2022

The January Book Tag // 2023

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
Last year, I did the January Book Tag and I thought I’d make it a yearly tradition. I don’t want to ramble too much, so let’s just jump right into the questions.

In 2022, the last book I read was ‘Whiteout’ by Various Authors. This was a fun holiday contemporary, but it was just meh. The first book I read was ‘Late To The Party’ by Kelly Quindlen. I surprisingly still remember a lot about this book. It was just your run of the mill YA Contemporary, but it did have good LGBT representation.
Related Post: Late To The Party // Book Review

Sadly, it was ‘Five Survive’ by Holly Jackson. I don’t want to say too much about this book, but it wasn’t a good start to my reading year.

As always I did a whole post on my reading goals for the new year. But, I wanted to share three goals that I didn’t mention in that post. The first is that I want to complete the 12 book challenge. This is where your friends give you book recommendations and you need to read 12 of those books by the end of the year.

Next, I’d like to read some Stephen King books this year. Unlikely, one is on my 12 book challenge, yet the main one I want to read is ‘IT’. Lastly, I want to read books out of my comfort zone. Who knows I might find a hidden gem in a genre I’d never consider reading before.

‘She Is a Haunting’ by Trang Thanh Tran (February 2023): Maybe it’s just me but this book is giving off major ‘House Of Hollow’ vibes. It’s a thriller, horror book that takes place in a French colonial house in Vietnam. Haunted house story’s are always creepy.
Related Post: House Of Hollow // Book Review

‘One of Us Is Back’ by Karen M. McManus (August 2023): This is the final book in the ‘One Of Us Is Lying’ universe. Not only are the Bayview four back, but so are the characters from the second book ‘One Of Us Is Next’. I’m just hoping we get some more Phoebe and Knox moments.

‘The Bewitching Hour (A Tara Maclay Prequel)’ by Ashley Poston (August 2023): I cannot wait for this release. Although, I was never the biggest Buffy fan. For some reason I was more of an ‘Angel’ series person. I loved Tara! She was my favorite Buffy character. I’m so excited to read a book about her before she met the Scooby gang.

I surpassed my GoodReads reading goal for the year, which was pretty amazing! But, other than that I don’t thank I read my shelves as much as I would have liked. And, I barely read any backlist titles.

‘Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute‘ by Talia Hibbert: Don’t get me wrong this sounds like a cute YA contemporary romance, which I tend to love. However, it’s a second chance, ex-best friends to lovers romance. I’m just not a fan of that trope. Still, I’m not completely riding this one off.

‘Happy Place’ by Emily Henry: Not going to lie Emily Henry is a good writer and I did read 50% of her novel ‘Book Lovers’ before putting down. That being said, I don’t really think her books are for me. Also, this is a second chance romance, which I don’t jive with in books or movies.

Probably, just really thinking about the books I pick up and if I’ll like them. I want to get better at knowing my reading taste.

I’m pretty excited for ‘The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’ even though I haven’t finished ‘The Hunger Games’ series. But, I’ve seen the movies and can’t wait to see this adaption. Also, I did see a rumor that the adaption of Kristin Hannah’s novel ‘The Nightingale‘ might come out this year, which I’d been interested in seeing.

It would probably be reading 103 books. That is the most books I have ever read in a year, so it made me really proud of myself.

I started ‘All the Bright Places’ by Jennifer Niven close to the end of the year, which I would like to finish. And, I’d eventually like to go back to ‘Lovely War’ by Julie Berry. I’m about 50% of the way through with it, so it shouldn’t take me too long to finish.

Let me know in the comments, if you have done this tag and I will go give it a read. Also, tell me what was your first read of 2023. Don’t forget to share and like this post, and click the follow button.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

My Best Reads Of 2022

- Bunny 2 Comments

Hi Friends,
It’s time for me to share my favorite books of 2022! In 2022, I read 103 books, and you’ll be able to find reviews on all my 2022 reads soon. However, 10 of those books stood out among the rest and have earned a spot on this list. But, remember these are my personal favorite books of the years they might not match your reading taste. Still, I adored each and everyone of these reads!

1 Number PNG0 Number PNGLove, Life And The List by Kasie West
Kasie West will forever be a favorite author! This book was so cute, and the friends to lovers romance was swoon-worthy. I don’t know if a lot of people will enjoy this story, since it is predictable, but most Kasie West stories are pretty easy to figure out.
Related Post: Love, Life And The List // Book Review

9 Number PNGSeance Tea Party by Reimena Yee
This story was warm-hearted and sad. Honestly, I didn’t think that this graphic would make it on to this list, but it rightfully has a spot in my favorites of 2022.

8 Number PNGThe Cousins by Karen M. McManus
It isn’t a surprise that this book has made it on to my favorites list, since the story completely shook me. I read this book in a day! It is such a fast-paced thriller, with an amazing twist.
Related Post: The Cousins // Book Review

7 Number PNGEight Nights Of Flirting by Hannah Reynolds
I read this book close to the end of the year not expecting it would be come a favorite of the year. But, I loved this second chance enemies to lovers holiday romance. This book is everything I love about YA contemporary.
Related Post: Eight Night’s Of Flirting // Book Review

6 Number PNGYou’ll Be The Death Of Me by Karen M. McManus
Yep, another Karen M. McManus book on the list. This book probably wouldn’t be a lot of peoples favorite but I loved it! The ending was amazing and kind of a cliffhanger. I really hope that there’s a sequel in the works, because I need more of this story and these characters.
Related Post: You’ll Be The Death Of Me // Book Review

5 Number PNGThe Fear by Natasha Preston
This actually wasn’t a five star read for me. However, this book truly creeped me out. We get chapters in the mind of a serial killer, which are super eerie. The book gives off major Criminal Minds vibes, so if you are into that, than you’ll love this book.
Related Post: The Fear // Book Review

4 Number PNGHow Not To Fall In Love by Jacqueline Firkins
I adored this entire story. I’m not typically a friends-to-lovers fan, but Jacqueline Firkins did it right. The plot hooked me from the start, and I could not put this book down. Honestly, I was smiling throughout the entire book.
Related Post: How Not To Fall In Love // Book Review

3 Number PNGThe Night Shift by Alex Finlay
This was my first adult thriller/mystery read, and it made me fall in love with the genre. I loved the plot about a present time murder being similar to a past murder. I felt like I was watching an episode of Cold Case, but better. That might only make sense to me, but still, I found this book to be amazing.
Related Post: The Night Shift // Book Review

2 Number PNGBetter Than The Movies by Lynn Painter
I’m going to go ahead and say that this book has become an all time favorite YA contemporary of mine. Throughout the story, I laughed, blushed and even cried. I am so glad that I picked it up andirons rightfully deserves this number two spot.

1 Number PNGHidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak
Immediately after reading this book, I knew that it was going to be my favorite read of 2022. I could not put this book down, and raved about it to everyone. The ending was incredible and heartbreaking at the same time. I want this to become a movie so badly, and I am available to star in it.
Related Post: Hidden Pictures // Book Review

There you have the list of my best books of 2022! Last year, I read some great books, but I’m pretty happy with how this list turned out. In the comments, let me know your top book of 2022. Don’t forget to follow my blog for more posts like this one.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

My Worst Reads Of 2022

- Bunny 4 Comments

Hi Friends,
In today’s post, I’m going to be talking about my worst reads of 2022. These are the books that let me down completely. But, please keep in mind that everyone’s reading tastes are different, so if you liked a book on this list, then I’m happy for you. It just didn’t work out for me.

1 Number PNG0 Number PNGThey’ll Never Catch Us by Jessica Goodman
This book wasn’t horrible, it was just a complete waste of time. It didn’t give mystery/thriller vibes, and I didn’t really like the outcome of the story. There was some slut shaming involved as well, which I wasn’t a fan of at all.
Related Post: They’ll Never Catch Us // Book Review

9 Number PNGAll I Want For Christmas by Wendy Loggia
Cheesy is the word I would use to describe this book. I love me a good, predictable, cute Hallmark-esque Christmas romance, but this book was too much for me. It was way too over the top. And the fact that main character’s sole desire was to get a boyfriend was super irritating.
Related Post: All I Want For Christmas // Book Review

8 Number PNGThe Lake by Natasha Preston
This book made me realize that I hate cliffhanger ending in mystery/thrillers. Also, the whole plot was slightly ridiculous. It felt like I was reading a book about a bunch of shallow, immature teenagers with no common sense. And don’t even get me started on that insane ending.
Related Post: The Lake // Book Review

7 Number PNGThe Towering Sky by Katharine McGee
This is the finale book in the ‘Thousandth Floor’ trilogy, and I’m quite sad that it’s on this list. The first book made it’s way on to my best books of 2021 list, but the series went downhill fast. The second book is unremarkable, but this one was frustrating to say the least. I just didn’t enjoy reading a book about a bunch of entitled rich kids that get away with literal murder. Thank you, next!
Related Post: The Towering Sky // Book Review

6 Number PNGTook: A Ghost Story by Mary Downing Hahn
I’m pretty shocked as too how much I disliked this book. It’s a middle grade graphic novel that was a bit out there for me. The plot was slow moving, and it was really depressing. There was child abuse depicted throughout the story, and it was very grim. I’m not even sure I’d classify it as a middle grade read.

5 Number PNGIn A Holidaze by Christina Lauren
You can’t see me but I rolled my eyes when thinking about this book. Maybe I’m just bitter that the story didn’t go the way I was hoping, but I was not a fan of this Christmas romance. The Groundhog Day plot was minimal, the main character was okay and the love interest got on my nerves. I was not swooning over this story at all.
Related Post: In A Holidaze // Book Review

4 Number PNGFlight 171 by Amy Christine Parker
If this book is any indication, sci-fi might not be the genre for me. The plot of this book was all over the place and demonic possession took it to a whole new level. The book was just too much for me, and I’m still shocked I didn’t DNF it. Because I really should have just cut my losses and walked away.

3 Number PNGYou’ve Reached Sam by Dustin Thao
I am so disappointed in this book, because I love sad YA contemporaries. However, this book missed the mark for me. I didn’t like how the topic of grief was handled in the book. Also, I don’t think the sci-fi element really worked or was explained well.
Related Post: You’ve Reached Sam // Book Review

2 Number PNGAs Good As Dead by Holly Jackson
If you’ve read my review on this book than you know just how much it let me down. This is the final book in the ‘A Good Girls Guide To Murder’ trilogy and it left such a bad taste in my mouth. Honestly, just read my review, because I think it really describes how I feel about it in depth.
Related Post: As Good As Dead // Book Review

1 Number PNGHot British Boyfriend by Kristy Boyce
Hate is a very strong word, but I hated this book! The main character was annoying and the writing was immature. I don’t think I’ve ever disliked a book as much as I did this one. I’m fuming just thinking about this book, so that should say it all.

There you have my 10 worst reads of 2022! As I said before, please take this list with a grain of salt. In the comments, feel free to tell me the worst book you read last year. Who knows? It might be one that I loved.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Book Haul // Christmas 2022

- Bunny Leave a comment

Hi Friends,
I am finally getting around to doing my Christmas book haul! After taking a small break after completing Bookmas 2022. Yes, I successfully did Bookmas. This year, unlike past ones, I didn’t receive that many books. However, as an avid book buyer I’m completely fine with that fact. But, I did end up getting a ton of amazing books to add to my shelf.

The Upside of Falling by Alex Light
“A fun, flirty teen debut from Wattpad phenom Alex Light about a fake relationship and real love.”
Related Post: The Upside Of Falling // Book Review

The Stand-In by Lily Chu
“Readers will delight in this glamourous, swoon worthy enemies-to-lovers romance that is as hilarious as it is heart-wrenching.”

She’s Gone by David Bell
“A new page-turning thriller from USA Today bestselling author David Bell. When a girl disappears, who do you suspect?”

Don’t Let In the Cold by Keely Parrack
“A claustrophobic, high-stakes thriller that will have you fearing what waits out in the cold.”

Undead Girl Gang by Lily Anderson
“Veronica Mars meets The Craft when a teen girl investigates the suspicious deaths of three classmates and accidentally ends up bringing them back to life to form a hilariously unlikely – and unwilling – vigilante girl gang.”
Related Post: Undead Girl Gang // Book Review

A Christmas Carol Murder by Heather Redmond
“In this clever reimagining of Charles Dickens’s life, he and fiancée Kate Hogarth must solve the murder of an old miser, just before Christmas.”

Seance Tea Party by Reimena Yee
“A middle-grade graphic novel about growing up that’s perfect for fans of Ghosts and Making Friends.”

Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak
“A supernatural thriller about a woman working as a nanny for a young boy with strange and disturbing secrets.”
Related Post:Hidden Pictures // Book Review

Blood Like Magic by Liselle Sambury
“A rich, dark urban fantasy debut following a teen witch who is given a horrifying task: sacrificing her first love to save her family’s magic.”

The Christmas Stories of Charles Dickens by Charles Dickens
“This illustrated edition features the classic Christmas stories of Charles Dickens!”

Baloney and Friends (Baloney & Friends, Bk. 1) by Greg Pizzoli
“Meet Baloney! He’s the star of this book, along with his best buddies: empathetic Peanut the horse, sensible Bizz the bumblebee, and grumpy Krabbit — he’d rather not be here, but what can you do?”

How Winston Delivered Christmas by Alex T. Smith
“This illustrated advent story tells of the adventures of an adorable mouse and how a good deed can lead to a very happy ending.”

There you have my Christmas 2022 book haul! I am so grateful for all the gifts I was given and the love that I have in my life. This holiday season went by so fast and I just cannot wait until next year. In the comments, let me know what books, if any, you were gifted. And, please give my little book blog a follow.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Mr. Dickens And His Carol // Book Review

- Bunny 2 Comments


About The Book
Charles Dickens should be looking forward to Christmas. But when his latest book, ‘Martin Chuzzlewit’, is a flop, his publishers give him an ultimatum. Either he writes a Christmas book in a month or they will call in his debts and he could lose everything. Dickens has no choice but to grudgingly accept.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3PUfPXM

My Rating

Going into this book, I thought that it would be similar to the movie ‘The Man Who Invented Christmas’. However, that wasn’t the case. The plot does follow Dickens as he writes the classic Christmas story we have come to love, yet the story isn’t all that enticing.

In the book, we see Charles Dickens being more forced to write a Christmas story. His last books have flopped, causing some financial struggles. We follow a more cold Dickens, who is somewhat of a Scrooge himself. He was judgmental, and his mood changed at the drop of a hat.

I would say that after seeing different portrayals of the author, one might conclude that he is bipolar. Now, I have no proof to this fact, but as someone that is bipolar, I can see a lot of resemblance to how he is described and the disease.

“We are all lost, all broken. Trying desperately to be whole again.”

Unfortunately, I found the story to be very slow, draggy, and boring. This is heartbreaking, because ‘A Christmas Carol’ is my favorite book ever. The story didn’t have the charm of the original “A Christmas Story” that I love, or even the ‘Man Who Invented Christmas’ film (which is coincidentally one of my favorite movies.)

The book isn’t a total loss; it does get pretty interesting at the last 30%. There is a magical realism aspect that I didn’t actually see coming, but my husband did figure out the twist. So, you might be able to predict it. Yet, it was a cool added touch that connected this story back to Dickens’ story.

Overall, the book was decent, if a bit sad. It did send the message that forgiveness will lighten a heavy heart. And as well, that all your problems will seem so small if you focus on the love you have in your life. So it’s still a sweet and Christmasy message. But, it didn’t really make up for the rest of the story as a whole.

In the comments, let me know if you’ve read this book. Did you enjoy it? Wanna make me smile? Give my book blog a follow!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Let It Snow // Book Tag

- Bunny 1 Comment

Hi Friends,
For Bookmas Day 21, I will be doing the ‘Let It Snow’ Book Tag created by Paperbacks and Planners. This seems like a quick winter tag, and let’s face it – by now you probably know that I enjoy doing tags. So, without further ado, let’s get to the questions.


I’ve read a few books with a snowy setting, but the first one that came to mind was ‘One Way Or Another‘ by Kara McDowell. This is a YA holiday contemporary where we follow a teenage girl through two alternative path. In one, she spends Christmas in New York with her mother. While the other path shows her spending the holiday in a snowy cabin with her best friend. The cozy snowy setting of this book was prefect for the holiday season. Also, Christmas in New York sounds pretty amazing.
Related Post: One Way Or Another // Book Review


I’m going with ‘How Not to Fall in Love‘ by Jacqueline Firkins, which I’ve probably talked about a million times already. Honestly, I don’t think this book gets noticed enough. It is a super cute, friends-to-lovers contemporary, that almost makes me like the friends-to-lovers trope. This book is so heartwarming, and will be one of my favorites forever.
Related Post: How Not To Fall In Love // Book Review


London! I have wanted to visit London for half my life. Also, New York City is at the top of my want to visit list too. As for fictional, Narnia stands out to me, but probably because it seems like the most wintery/Christmasy destination. I’ve never read the Narnia books, but I have seen the movies and the world is really cool.


I could not possibly list all of the book series that I’m in the middle of, since that would take a lot of time. The book series that I am closet to finishing would be ‘Caraval‘ by Stephanie Garber. I only have ‘Finale‘ left to read then I can start her ‘Once Upon A Broken Heart’ series, which I beleive is a spin-off book series.
Related Post: Caraval // Book Review


Probably, ‘The Cousins‘ by Karen M. McManus! I love all her books, but this one was a super fast read for me. The story was so good, and the ending was just wow. If you are looking for a gripping, fast-paced young adult mystery thriller this book will not disappoint you one bit.
Related Post: The Cosuins // Book Review


Truth be told, the first thing that came to mind was ‘Annabelle: Creation’, but since that’s a movie, and not a book, it doesn’t count. The only books that have kept me up all night are ones I can’t put down or can’t stop thinking about. That being the case I’m picking ‘The Project‘ by Courtney Summers. That book is just weird and I still find myself randomly thinking about it. I would say it was definitely one I stayed up thinking about.
Related Post: The Project // Book Review


‘The Holiday Swap‘ by Maggie Knox is an adorable Hallmark movie type of holiday read. Not only does this take place during the holidays, there’s also baking, romance, and it is all wrapped up into twin sister swap story. This might not be everyone’s cup of tea when it comes to holiday books, but I loved it.
Related Post: The Holiday Swap // Book Review

This was such a fun little tag, and I’d love to know all of your answers as well! Feel free to leave them in the comments below. I would appreciate it if you shared and liked this post with others. And, if you’re a fellow book lover, do follow the blog for more bookish content.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

In A Holidaze // Book Review

- Bunny 2 Comments


About The Book
One Christmas wish, two brothers, and a lifetime of hope are on the line for hapless Maelyn Jones in In a Holidaze, the quintessential holiday romantic novel by Christina Lauren, the New York Times bestselling author of The Unhoneymooners.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3hNrJpK

My Rating

This book had so much promise, but was ultimately a letdown. This is a fun groundhog’s day story about a twenty-something woman that keeps repeating her holiday week with her family and friends.

The main character, Maelyn, was very unlikable. First off, we only get to know the new version of Mae; the one that she chooses to be after repeating her Christmas a few times. We get mentions of who she use to be, but it feels as though we don’t really know her.

From what I did see, she was judgmental, and it felt that she had a certain idea of what it meant to be an adult. She was in a weird love triangle with two brothers, but it wasn’t really a love triangle. Also, she completely blows off one of the brothers for something that happened in a previous timeline. It makes her out to be a petty friend.

“I ask the universe, simply: Can you show me what will make me happy?”

I found the romance to be kind of out of the blue, while still being the convenient way to go. However, I did think the romance was going to go a more predictable route, which I would have much rather preferred. As for Andrew (as a character), he was pretty judgmental himself and by the end of the book I found him acting all high and mighty to Mae. One fight and he was out.

The Groundhog Day aspect was interesting, yet she didn’t actually redo the Christmas that many times. Also, there was no reason to why she was stuck in the loop. Honestly, you expect me to believe that she got some magic wish to make her Christmas have a happy ending. If that’s the case, I want her fairy godmother.

Overall, the writing style is what kept me reading. The story was very fast paced, and easy to read in a day, which was nice. So, if you’re looking for a quick holiday romance, then you could pick this one up. But, for me, it was a total bust; not something I’d ever read again.

In the comments, leave me some cute holiday book recommendations. Don’t forget to give this post a like, and follow the blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Mistletoe Motive // Books Meet Beauty // Toss-Up Tuesday

- Bunny 2 Comments

Hi Friends,
It’s Bookmas Day 20! Today, I’m going to be doing another ‘Books Meet Beauty’ post. Here, I have created a makeup look inspired by a book cover. For this makeup look, the cover that I took inspiration from this time was ‘The Mistletoe Motive’ by Chloe Liese.

From what I’ve gathered, the book is a grumpy meets sunshine, enemies-to-lovers holiday romance. Although, I have yet to read this novella, I have heard that it’s a cute quick holiday adult contemporary.

Face
elf Superhydrate Gel Moisturizer
L.A. Girl HD Pro Corrector Concealer (Green)
IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream
Makeup Revolution Loose Baking Powder
Urban Decay Naked Flushed Palette

Eyes
Elf Putty Eye Primer
PÜR Cosmetics The Grinch Palette
* Creased Shade: CAVe
* Lid Shade: MAAAAX!
* Inner Lid Shade: WHO CARES
* Outer Corner Shade: BOOORRING!
*Brow Bone Shade: MAAAAX!
L.A. Girl Shockwave Eyeliner (Dragon)
Maybelline ‘Sky High’ Mascara (Black)

Lips
Makeup Revolution X Friends Lipstick (Phoebe)
Wet ‘n Wild Peanut Collection Very Merry Lip Gloss (Christmas Pageant)

Personally, I think that my makeup look matches the book cover pretty well. This cover might not seem very festive, but I love the muted, darker tones that were used. You do, however, still get a holiday vibe. In the comments, let me know you thoughts on the book, and the makeup look I created for it! And, if you like posts such as this one, then hit the follow button to get post notifications.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Christmas Readathon 2022 // To Be Read

- Bunny Leave a comment

Today for Bookmas Day 19, I’m doing an impromptu TBR for the Christmas Readathon. The readathon started on December 17th and ends on the 31st. I wasn’t going to take part in the readathon, but I decided to join in on the fun. You can find out more about the readathon by visiting its Twitter Page.

A Muppets Christmas Carol: A Book Featuring Ghosts or Time Travel

Arthur Christmas: A Sweet Or Cozy Read

“One Christmas wish, two brothers, and a lifetime of hope are on the line for hapless Maelyn Jones in In a Holidaze, the quintessential holiday romantic novel by Christina Lauren, the New York Times bestselling author of The Unhoneymooners.”

The Polar Express: A Book With A Journey

“She thought being stranded was the worst thing that could happen. She was wrong.”

Home Alone: A Book Featuring Thieves, Con Artists, Or Tricksters

“In this feminist, suspenseful thriller the daughter of a con artist is taken hostage in a bank heist—and will need to tap into all her skills in order to survive.”

Deck The Halls: A Book With A Festive Word In The Title

“A heartwarming, page-turning adventure about one child’s love for his most treasured thing, and how far he will go to find it.”

Elf – Jolabokaflod: Buy Someone A Book And Spend Some Of Christmas Eve Reading

I might not be able to get to every book on my TBR, but I am usually overly ambitious when it comes to readathons. In the comments, let me know if you are participating in the Christmas Readathon. If you are enjoying my Bookmas content then please follow the blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

My Book Wishlist // Christmas 2022

- Bunny Leave a comment

Happy Bookmas Day 18! Today, I’m going to be sharing 5 books from the top of my wishlist for this year. I have a lot of books on my Amazon wishlist, but these are the ones that I am hoping to add to my bookshelf soon. Normally, I’m a YA girl, but my wishlist is surprisingly diverse this year, which I’m happy about! So, if you’re reading this, Santa, I would love to see one or more of these books in my stocking or under the three this year!

In the comments, let me know what is at the top of your wishlist this holiday season. You can view my Amazon Book Wishlist to see other books I would love to be gifted. Don’t forget to follow my blog for more bookish content.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny