daisy, a young woman in 1960s L.A., dreams of rock ‘n’ roll stardom amidst a backdrop of sex, drugs, and the Sunset Strip. Meanwhile, Billy, the leader of The Six, faces the pressures of impending fatherhood and fame. Their paths collide, leading to a legendary collaboration chronicled in this gripping oral history by Taylor Jenkins Reid.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3y1y1tF

My Rating

This is a riveting tale that defies genre expectations, and even managed to captivate me – someone that typically steers away from historical or literary fiction. The documentary-style format adds a unique layer to the storytelling, and they did a wonderful job at giving a realistic look into the glamorous, yet tumultuous, world of a 70’s rock band. The audiobook, with its immersive narration, further enhances the experience, and brings the characters – and their journeys – vividly to life.

What truly sets the novel apart is its richly developed characters, each offering a distinct perspective on the trials and tribulations of stardom. Daisy Jones, in particular, emerges as a character of remarkable depth, her struggles and evolution serving as a poignant exploration of identity and self-discovery. Even characters like Bill, who I would describe as the egotistical lead singer of The Six, undergoes a positive character development, gradually winning me over, despite his flaws.

At its core, the book is a story about love, self-acceptance, and the complexities of relationships. Through the lens of a legendary band’s rise and fall, the novel explores themes of authenticity, ambition, and the often elusive nature of true connection. It’s a compelling narrative, that resonates long after the final page is turned.

“It’s like some of us are chasing after our nightmares the way other people chase dreams.”

The author’s skillful storytelling ensures that even though I was initially skeptical of the subject matter, I found myself engrossed in the narrative. With its seamless blend of drama, romance, and rock ‘n’ roll excess, the book is an irresistibly addictive read that will appeal to music lovers and literary enthusiasts alike.

Overall, despite any initial reservations, I was truly happy that I decided to give the book a chance. The satisfying conclusion serves as a testament to the author’s ability to craft a captivating story that transcends genre boundaries. I can understand why Taylor Jenkins Reid is such a popular and well loved author.

The book does touch on some potentially triggering topics, so please visit Book Trigger Warnings to get a complete list. Don’t forget to hit the follow button, so that you never miss a post!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

First Lie Wins | Book Review

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About The Book
For Evie Porter, identity is everything. Tasked by her mysterious employer, Mr. Smith, she investigates her target, Ryan Sumner. As her feelings for Ryan grow, so do the risks of her covert mission. With her past threatening to unravel, Evie must balance her fabricated persona with her true self in a high-stakes game of deception to secure her future.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4aUIvtj

My Rating

This book dives deep into truth, morality, and self-discovery, but in a way that really grabs you. We follow our main character as she tries to untangle a mess of lies and deceit. The characters within are not just black and white; they’re morally grey, which adds a whole new layer to the story, and makes you question everything.

It’s a perfect mix of gripping plot twists and characters you can’t help but care about. While some parts might seem predictable, the suspense keeps you flipping the pages. It’s not exactly a thriller, but it sure keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Ashley Elston’s storytelling is so vivid that you can easily picture this book on the big screen. Just a heads up, though – it takes a bit to really get going. But once you push through that first chunk, you’re in for a wild ride.

“Mama always said to be successful in life you need to do three things: learn everything you can, try your hardest, and be the best at what you do.”

The book was very entertaining, and I had fun trying to figure out how things were going to end. Speaking of the ending, I didn’t expect things to turn out the way they did, but I thoroughly enjoyed the way the story played out. Being inside these characters’ heads was great, and the plot was very well executed.

Overall, the book didn’t make Elston a new favorite thriller author of mine, but it definitely showed that she has incredible talent. While everyone might not vibe with the pacing, or level of action, I think the book is worth the read. Who knows, you might just find yourself pleasantly surprised.

In the comments, let me know if this book is on your TBR. If you like bookish content, then follow the blog. It is completely free, and you will get notified whenever there’s a new post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Cupcake // Book Review

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About The Book
Cupcake isn’t the unnoticed girl waiting for a makeover. In fact, she loves herself just the way she is. But when she unexpectedly finds herself on the Homecoming Court, alongside a brooding partner named Rhys, everything changes. Rhys is mysterious and distant, and she can’t figure him out. As the spotlight shines brighter on the pair, Cupcake starts to question her feelings for Rhys. And, as the two grow closer, she realizes there’s more to both of them than meets the eye.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/44bryIz

My Rating

This book surprised me in the best way, since I haven’t been loving young adult contemporaries. I picked the book up on a whim because it has a plus size main character, which isn’t something you normally read in romance novels. Let alone a young adult romance. I wasn’t thinking it would be anything special, but found it to be such a quick and good read.

The plot follows Ariel, nicknamed Cupcake, who is shocked when she ends up on Homecoming court. Her partner is a popular jock, Rhys, who Cupcake thinks she has nothing in common with. But, as you could probably tell, the author follows the basic ‘opposites attract’ trope that is very common in young adult books. But, there was also an element of forced proximity to the story.

Ariel is a wonderful main character because she is very body positive. She knows that even though she’s a little bit bigger, that doesn’t make her less of a person. But, I found it to be very realistic when she did let comments about her weight affect her. It is hard to love yourself and your body 100% of the time. Unfortunately, Rhys wasn’t as fleshed out a characters, and it seemed like the author wanted him to be the brooding bad boy at times, but then made him the nice guy too.

“When I found out you’d read my favorite book series, some part of knew you were the one.”

The romance was very cute and wholesome. There was absolutely zero smut throughout the book, and not even really any talk about things more than kissing. Although, the characters are high school seniors, or possibly juniors, it leans towards the younger side of the YA genre. But, I don’t think that is a negative thing at all, since when I read young adult books, I expect there to be little or no spice.

The only issue I had was that the ending conflict was very immature, but I did have to remind myself it is a young adult book. Although, this is mainly a fluffy romance there is a brief mention of ED, which I know can be hard for some people to read about. There is also mention of mental health struggles and body shaming. The book is generally lighthearted but I did want to mention those possibly triggering topics.

Overall, this is going to be your typically young adult read, that I found to be breath of fresh air. It is a shame how underrated it is, since I could see a lot of younger people enjoying it. I had a good time reading it, and finished it fairly quick. So, if you are looking for a cutesy young adult romance, or have a teen reader in your life, I’d recommend giving this book a read.

In the comments, let me know if you have heard of this book. Thank you so much for reading this post, and stopping by my blog. As always, it is completely free to follow the blog, and it really does help it grow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Books Inspired By // Taylor Swift

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Hi Friends,
I know that some of my readers must be Taylor Swift fans. I have been listening to her music since the release of the ‘Our Song’ music video. So, in honor of her new album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” I thought that I would share five books that were apparently inspired by her.

Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3WaZfIa

Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4d4VWbx

Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3Ucjvq8

Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3JvT362

Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3JATxaR

In the comments, let me know which song from her new album is your favorite. Unfortunately, only one of these books can be found on Everand, but you’d like to check out other books they have you can use my link (click here) to get a free trial of their subscription service. Don’t forget to share and like this post. And, as always, you can support the blog by giving it a follow.

Until the next chapter,
Bunny

A Thousand Boy Kisses // Book Review

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About The Book
This gut-wrenching story of friendship, first love and, of course, heartbreak is a must-read for fans of If He Had Been With Me and is best read beside a box of tissues. One kiss lasts a moment. But a thousand kisses can last a lifetime. One boy. One girl. A bond that is forged in an instant and cherished for a decade. A bond that neither time nor distance can break. A bond that will last forever. Or so they believe.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4aEbMID

My Rating

The book gained significant attention online, primarily through BookTok, which piqued my curiosity and led me to pick it up, despite knowing it promised a tragic love story. The novel follows the dual perspectives of teenagers Poppy and Rune as they navigate the tumultuous journey of love, loss, reunion, and so much more. From their initial meeting to the challenges they face, including being torn apart and coming back together to facing their toughest battle, the story is a poignant exploration of young love.

Poppy emerges as a standout character with her maturity, positivity, and adventurous spirit, making her a relatable and compelling protagonist. However, Rune’s actions sometimes left me feeling conflicted; while his devotion to Poppy is evident, his treatment of his family left me sympathizing with them. Nonetheless, his character development throughout the narrative is commendable, adding depth to the story.

At its core, “A Thousand Boy Kisses” delves into themes of love, grief, and peace, highlighting the profound impact of young love and the challenges of coping with loss. However, the novel falls short in addressing the importance of moving on and finding love again after experiencing profound heartache, which may leave readers wanting more depth in its exploration of grief. As well, it seems to send the wrong message to young readers.

“Live hard, love harder. Chase dreams, seek adventures … capture moments. Live beautifully.”

While the writing style is solid, it is clearly tailored to a younger demographic. In my opinion, there are moments where the narrative and phases veer into cringeworthy territory. Additionally, while the story is engaging and can be devoured in a day, it lacks the special something that would make it truly memorable, and standout among similar novels.

Overall, this is a character-driven book with a somber plot, but it didn’t fully live up to the hype for me. The ending, in particular, left me feeling unsettled and lowered my overall opinion of the book. While I can understand its appeal to a teenage audience, as an adult reader, I felt that it didn’t evoke the level of emotion and heartbreak I had anticipated.

In the comments, let me know if you think that this book is worthy of all the attention it has received. Don’t forget that you can hit the follow button, so that you never miss out on a bookish post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

How To Plot A Payback | Book Review

- Bunny 1 Comment

About The Book
Finn Masters, a screenwriter, lands his dream job working on the sitcom Neighbors, but there’s a catch: he’ll be working alongside Lavender Rhodes, the show’s beloved star who inadvertently ruined his acting career and relationship. Determined to exact payback, Finn plots to sabotage Lavender’s character, but when all his plans backfire spectacularly, he starts to reconsider his feelings towards the women he’s blamed for all his misfortunes.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/4d8QLHI

My Rating

The book is a fast-paced romcom that delivers on its promises. Set against the backdrop of Hollywood, it combines grumpy sunshine dynamics with the beloved enemies-to-lovers trope. Ferguson crafts a fun and engaging story that revolves around a writer and actress, bringing a touch of glamour to the narrative.

This is a dual narrative story, so we get the perspectives of both Finn and Lavender. It was interesting to view Lavender from Finn’s eyes knowing that he has held her accountable for most of his hardships in life. Especially since, in Lavender’s chapters we get to see her real personality shine through. The book is the perfect example of how people aren’t always who you think they are.

The strength of the book truly lies with Finn and Lavender, who drive the story forward with their chemistry and personal growth. Despite the lack of many side characters, the protagonists shine brightly, making the reader invested in their journey. Ferguson’s writing is fantastic, seamlessly weaving together humor, romance, and character development.

“You deserve someone who just wants to see you happy.”

Throughout the book, the connection between the main characters is palpable, and their evolving relationship keeps the reader hooked until the end. The miscommunication trope, often overused and usually irritating, is executed masterfully. The trope is used with such maturity that if more books handled it this way it wouldn’t be one of the most infuriating plot devices.

Overall, I believe that fans of Ali Hazelwood’s works will find much to enjoy in not only the storyline, but also the author’s writing style and storytelling. This is simply a delightful read from start to finish. However, this is a closed-door romance and if memory serves me, the book doesn’t go beyond kissing. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and eagerly anticipate reading more from the author.

In the comments, please let me know if you have read the book. Also, I would like to thank Netgalley for letting me receive an ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Don’t forget to like and share this post with other readers. If you are a fan of book reviews, hit the follow button, so that you will never miss a post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

One Dark Window | Book Review

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About The Book
This lush, dark fantasy debut delivers atmospheric world-building, witchy tarot-like magic, and a steamy romantic subthread. It’s a loose reimagination of the English folk ballad “The Highwayman” and reads like a timeless fable. Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Naomi Novik, Hannah Whitten, and those that want a little spice in their gothic monster fantasy. For fans of Uprooted and For the Wolf comes a dark, lushly gothic fantasy about a maiden who must unleash the monster within to save her kingdom—but the monster in her head isn’t the only threat lurking.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3TWbvt8

My Rating

Honestly, I was gonna start off this review by giving my brief rundown of the synopsis, but this book has so many elements to it that I can’t actually describe it. There’s a magic tarot card of sorts, a fever that gives you magic, and somewhat of a corrupt kingdom. There’s even this deadly fog which can only be stopped if you collect all the cards, some of which cannot be found. So you can see that it’s a lot to condense into a few sentences.

That brief rundown of plot probably left you confused but as wanting to know more. Right? Well it did for me, because I found the book to be intriguing and like nothing I’ve ever read before. The elements of magic, tarot-like cards, and an amoral King worked well together. The added addition of the fever and fog was fantastic.

The female main characters was honestly a little boring. Her only interesting characteristic was that she had the fever as a child and ended up getting the nightmare from the nightmare card in her head. In addition to her, there were many side characters that I did enjoy, as well as the added comical relief character.

There was a pretty heavy romance sub plot, that I guess was supposed to be enemies to lovers. However, there wasn’t enough angst between the characters for them to seem like genuine enemies. I did enjoy the spicy scenes, but the romance wasn’t my favorite part of the story. Probably because I found myself being somewhat attracted to the nightmare. I have a thing for mysterious bad boys.

“I am the shepherd of shadow. The phantom of the fright. The demon in the daydream.”

The world building was heavy in this book, which is usual for fantasy books although I guess technically this is a romantasy. However, the atmosphere was amazing and the description of the world really brought it to life. Now it’s not a world I’d choose to live in, but it is an amazing fantasy universe.

The writing is what I struggled with more, because it wasn’t as engaging as I would have liked. Although, I was immersed in the story the author wasn’t able to keep my attention. There was just something missing from the book making the chapters feel as though they were dragging on forever.

Overall, I did start to enjoy the book around the 50% mark, so please don’t give up on it if you are considering DNFing it. The ending is amazing, and will leave you shocked. Although, I can see it being one of those books that could easily be forgotten within a few years. So, if you do read it I recommend quickly jumping into the sequel.

In the comments, let me know your thoughts on the book. I could definitely see this becoming a movie one day. Before you go please make my day by giving the blog a quick follow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny