Bookmas

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

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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

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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

For The Ones You Love 2022 // Book Recommendations

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Hi Friends,
It’s Bookmas Day 17! In this post, I’m going to be giving you book recommendations for your loved ones. I actually did this post last year, as well. So, if you are looking for some ideas on books to gift the people in your life this holiday season, then you will want to keep reading.

Have I Told You This Already? Stories I Don’t Want to Forget to Remember Book by Lauren Graham
This is Lauren Graham’s 2022 book release, which features a collection of short stories from her life. Personally, I know my mom would love to read this book, and I think other moms and grandmothers would as well.

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
This is an historical fiction that is raved about. Again, just going off of my mom’s taste she is a big history fan and would find this book interesting, and possibly heartbreaking. And it is going to be made into a movie soon, which makes it the perfect time to gift the book.

Warcross by Marie Lu
This is the first book in a duology about a bounty hunter and hacker who somehow glitches herself in this popular digital tournament game. I’ve heard nothing but good things about this book, and when I think of video games, I think of my husband. I have a feeling he’d be interested in this read, which makes me think other men might as well.

The Bromance Book Club by Lyssa Kay Adams
Yes, a romance novel might seem a little weird to give the guy in your life, but who says guys can’t read romance? And, that is exactly what this book shows. The Bromance books are all about a secret book club made up of men that read romance novels. Honestly, I think all men could learn something from a good romance novel.

These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong
This is the first book in a Romeo and Juliette inspired duolgy. The story takes place in Shanghai, during the 1920s. It is such a thrilling fantasy that I think any women, even if they don’t generally read fantasy, would enjoy this story.

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
Regardless of my feelings on how this trilogy ended, this series would make a great gift for the female in your life. Sure you could go with a fluffy romance novel, but these books are so addictive. This series is also a great starting point for readers new to the murder/mystery/thriller genre.
Related Post: A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder // Book Review

The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
This middle grade series is not only full of adventure and magic, but has a film adaptation as well! It is a fantastical story about a school where you are trained to be a hero or a villain. This is a great series of books that I could see both boys and girls getting immersed into.

Frostheart by Jamie Littler
This is a fantasy book series about a young boy in search of his family. I have only read the first book in this series, but I have heard that the books just keep getting better. Also, there are so many fun characters within this action-packed adventure. There’s even a yeti! Need I say more?
Related Post: Frostheart // Book Review

I hope that you enjoyed this book gift recommendation post. If you have any last minute gift giving recommendations, leave them in the comments below! Follow my blog to keep up with all my bookish content.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Something From Tiffany’s // Book Review

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About The Book
From international bestselling author Melissa Hill comes an adorable holiday romance about taking chances, falling in love, and trusting destiny. New York City at Christmas and a visit to Tiffany’s is a recipe to sweep a girl off her feet unless fate has other plans .
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3BDEvxt

My Rating

From the moment that I saw the trailer for the Amazon Prime original movie adaptation for this book I knew that I had to read it. A little fact about me is that I love Tiffany’s and think that something from Tiffany’s is one of the most romantic gifts you can give a person.

Also, I just want to mention that I think the version of this book I read, listened too on Audible, is the movie tie-in edition. I believe that the actual book is a bit different than the version that audible released.

This book is a fun fast paced story where two men accidentally swap Tiffany’s bags. Gary ends up giving his girlfriend Rachel an engagement ring. While Ethan’s girlfriend gets a charm bracelet. In the book, Ethan tries multiple times to get back his $20000 engagement ring, but his attraction to Rachel makes tell her the truth hard.

I loved all of Rachel and Ethan’s moments, because their chemistry was undeniable. They were so cute together even though they hardly knew each other. Rachel was a very forgiving person and tried to see the best in people especially her boyfriend Gary.

Ethan, a single father, was such a softy. If I spent $20000 on a ring I would have instantly told Rachel the truth, but he could bare to break her heart. As for Gary, I loathed him! He was selfish and toxic.

“Tiffany’s is a very special place filled with magic and romance.”

There wasn’t much too the plot besides the swap, but I was interested in see who things where going to turn out. I enjoyed all the character’s interactions, and their personalities, besides Gary. Also, there was a twist with Ethan’s girlfriend that I didn’t see coming.

My biggest con was the fact that everyone was lying to Rachel. Sure, we all want to protect the people we love but secrets are never the answer. They were willing to let her look like a fool instead of telling her the cold hard truth. I would much rather have someone I love be honest with me than ‘protect’ my feelings.

Overall, this was a cute Christmasy romance. The moral of the story is that everything happens for a reason, which I myself am a big believer of. Also, find someone that can bake you bread or in some cases just buy you some good bread. This book is perfect for Tiffany’s girls like me.

In the comments, tell me if you have ever or would ever like to receive a gift from Tiffany’s. Please like and share this post with others. If you are a fan of book reviews follow my blog so you get notified whenever there is a new post.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

12 Best Book Covers Of 2022

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Hi Friends,
For Bookmas Day 15 I’m going to be talking about my 12 favorite book covers of 2022. These 2022 book releases have some of the prettiest book covers that I’ve seen. Honestly, I am can sometimes be a cover buyer. Also, this list is in no particular order because I find all of these covers to be equally beautiful.


“New York Times bestselling author Adalyn Grace brings to life a highly romantic, Gothic-infused world of wealth, desire, and betrayal.”


“From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of These Violent Delights and Our Violent Ends comes the first book in a captivating new duology following an ill-matched pair of spies posing as a married couple to investigate a series of brutal murders in 1930s Shanghai.”


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


“Hear Sally’s story in this young adult sequel to Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas written by New York Times bestselling Shea Ernshaw.”


“New York Times bestselling author Melissa de la Cruz pens a lush, swoon-worthy retelling of “Cinderella” set in lavish Versailles. Perfect for fans of Bridgerton and The Selection!”


“An instant New York Times Bestseller! What if you had one year to save everything you loved?”


“A captivating and romantic debut epic fantasy inspired by the legend of the Chinese moon goddess, Chang’e, in which a young woman’s quest to free her mother pits her against the most powerful immortal in the realm.”


“A captivating and romantic debut epic fantasy inspired by the legend of the Chinese moon goddess, Chang’e, in which a young woman’s quest to free her mother pits her against the most powerful immortal in the realm.”


“She’s All That meets What If It’s Us in this New York Times bestselling hate-to-love YA romantic comedy from the coauthor of Five Feet Apart Rachael Lippincott and debut writer Alyson Derrick.”


“Exalted is a deliciously dark novel that explores desire, the projection of our need for love, and what we’re really searching for when we keep scrolling.”


“Charm, the missing four months of time between Crave and Crush, can be enjoyed anytime after reading Crave.”


“Some shadows protect you…others will kill you in this dazzling new fantasy series from award-winning author Abigail Owen.”

I’m not going to lie this list was a little hard to put together. I didn’t see many book covers that stunned me this year, which is kind of sad. Let me know in the comments some of your favorite 2022 book covers. Don’t forget to give my blog a follow before your go.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

House of Hollow | Book Review

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About The Book
The dark, haunting tale of three sisters shrouded in more mystery than they can even imagine. Since their strange, unsolved disappearance as children a decade before, the Hollow sisters have been plagued by the unexplainable. Lyrical prose and atmospheric world-building complete this eerie novel that will leave readers unsettled in the best way possible.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3j6TKbS

My Rating

I had heard a lot of mixed things about this book, so I was nervous picking it up. But, the first chapter was creepy, and gripped me in a way that I instantly fell in love with the story. The book follows 3 sisters; Iris, Grey, and Vivi, but the main protagonist is Iris. She is the youngest of the sisters, but had to grow up quite fast. Her sisters left home in their teens to follow their dreams, but Iris stayed behind with their mother.

Each of the sisters have very different personalities, but are all likable. Iris is smart and shy, while Grey, the oldest, is strong willed and confident. Vivi is rebellious and outspoken, which I loved. The characters were actually not a big part of the story. We learned a little about them, but not a lot. However, I liked that it was less character focused but more plot driven.

In the book, the girls disappeared at a young age and returned out of the blue. They each handled the disappearance differently, which is very real. People deal with traumatic events in their own ways. Their is a small romance, but the main character didn’t necessarily have a love interest. It was nice to see that twist with the romance side plot.

“I’d realized there were scarier things in the world than the monsters that lived in my nightmares.”

For me, this book is magical realism at its finest! I would even compare the book to a Brothers Grimm type of story. It gave off such classic Grimm-esque vibes. Honestly, the writing was amazing. The author mixed fantasy, real world, and horror together perfectly. There was also a moment when the book reminded me of Stranger Things. I must admit I’ve never seen the show, but I definitely got ‘Upside Down’ vibes when reading certain parts.

There are so many good things about this story, one being that I didn’t want to put it down. There was an amazing twist, although I figured out part of it beforehand. The story also had some sad moments. Altogether, it combined a lot of elements that I love in a good horror story.

Overall, I loved this book, and the ending worked so well. It was left open ended, but that made sense with the story. And, the message that not all evil is truly evil was conveyed perfectly. Another great thing is all the LGBT+ and diversity in the book. However, one not so great thing is that the book has a lot of trigger warnings. I would probably say this book is a 16+ or maybe even 18+ read.

Before reading the book, visit Book Trigger Warnings for a list of all the topics the book touches on. Please support my blog by giving it a quick follow!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Eight Nights Of Flirting // Book Review

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About The Book
There may be eight nights of Hanukkah, but 16-year-old Shira only wants one gift this year – a boyfriend. This sweet Hanukkah story full of the classic rom-com tropes we all know and love is a sparkling addition to holiday bookshelves.
Buy The Book: https://amzn.to/3Pn7viR

My Rating

 

Adorable, cute romance with excellent anxiety representation, is how I would describe this book. Right from the start I knew that I was going to fall in love with this story.

One of my favorite things about this book was that it was a Hanukkah and Christmas story in one. Also, I am a sucker for a good exchange of services story. So, plots where the characters agree to help each other out in a way. And, the fact that it was enemies-to-lovers didn’t hurt either.

I’m typically not a fan of characters that are desperate for a relationship, like Shira was in this book. However, the author handled the topic of wanting a relationship well. Shira suffered from social anxiety, which I found to be portrayed wonderfully. She didn’t want just a relationship but a partner someone to get her and make her not feel so alone.

Honestly, her reasoning for wanting a boyfriend was so real and what we all hope to get out of a relationship. The main love interest, Tyler, was actually pretty charming. Also, his reasons for hiding himself were also very realistic.

“Inside, we’re all sixteen-year-old fools about love. We want it to be eternal. Unbending.”

Besides being a romantic tale, there are other topics touched on in the book. There was this cool mystery side plot that was woven well into the overall story. And there’s the subject of happiness, and what it truly means to be happy. These both played a part in the story as well.

Overall, I will be reading more from this author every soon. I adored this book! It was the perfect fluffy YA holiday contemporary. And, it was a very fast read. If you are anything like me, you could finish this book in one sitting.

My only con is that YA books always make it seem like the end of the world if you never been kissed at sixteen. Nevertheless, to a teenager, it probably is embarrassing, but really nobody cares about that stuff when you’re older.

In the comments, let me know the cutest holiday book you’ve read. Don’t forget to hit the follow button before you leave.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Twenty-Twenty Three // To Be Read

- Bunny 1 Comment

For Bookmas day 11, I let you know if I read my most anticipated releases of 2022. So, today for Bookmas day 12, I want to talk about my 2023 TBR. These are some of the books that I want to make a priority next year. I am not going to be including any 2023 releases on this list, so these are just backlist titles I haven’t gotten around to yet.


Icebreaker by Hannah Grace
“Sparks fly when a competitive figure skater and hockey team captain are forced to share a rink.”

Now I didn’t hear about the hype of this book until the end of year. Although I’m not the biggest adult romance fan, I’m curious to see what all the hype is about.

Kill Joy by Holly Jackson
“Find out where it all began for Pip in this prequel to the best-selling A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder,Good Girl, Bad Blood and As Good As Dead!”

This is a short prequel to the ‘A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder’ trilogy. It is the only book that I haven’t read and seems like it will be a pretty fast read. Even though I didn’t love the final book in the trilogy, I would still like to read this companion book.

The Daughter of Doctor Moreau by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
“From the New York Times bestselling author of Mexican Gothic and Velvet Was the Night comes a dreamy reimagining of The Island of Doctor Moreau set against the backdrop of nineteenth-century Mexico.”

I read ‘Mexican Gothic’ this year and have been hearing a lot about this book. I don’t know much about this book, but I enjoy Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s writing. And, this is targeted as a horror retelling, which sounds like something I’d enjoy.

The Do-Over by Lynn Painter
“In this riotous young adult romp for fans of Recommended for You and A Cuban Girl’s Guide to Tea and Tomorrow, a teen girl has the worst Valentine’s Day ever—only to relive it over and over again.”

Even though I have only read one of Lynn Painter’s books, she has become one of my favorite YA authors. This is a 2023 must-read for me, because I am sure that I am going to love it.


Daisy Darker by Alice Feeney
“The NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR of Rock Paper Scissors returns with a locked-room mystery when a family reunion leads to murder in a delightfully twisty and atmospheric thriller.”

I wasn’t obsessed with ‘Rock, Paper, Scissors’, still I have heard nothing but great things about this book; specifically, that the twist in this book is really good.

Jo & Laurie by Margaret Stohl and Melissa de la Cruz
“Bestselling authors Margaret Stohl and Melissa de la Cruz bring us a romantic retelling of Little Women starring Jo March and her best friend, the boy next door, Theodore “Laurie” Laurence.”

I have been wanting to read this book for a while. Although, the ‘Little Women’ book isn’t my favorite, I usually love adaptations of the story. I’m curious to read a story all about Jo and Laurie, since we all know how their relationship turned out.

Moment of Truth by Kasie West
“Beloved author Kasie West once again delivers a witty, lighthearted romance that will charm her legions of fans and is perfect for readers of Jenny Han and Huntley Fitzpatrick.”

This is the only novel of Kasie West I have yet to read. I need to get to this one, so that I can finally be done with all her backlist titles.

The Guinevere Deception by Kiersten White
“From #1 New York Times bestselling author Kiersten White comes a new fantasy series reimagining the Arthurian legend, set in the magical world of Camelot . . . . There was nothing in the world as magical and terrifying as a girl.”

This is another book that has been on my radar for years. I have liked the previous things that I’ve read by Kiersten White, so I have high hopes for this historical fiction fantasy.


An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson
“From the internationally bestselling author of Sorcery of Thorns comes a breathtaking fantasy story of danger and forbidden love. This is the perfect read for fans of Cassandra Clare, Sarah J. Maas’s A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES series, and Holly Black!”

I tend to be a fan of slower, lyrical-type books, and this book seems to fit that description. However, I do hope it doesn’t put me in a reading slump.

All These Bodies by Kendare Blake
“For months, a gruesome killer has been plaguing the Midwest. The murderer’s calling card? The bodies they leave behind are completely drained of blood.”

Since it’s release in 2021, this book has intrigued me. And, despite not having heard the best things about it I know that it is one I would like to read into 2023.

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.”

This book hasn’t been talked about a lot, but I’m always down for a good ‘The Prince and the Pauper’ retelling. I have a feeling that I might love this book, so it is at the top of my list to read in 2023.

The Girls I’ve Been by Tess Sharpe
“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.”

This is another book that I need to read at the start of 2023. It sounds amazing and like nothing I’ve ever read before. Also, I just found out that it is being adapted into a Netflix original movie.

There you have my 2023 (backlist) TBR! In the comments, let me know what books you are dying to read in the new year. If you want to help support my growing blog, then give this post a like. You can also share this post, and follow my book blog as well.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny